d d d 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.
d d d d d d d d d d 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.
d d d d d d d d d d 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.
