Sharing the Gospel in Luther’s City3 min read

Recently my wife and I spent two weeks in Wittenberg, Germany where I lead worship for English-speaking tourists. It was every thing I imagined: Singing A Mighty Fortress with worshipers from across the globe, preaching in Luther’s churches, and many days to visit Reformation sites while scouting out the best German cuisine and beer.

Pastors, have you ever given thought to preaching in Wittenberg Lutherstadt Germany? If this is on your ministerial bucket list, it is possible to spend two weeks in “Luther’s city” sharing the good news of our Savior just as I did.

Wittenberg English Ministry (WittenbergEnglishministry.com) can make that dream come true. The organization’s website offers this explanation of the ministry: “The Wittenberg English Ministry (WEM) gives English-speaking worship opportunities for visitors to Lutherstadt Wittenberg (Luther town) Germany. Services are held at the Schlosskirche, Castle Church; the Stadtkirche, Town Church; and the Corpus Christi Kapelle where, in the 1500’s, the Great Reformer, Dr. Martin Luther, preached.”

The WEM mission statement reads, “The mission of the Wittenberg English Ministry is to connect Jesus Christ to people through a Christian worship and outreach ministry in English directed to English-speaking international visitors and local residents of Lutherstadt Wittenberg, Germany and to provide Lutheran pastors with a ministry growth experience that will enhance their ministry to, with, and among their local congregations.”

Lutheran pastors serving through WEM have a wonderful opportunity to share the Gospel with English-speaking tourists from around the globe. When my wife and I were volunteering our time in Wittenberg, I had the privilege of preaching to people from ten countries: the United States, Canada, Germany, Denmark, Brazil, Mexico, Tanzania, Ukraine, England, and Scotland. This is a wonderful way to share the Gospel promises with a wide variety of people from a wide variety of countries.

WEM volunteers have a two-week assignment. Each week has the same schedule: on Wednesday and Thursday you will be responsible for services in the Corpus Christi chapel. The Friday and Saturday services are in either the Castle Church or the City Church. In addition, a tour group may ask for a special service while in the town, which would take place in the chapel. The Wednesday through Friday services are short 25-minute devotional services, the Saturday service is a service of the Word lasting up to 45 minutes. Each week you will need a short devotional sermon for the Wednesday through Friday services, and a longer sermon for the Saturday evening service. In addition, you will have the opportunity to craft four different worship services. Sunday through Tuesday is free time, giving you the opportunity to take in the German culture and visit the many historical sites found in the city and at other Luther cities found near Wittenberg.

This ministry is entirely voluntary, with the volunteer pastor having responsibility for all expenses. However, the “WEM hotel,” Martas, offers a generous discounted rate for volunteers.

Serving as a volunteer for WEM will create lasting memories and give you a glimpse of the church throughout the world, an opportunity to share Christ with the nations, and insight into the life and ministry of Martin Luther.

To begin the application process, contact Rev. Robert Flohrs at executivedirector@wittenbergenglishministry.com.

Photos courtesy of Rev. Dr. Dale Kleimola