For some reason, theology has gotten a bad name. Some see it as best boring and at worst a detriment to a dynamic faith. I want you to understand the word ‘theology’ means words about God. That should not be boring nor should it be a detriment to faith. Here are six kinds of people that I think need to study theology.
1. Theologians. Now that is a radical statement. I won’t need much to convince you of that.
2. Pastors. While pastors study theology in Bible college or seminary, this is not as obvious as that of theologians. For some pastors, theology is something to be endured to get that piece of paper. Their sermons try to avoid theology as much as possible because they see their congregation as being theologically illiterate. I would suggest that congregations will not become theologically literate unless pastors teach and preach theology.
3. Church leaders. It is not enough for the pastors to be theologically trained. Other leaders, whether elders, deacons or board members need to study theology as well. At some point, these leaders were chosen because of their corporate leadership skills. Those skills are very helpful, but they need to know theology in addition. They should be prepared to answer when someone asks them a theological question. “Go ask the pastor” is not a good enough response.
4. Parents. Many parents focus on parenting skills based psychological studies. There is value in that. But how can you be godly parents unless you understand what God is like. Parents need to pass on theological truths to their children, even it is tailored for their maturity level.
5. Every other Christian. I don’t see anywhere in the Bible where only a certain level of Christian is supposed to study theology. I understand that not every Christian needs a degree in theology, but if we say we have a relationship with God, we better know who this God is.
6. Skeptics. Why should a skeptic need to study theology? They should because if they are going to reject Christianity, they better understand what it is that they are rejecting.
My question for you is, what are you doing to deepen your theological knowledge?
- Christians
- Church Leaders
- Parents
- Pastors
- Skeptics
- Theologians
- Theology
