Happy Reformation Day!

On October 31, 1517 Martin Luther nailed an essay, commonly referred to as his 95 theses, to the door of a Catholic church in Germany. He also mailed a copy of the document to a Catholic leader.

Luther’s original intent was for the Catholic church to reform; instead, because they would not reform, it sparked the Protestant Reformation. Baptists, Methodists, Pentecostals and just about every other Christian denomination would not be possible without the Protestant Reformation. And after Henry VIII’s death the Church of England also was influenced by the Reformation.

This begs the question, is it time for a second reformation?

Today’s churches are more concerned with their differences than finding ways to work together. Many even see other churches as competition, and anything that is different has to be unbiblical and evil.

Is this true of every church? Of course not – but if the statistics are to be believed, this is the way it is for over 90% of churches. On top of that, while individual churches are growing and thriving, overall, the church in America has been shrinking for the past fifty years. With that being said, author, blogger and pastor Jared Wilson has reposted his 95 Theses for the American Church. Not limited to any one style, demographic or denomination, Jared lists the problems that he sees in the American church.

Part 1: Discipleship

Part 2: Community

Part 3: The Church

Part 4: The Pastorate

Part 5: Purpose

For more info on Martin Luther, click here.