Father Luther’s Converts: Pastoral Care in the Protestant Reformation

The Divinity School will host a lecture, "Father Luther's Converts: Pastoral Care in the Protestant Reformation" that focuses on pastoral care as introduced and practiced by Martin Luther in the Reformation. The Reverend Dr. Luka Ilic, Reformation Historian and Theologian, and Pastor in the Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Württemberg (Balzheim), Germany will be the speaker.

It is well documented that Martin Luther found it important to spend time with his colleagues, students, and those who supported the Reformation, listening to their concerns and giving spiritual advice. Being open about his own struggles and providing encouragement from the Word to those who experienced uncertainty and doubt about their faith made a profound difference in many people's lives.

Urbanus Rhegius and Matthias Flacius Illyricus were among the Reformers who experienced life-changing pastoral care from Luther. "Father Luther" helped convert both to a deeper embrace of the Protestant faith and its cruciform understanding of the spiritual life. They, in turn, went on to shape the pastoral care that so defined the Protestant Reformation. This pastoral care still has much wisdom to offer the care of souls in contemporary church and society.

This event is co-sponsored by the Duke Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies, the Duke Divinity School Historical Division, and Duke Lutherans. This event is free and open to the public. Registration is required.