It is clear that an understanding of theology, philosophy, history, and
other relevant fields is essential to be a most effective minister of the
gospel of Jesus Christ. Our theology is not fully realized if it stops short at
interpretation and illumination but fails to reach meaningful application.
While the importance of the study cannot be overstated for the minister of
the gospel, it is the public world where the great commission of
discipleship is fulfilled through the proclamation of what Christ has done
and is doing in the world (Vanhoozer and Strachan,The Pastor,17). If the
pastor is only proficient in administrative duties or business matters, he
will hardly differ from any other man and will have a minimal impact on
both his church and his community. However, if the pastor is to speak to
the soul of His congregation regarding spiritual things, he will necessarily
need to be well-versed in both the Scriptures and philosophy. Additionally,
if the pastor is to faithfully parse and proclaim what God is doing in the
world according to His word, it is necessary that the pastor is historically
aware of the past, as well as aware of the current cultural dealings of the
present. This level of theological and cultural understanding is essential if
the pastor is to fulfill His role fully to the glory of God.
Furthermore, being theologically informed is essential if a pastor
wishes to faithfully apply the counsel of God across all matters of life (as
he should). Unlike many fields that may specialize in a certain aspect of
that field, a pastor is asked to be a master counselor and confidant in all
matters of life (Wilson and Hiestand,Pastor Theologian, 22). Without
being theologically informed, the pastor will find himself limited in the
depth with which he is able to speak into the lives of both his flock and his
community. The pastor must be equipped to speak regarding all matters
pertaining to and affecting both physical life and death, and spiritual life
and death.
The most compelling reason to pursue being theologically
informed in ministry is the nature of the role itself. If we concur with the
Puritans, then we recognize that the most important role of the minister is
to be a physician of souls, seeking to produce a transformed heart by the
work of the Spirit (Vanhoozer and Strachan,The Pastor, 81). The only
means by which this type of transformation will come is the word of God.
The pastor must know how to apply the rich theology of Scripture,
experienced in the pastor’s everyday life, to sinners in need of Christ.
Bibliography
Vanhoozer, Kevin J., and Owen Strachan.The Pastor as Public Theologian:
Reclaiming a Lost Vision. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, a division of
Baker Publishing Group, 2020.
Wilson, Todd A., and Gerald Hiestand.Becoming a Pastor Theologian: New
Possibilities for Church Leadership. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press,
2016.
