If you told me ten years ago that I’d be leading my church in the observance of Lent, I would have laughed. We come from a church tradition that associates Lent with stuffy, liturgical churches. Since many of the people in our church came here to escape that kind of atmosphere, Lent was off the table. We’ll just keep preaching through books of the Bible, pause briefly for Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter, and then get on with the expository preaching.
But I think we’ve been missing something. This year, although we’re not going “all in” on Lent (for example, we’re not observing Ash Wednesday), we’re dipping our toe in the water. To understand why, let me say a little bit more about why churches like ours normally skip over Lent and why we’re reconsidering our approach this year.
3 Reasons to Not Observe Lent
Historically, non-liturgical churches (non-denominational, Baptist, Pentecostal, etc.) have opposed the observance of Lent for three big reasons: biblical, theological, and experiential.
Biblical Reason to Not Observe Lent
Nowhere does the New Testament command or model the observance of Lent. It was clearly an invention of the church after New Testament times.
Theological Reason to Not Observe Lent
In the New Testament, Paul specifically scolds Christians for continuing to celebrate “special days and months and seasons and years” (Galatians 4:10). He clarifies that Old Testament feasts and holy days were a shadow of the reality that is now found in Christ. Therefore, there is no need to celebrate such days anymore.
This is important theology—a theology that we non-liturgical Protestants always suspected that our Lent-keeping friends didn’t understand. It seemed to us that they were trying to merit God’s forgiveness or approval through their personal sacrifice (“I’m giving up TV for Lent so God will forgive me for getting drunk every weekend.”), which means they didn’t understand the Gospel.
Experiential Reason to Not Observe Lent
This is very subjective and personal, but essential: For many of us, our experiences of Lent—whether we observed it personally or saw our friends observing it—were not positive. Rather than drawing people toward God, Lent seemed to be nothing more than an empty ritual.
Why Our Church Is Reconsidering Lent
First, let me respond briefly to the three arguments above.
Responding to the Biblical Reason Not to Observe Lent
Although it’s true that Lent is not modeled or commanded in the New Testament, neither is Christmas. Or Easter. Or Good Friday. Yet, we observe those days because they help us focus on significant aspects of our faith. In other words, there are many things not explicitly commanded or modeled in the New Testament, which are nevertheless helpful and good.
Responding to the Theological Reason Not to Observe Lent
The theological argument needs to be addressed carefully. In Galatians, the point is that the Old Testament feasts and holy days were shadows that pointed toward Jesus. Now that Jesus has come and completed his atoning work on the cross, there is no need for these shadows anymore! So, instead of continuing to observe holy days, we can trust and abide in Christ.
This is all true and all so important to me as a Gospel-centered believer. If I observe Lent with the hope that my sacrificial actions will somehow merit God’s favor, I am tragically missing the Gospel.
But what if Lent could be observed in a way that actually raises our appreciation for the Gospel? In other words, what if Lent could make us:
- More aware of our sinfulness and need?
- More in awe of God’s gracious plan?
- More amazed by what Jesus did to redeem us?
To quote Michael Horton: “I believe an evangelical celebration of Lent affords an opportunity to reinforce rather than undermine the significance of Christ’s person and work.”
Responding to the Experiential Reason Not to Observe Lent
Let’s face it: Any observance of the church can be made cold and meaningless. It can happen with communion, musical worship – even prayer. But that doesn’t mean the observance itself should be discarded. Sometimes, the role of spiritual leaders is to identify places where we’ve become overly ritualistic and help to redeem and breathe new life into those things. I think we can do that with Lent.
Having responded to the main reasons that churches like ours usually resist Lent, here are three reasons we are giving it a go this year:
Preparation: Tuning Our Hearts to Jesus
The cross and the resurrection are the core of our faith. Yet—and I’ll speak for myself here—sometimes I find myself stumbling into Easter weekend with my heart unprepared. As evangelicals, we tend to neglect Advent almost as consistently as we neglect Lent. Even so, we clearly have a much more intentional run-up to Christmas than we do to Easter. That doesn’t make sense to me.
To quote the hymn, Lent can help “tune our hearts” to deeply appreciate the events of Passion Week.
Proportion: The Gospels Are Focused on Holy Week
In preaching Palm Sunday sermons, I’ve often noted that although Jesus lived for about 33 years and ministered publically for three, about a third of the Gospel covers one week of his life! Clearly, what happened during that week is disproportionately important to the Gospel writers. Observing Lent is a way to give proper “air time” to the most critical events in the life of our Savior.
Discipline: Share in the Sufferings of Christ
As Christians, we are called to share in the sufferings of Christ (2 Corinthians 1:5, Philippians 3:10, 1 Peter 4:13). We are also encouraged to exercise self-control and discipline over the appetites of our bodies (1 Corinthians 9:25-27).
In order to accomplish this, Christians have historically viewed Lent as a time to engage in fasting. Whether we abstain from food or something else (media, purchasing certain items, etc.), fasting helps us to appreciate the sufferings of Christ, receive spiritual “food” from him (Matthew 4:4), and identify with our suffering brothers and sisters around the world.
Properly understood, fasting is a tangible way to “die to ourselves.” In so doing, we identify with Jesus’ death and prepare ourselves for Easter Sunday—when the fasting will be over, and we’ll join in the resurrection feast!
Two Simple Ways to Participate in Lent This Year
So, this year, let’s take these 40 days to slow down and cultivate reflection and preparation. Here are two ways you can participate:
1. Give up a Tangible Pleasure
Is there some physical appetite that has gained the upper hand in your life—like watching sports on TV, Facebook, Instagram, Starbucks, Netflix, etc.? Why not choose to fast from it during Lent and allow God to replace it with his presence?
2. Give Up a Spiritual Impediment
Each Sunday during Lent, our messages will focus on a different event from the last week of Jesus’ life. As you listen for His leading, ask yourself: “What might he be calling me to give up so I can make room for more of him? My pride? My control? Or my fear?”
Allow God to use the season of Lent to purify you and make you more like Christ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions pastors might ask:
1. How can pastors encourage meaningful Lent participation in their congregations?
Pastors can encourage meaningful Lent participation by providing clear teachings on its spiritual significance. Offer practical resources such as devotionals or prayer guides and organize events like midweek services, Bible studies, or prayer meetings. Emphasize themes of repentance, reflection, and renewal to help congregants connect with the season. Offer engaging sermons and creative practices like community service to foster a more profound, shared experience.
2. How can pastors address misconceptions about Lent within their congregation?
Pastors can address misconceptions about Lent by teaching its biblical and historical foundations. Emphasize that it is not about earning salvation but fostering a closer relationship with God. Encourage open dialogue, provide scriptural support, and clarify that observing Lent is voluntary and deeply personal. This explanation can help dispel misunderstandings, especially in congregations unfamiliar with traditional liturgical practices.
3. How should pastors approach Lent in a church with mixed denominational backgrounds?
In churches with diverse denominational backgrounds, pastors should take a flexible and inclusive approach to Lent. Focus on its universal themes of repentance, prayer, and renewal. Offer optional participation in Lent-related activities. Explain traditions in a non-prescriptive way and encourage personal reflection. This can help accommodate varying comfort levels while fostering unity and spiritual growth within the congregation.
Was this article helpful? You might also enjoy:
