Theology is the Heart of Ministry
One of the key themes that is running through mainline churches is the abandonment of deep theological teaching in order to do more “ministry.” The aspect of teaching hard doctrine and theological truth is sometimes seen as mundane and unnecessary and even a hinderance to ministry at times. I would submit that quite the opposite is true and that ministry is able to be performed at it’s greatest level when solid theology is put into practice.
Theology is the study of God and His character as well as how He interacts with His creation. Scripture is very clear that everything that we learn and do that is righteous comes directly from God. Ultimately, we cannot love, let alone minister without some base knowledge of God and Him teaching us how to do so. So it would seem quite apparent that if we learn to minister and love by knowing God, in order to minister better we should know Him better. In order to properly fulfill the mission we have been given, there has to be a recommitment and devotion to studying and understanding the God that we serve. I will end this hear as a short and simple post.
July 9, 2007 at 6:03 pm
I agree with what you have said. Mostly. Our beliefs certainly need to have contents. Doctrine is not optional! However it is important to realize that it comes first for some people, but not for others. Many of the mind-driven among us come to God through theology. “If I am saved at all,” says Dorothy Sayers, “it is through [my wrestling with] doctrine” (rough paraphrase; see “The Mind of the Maker”). However, for others of us, a more intuitive, relational experience of God – via His Word, prayer, relationships with others – comes first and teaches us how to love and minister. Relational knowledge is different from informational knowledge (and unfortunately English uses “know” to cover both). We need theology. However, we need God first. It is He, ultimately, who teaches us to minister. We are dependent on Him if we are to theologize responsibly. Theology is part of loving God with our minds; but let us not forget our hearts, our spirits, and our strength.
P.S. End this “here,” not “hear.” Sorry, I’m a language nut.
July 9, 2007 at 6:14 pm
wow, sorry about the gross typo.
I agree that people come to faith by different means, but i do believe that preparation for ministry requires a heavy emphasis on theology before it can be done well.