A Pietist is a member of a religious movement that emerged in the late 17th century within the Lutheran tradition. This movement emphasized personal faith, piety, and a heartfelt relationship with God, rather than mere adherence to doctrine or church rituals. Pietists sought to live out their faith through moral living and community service. The Pietist movement led to the formation of various groups and influenced many aspects of Protestantism. Key figures, such as Philipp Jakob Spener, advocated for spiritual renewal and the importance of small group gatherings for prayer and Bible study. This focus on personal experience and community continues to impact modern Christian practices.