It is important for the modern believer to have a full and eclectic
knowledge base from which to communicate the gospel and biblical truth
to other believers and non-believers, alike. While there is great value in
the study of history, philosophy, and all manner of non-theological topics,
the most critical knowledge for those who claim the name of Christ is in
theology. This extends to every believer but most especially those who
answer the call to pastor.
Jesus speaks to his disciples in Galilee after his resurrection and
commands them to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy
Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Matt
28:19-20 ESV) This same command is directed toward those who claim
the name of Christ today. Christians are commanded to go and make
disciples; to baptize and teach and disciple others. Evangelization into the
kingdom of God is problematic if those who carry the gospel have an
incomplete or improper understanding of theology. Further, to make a
disciple implies that they will be led into a deep and full understanding of
Christ and theology themselves. This spiritual maturity requires study of
theology and is a requirement for spiritual growth. It is impossible to
disciple someone in areas of knowledge that are unknown to the disciple-
maker. The value and importance of this teaching and discipleship is
evidenced in the letter that James writes to Jewish Christians. James
cautions the reader that those who carry the mantle of teacher will be
held to a higher standard because the right teaching of theology is vital to
the right understanding of God. (Jam 3:1)
While we know that we can learn of the existence of God through his
creation and general revelation, it is through special revelation and the
study of the Word that we come to know the nature and personality of
God.
Vanhoozer and Stachan quote William Rainey Harper as noting that
universities were teaching their students to become specialized in
additional areas apart from, or in additional to, theology. (Vanhoozer and
Strachan 2015, ch. 2) It is interesting that, while I believe that all
Christians should focus on learning and gaining greater understanding of
theology, it is also important that some are called into support roles to
manage the duties and "business" of ministry in order to free those with
evangelism, preaching, or teaching gifts to be focused on delivering the
Word to others.
Kevin J. Vanhoozer and Owen Strachan.;The Pastor as Public Theologian:
Reclaiming a Lost Vision. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2015.
ISBN: 9780801097713.
