Reformation Day: 7 lesser-known facts about Martin Luther
7. Never served as a lead pastor
Martin Luther was a prominent theologian, an Augustinian monk, a preacher and a debater, as well as a prolific writer. However, amazingly enough, he was never a lead pastor of a church.
According to Living Lutheran, while at Wittenberg’s city church, Luther only ever served as an assistant pastor. Johannes Bugenhagen served as lead pastor for most of Luther’s public career.
“As pastor at the Wittenberg city church, St. Mary’s, Johannes Bugenhagen was more than just a friend to Martin Luther; he was Luther’s pastor and confessor,” explained Lutheran Reformation.
“Bugenhagen would apply Luther’s theology to a generation of congregants and students. He eventually developed a close relationship with Luther, performing the marriage of Luther and Katharina von Bora, preaching at Luther’s funeral, and caring for Katie and their children after Luther’s death.”
