As a pastor at a non-denominational protestant church that holds Ash Wednesday services at multiple locations¹, it’s not uncommon to be asked why we observe a practice often associated with Lutheran, Anglican, Roman Catholic and other liturgical traditions. If you didn’t grow up with it, you might be wondering:

“Is this some sort of liturgical mix-up? Did we accidentally wander into a different denomination’s playbook?”

I get it. For those unfamiliar, the whole ashes-on-the-forehead thing can feel a little… medieval. But I believe Ash Wednesday—and the season of Lent that follows—offers something deeply valuable for every believer, regardless of denominational background.

A Rhythm of Humility and Reflection

Ash Wednesday invites us to pause and reflect on something central to the Christian faith: our mortality. The words spoken when receiving ashes, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return,” are a gentle (or not-so-gentle) reminder of the fleeting nature of life and our dependence on God. This simple, tangible act helps us humble ourselves, acknowledge our need for renewal, and prepare for the season of Lent. It’s the ultimate reality check. No amount of kale smoothies or CrossFit can outlast the reality of dust-to-dust.

But rather than being a morbid downer, this practice helps us reset. It humbles us, calls us to renewal, and prepares us for the season of Lent—a 40-day journey of prayer, fasting, and reflection. It’s less about smudging ashes on our foreheads and more about creating space to engage deeply with God.

A Tradition Rooted in Church History

Though many associate Ash Wednesday with Roman Catholicism², the practice of marking the beginning of the lenten season with ashes predates the split between the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches, going back to the 6th century with Pope Gregory the Great (basically, it was a thing before coffee was even invented—let that sink in). Long before the Reformation and the eventual division of the Church. It has been embraced by various Christian denominations, including Anglicans, Lutherans, and other Protestants, as a way to mark the beginning of Lent and spiritually prepare for the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Likewise, the use of ashes as a symbol of repentance is grounded in Job 42:6, Daniel 9:3, Matthew 11:21, and Luke 10:13. So when we take part in this tradition, we’re not just borrowing from church history—we’re tapping into a practice with deep biblical significance that serves as a powerful visual reminder.

It’s Not a Sacrament, But It’s Still Formative

Let’s be clear, Ash Wednesday is not a sacrament. It does not contribute to our salvation or earn us favor with God. Rather, it is a meaningful practice that serves as a tool to mark the beginning of Lent and enter into a season of reflection, repentance, and transformation. The ashes themselves hold no power; the power lies in the heart behind the practice — a call to humility, repentance, and renewed hope.

For me, Ash Wednesday has become a powerful way to reset my heart and mind, preparing for the 40 days of Lent and ultimately the celebration of Easter. It’s less about tradition for tradition’s sake and more about making space for spiritual growth and transformation.

A Call to Transform Our Hearts

The beauty of Ash Wednesday and Lent lies in its invitation for transformation. It’s not about the ashes, but about what they represent — our need for humility, the recognition of our sin, and the hope of renewal through Christ.

So whether you’re an Ash Wednesday regular or you’re just now realizing this practice isn’t only for certain denominations, I invite you to see this season as an opportunity. Let’s step into this rhythm of reflection, drawing closer to God, embracing our mortality (without spiraling into an existential crisis), and anticipating the resurrection to come.

Who knows? A little dust on your forehead might just clear the way for something deeper in your heart.

1. Check out our services at Park Near North, South Loop, and Forest Glen tonight! ↩︎
2. To be clear: the practice of Ash Wednesday was officially codified in the 11th century by Pope Urban II (1088–1099), making it a universal practice in the Latin Church just after the East-West Schism in 1054, but still almost half a millennium before the reformation. ↩︎