Category Archives: Theology

Teach theology in your church!

Chuck Lawless has a blog post on Thom Rainer’s blog offering some ways to do exactly that!  From his blog post:

Consider these steps for teaching theology in your church:

  1. Don’t assume that your church members don’t care about beliefs. Too many church leaders give up on teaching theology before they even try. “Nobody cares about theology any more,” they think. Not only does this thinking ultimately question the power of the Word, but it also denies reality. It is precisely because people do care about beliefs that they turn to places and people other than the church for their belief system. Where the church fails, somebody else fills the void.

  2. Realize that attending worship and small groups does not automatically lead to doctrinal fidelity. Here, I am NOT suggesting that preaching and Bible study are unimportant to teaching doctrine; indeed, good doctrinal training does not happen apart from preaching and teaching the Word. I am simply arguing that our church members don’t typically hear our teaching and automatically connect the dots to form a biblical theology. Teaching good theology must happen intentionally.

  3. Include basic theology in a required membership classIn some ways, the best time to teach the basics is when a person first follows Christ or first joins the church—when he or she is most focused on a Christian commitment. Capitalize on that enthusiasm by teaching early the inerrancy and authority of the Bible. Show why the exclusivity of Christ is non-negotiable. Talk about the necessity of the death of Christ. Build the theological foundation early, and build it well.

  4. Take advantage of doctrine studies. Churches don’t need to “reinvent the wheel” to teach theology. Case in point, Lifeway Christian Resources has developed The Gospel Project (a journey through the basics of biblical and systematic theology over a three-year period), The God Who Speaks (a study of the doctrine of revelation), and Read the Bible for Life (a 9-session study that equips individuals and churches to understand the Bible better). If we believe that theology matters, why not take advantage of already-prepared material and teach a current study? Plan extensively, promote well, and prioritize this type of study.

  5. Raise the bar for small group leaders who teach the WordThese leaders have a great opportunity—perhaps one of the best in the church—to influence lives through teaching small groups. Few other leaders have such a ready hearing. For that reason, we must hold group leaders accountable to holy living, sound doctrine, and good teaching. We should not be surprised when members view doctrine as boring after lackluster teachers have taught it. There is simply no excuse for allowing untrained, unfaithful, or boring teachers to drain the life out of Bible studies.

  6. Begin in the homeTeach parents biblical doctrine, and then help them teach their own children accordingly. Because Deuteronomy 6:7 and Ephesians 6:4 demand nothing less from believing parents, our churches should work in cooperation with them—not replace them—in teaching theology to the next generation. Provide good resources that teach basic truths at a child’s level without compromising scriptural teachings, but expect parents to do the teaching.

  7. Be willing to start with the fewJust as Jesus did, focus on the few rather than the many. For example, invite a few men to join you in studying theology one morning each week. Give them the Bible and a basic theology textbook, and challenge them to study the week’s lesson. If you prepare and teach well, you will likely be surprised at how interested the men are. Those men and their families will be stronger because they are learning the Word.

So what do you think?  Is thins something you could do or are doing?  How do you most typically go about it?

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Filed under Teaching, Theology, Uncategorized

Enter the Pastor-Theologian

Stripped image of John Wesley

Stripped image of John Wesley (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There is no better place for doing theology than in the life of the local church. It is in the local church that the rubber hits the road and one’s attempts at careful theological reflection need to be applied to the life of God’s work in the world. Where there can be no mere hypothesizing, but praxis is called for if one desires to be a faithful minister and disciple.

Andy, over at Hopeful Realism, has just posted a couple of articles on the pastor-theologian in the mega-church and in the small church. His introduction to the topic offers several strengths to each context.

Certainly the complexities of pastoral ministry, whether in a mega-church or small church, can seem enough of a challenge without attempting to be a so-called “pastor-theologian”. However, the responsibilities of caring for Christ’s church should demand that we take up the charge to study to show ourselves approved unto God in every way. This is not a day for leaving the work of careful theological reflection to those who do not serve in the context of the pastorate. We NEED more pastors committing to applying themselves to intensive study of the Scriptures (original languages, hermeneutics, homiletics, etc.) and theology (historical, contemporary, systematic, biblical, etc). Our churches NEED ministers who will vigorously study and apply what is studied to writing, preaching, counseling, and pastoral care. And will do this all in the power of the Holy Spirit.

This is a HUGE task, but it is one that is essential to the overall health of the community of believers (locally and globally).  We need more women and men committed to the task. We need more Augustines, Teresas, Calvins, and Wesleys. Will you give yourself wholly to the work set before you?

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Invest in Your Library!

ImageI love books! Its no secret. Anyone who knows me knows that I love books. But here is the deal…as much as I love books, when I first began pastoring I told myself I just didn’t have the budget to buy books for preaching, counseling, discipleship, leading, pastoring, imagination-development, literary interest, etc. I bought into the lie that I’ve heard many other pastors embrace. Then one day it dawned on me: This is my life calling! Why would I NOT invest in it. So I’ve made a point since then to build a strong pastoral library (and actually read the books I buy ;-) ).

As I was reading the latest minister’s journal put out by the Assemblies of God I found this brief sidebar a helpful recommendation along the lines of which I’ve already mentioned, so I thought I’d share these “rules” for building a better preaching library…after all…EVERY pastor needs ongoing personal and ministerial development, and every church needs the same of the their pastors.

Eight Rules For Building
a Preaching Library

1. Make your preaching library a priority. Readers are leaders. John Wesley said to his preachers, “Read or get out of the ministry.”

2. Buy books that fit you and your ministry. Know yourself. If you do not have knowledge of biblical languages, do not buy technical commentaries. Buy books that profit you, not books that impress others. Books are tools, not museum pieces.

3. Read and use the books you buy. Some books will just be acquaintances, while others will become best friends. I have some books I have read one time; I have other books I read and then reread frequently. The latter books are good friends. I know them well.

4. Lead your church to work your book purchases into the church budget. A good preaching library will take money, but the results in your wisdom and preaching (and your members’ growth) is well worth it.

5. Visit Amazon.com and used bookstores for great prices. I paid 35 cents for a sought-after book at a used book sale that retails new for $36.

6. Examine your current library. Do not just buy books that fit your favorite hobbyhorse theology. Where do you have holes in your library? Old Testament commentaries? New Testament commentaries? Prophecy? Spiritual warfare? Buy books that fill those holes.

7. E-mail 10 preacher friends and ask them to suggest the best five books they have read recently. Ask them why that book lit their spiritual fire. Then buy some of those books.

8. Be reading a book or two constantly. Paul, the older man, told Timothy to come to him and “bring the books.” I know a great preacher who took a briefcase of books with him on his honeymoon. (And yes, he still has a terrific marriage.)

THOMAS LINDBERG, D.Min, Cordova, Tennessee [Enrichment 18:1 (Winter 2013): 71]

I am intentional about purchasing commentaries that fall into a spectrum of categories (technical, pastoral, theological) as I preach through text series (not to mention other Biblical studies resources). I am also intentional to develop theologically (historical, systematic, dogmatic, Pentecostal, ecumenical, etc.). An area in particular that I know myself to be weak in is the trends and more popular writings (I often joke that I only read the books of “dead guys”)…so I’ve been intentional to ask around about what is actually considered “good” [i.e., useful] (by asking a few pastor-friends who keep up on such things and whom I see as trustworthy for such recommendations). I also follow numerous blogs, but doing so only orients me to what is happening in the wider world of literature and not to replace building a library that can be accessed any time in the future as need arises.

So what do you do to develop a library?Image

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Filed under Pastoral Ministry, Study, Theology

Changes in Thinking About the Church

Donald Miller, author of Blue Like Jazz, has a post on what has changed in his faith over the past 10 years.

His view on “the church” has changed. (Big shock, I know.)

I no longer take the culture of the church as seriously as I did. I don’t fear their judgment. I don’t take their praise seriously. The church is a very, very good earthly organization that almost exists as a “para church” organization alongside Jesus’ bride (even I would have to read that last sentence twice.)

Well, since Mr. Miller doesn’t fear anything said, here I go…

1. The church is not a “para church” organization. I wonder if he even thought the use of that word through…

2. Over the years there are many things that have changed my own faith as well. I certainly resonate with much of what he has said in this post. But as to the Church, I love the Church more. It IS the Bride of Christ.

He says he is no longer interested in focusing on what divides. To which I say, “Amen.” But that has made me love the Church more.

It is meeting and getting to know my Lutheran friends, my Catholic friends, my Baptist friends, and celebrating what is going in in their churches that has led to a deeper love for the Church.

Miller may have issues with how he thinks American Christianity has defined “church.” That’s too bad. Because there IS a Church. It is the beautiful Bride of Christ. I serve that Church and serve the Head of that Church. And both, quite frankly. are astoundingly beautiful to me. Warts and all.

Yes, my thinking on the “church” has changed over my years of ministry. I love it MORE… not less. I love BEING HERE because I know this IS the Body of Christ and I LOVE being around the earthly representation of my Savior.

 

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NT Wright on Enjoying the Word of God

At around 13 minutes, NT gives insight into why he is more pastoral and less academic. I resonate with his heart on this one. The whole interview is a good one.

 

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Communicating, Pt. 2

Eddie Gibbs’ chapter on “Communicating” discusses possible modern applications for the five fold ministry gift. Part One is HERE.

The teacher as integrator, commentator and empowerer. As exciting as he made the other three sound, this description clunks.

The old picture of someone standing up and lecturing others needs to be set aside. The need is to integrate learning. There needs to be more interaction, mentoring, or apprenticing. Teachers shouldn’t just dispense knowledge, but should call people to use discernment and wisdom. This is an opportunity to take in what is happening and discern the movement and leading of the Spirit.

There still needs to be a component of theological basic education. Teachers still need to understand the faith delivered once for all, and effectively communicate it to people.

Teachers need a serious commitment to lifelong learning. I knew plenty of people who thought their four year degree was all it took, or possibly their M.A. or M.Div. They quit learning. Education with a degree shouldn’t be terminal. It should be a starting point. Even a PhD, called a “terminal” degree, shouldn’t be thought of in that way.

At any rate, we need effective teachers and teaching in the church. We should demand excellence in communication and teaching as leaders.

The pastor as diagnostician and caretaker. I’ve normally seen the prophet as the one who does the “spiritual diagnostics.” Gibbs says the pastor has that job. It is in the caregiving that pastors have the best opportunity to see into a situation and determine what the best course of actions might be.

Pastors need to be involved, not removed. No superstars. Pastors are shepherds. They should smell like sheep.

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Communicating, Pt. 1

Eddie Gibbs in his book, The Journey of Ministry, has some insights into communication styles after many decades of ministry and teaching. One quote he has worked off of for years is this: “We go to the Bible for our message but not for our method.

Building off the five fold ministry model, Gibbs asks the question as to how to quit making carbon copies of previous generations when it comes to the how of ministry. How can the five-fold ministry gifts be used to propel us into fresh new expressions in our changing culture?

Gibbs doesn’t look at the five-fold ministry as individual offices, but functions working together to give the local church a full-orbed ministry where everyone in the local church can be activated for ministry.

The apostle as groundbreaker. Apostles invest in the lives of others. There needs to be an explosion of creativity. Gibbs’ contention is that we should see this in areas like worship. We need groundbreaking work in worship songs, leading the Body of Christ to new heights. There need to be new songs that can’t be confined within the gathered community, but spill out far and wide. New songs should reach out to the nations.

Apostles need to be found in business as well. There need to be groundbreakers who will change corporate culture to reflect kingdom values.

I would add there need to be apostles in education reform and government reform. We need kingdom minded individuals breaking through into new forms of thinking and helping transform culture into new ideas.

The prophet as poet and lyricist. The prophet in the Old Testament isn’t found in the sermon. The prophet is found in the song. The prophet’s words in the Old Testament aren’t formed as prose. They are formed as poetry.

As Gibbs says, “Poems are savored, not simply analyzed.”

We need the poetry and passion of the prophet to speak to our world again. It doesn’t come out nice and neat. We don’t always like a U2 or a Mumford and Sons. We don’t always get the works of poets, and they aren’t always “theologically correct.” But their passion is needed to slap the culture, and the church, awake.

The evangelist as storyteller and ballad singer. I’m not sure of Gibbs’ infatuation with music all the way through his illustrations, but maybe he was a frustrated musician.

We live in a generation that is no longer familiar with the Grand Narrative of Scripture. Evangelists don’t work inside the church. They operate outside the walls, and what they need to do is tell stories. We’ve lost sight of the creativity of the Bible itself. We think The Lord of the Rings is fascinating, and it is, but the stories of the Bible are so rich! Whenever I go over Judges and Ruth in my Old Testament class, I get shocked looks. There isn’t a Quentin Tarantino movie that can match those awful stories in Judges. Yet, somehow, we’ve imagined the Bible as bland. Shame on us.

I teach in a college and too many times as Bible teachers we get into the nuts of bolts of something and forget to tell the story. We need to rekindle imagination in the students so that they engage the text more.

The stories are fascinating. They are intriguing. They make my own world come alive.

We need new imagination. The CHURCH should be the generator of creativity once again. Not mimicking this world. Leading the way.

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Networking and Training

Eddie Gibbs has a chapter in his book on “Networking.” Thankfully, it’s not an attempt to get me to join Amway!

One model he discussed was ministry training. He gave an example of an effort in Los Angeles led by the ELCA. They train inner city Christians and students can earn anything from an Associates to a DMin. It’s not accredited because the requirements would send tuition costs out of sight. They charge $75 for a 2-credit unit. Great teachers teach the classes and the students are challenged.

Over my years as teaching adjunct I have compiled over 15 classes in my teaching career at the college level. It has been something I know the Lord is preparing for… something. One area recently I have been challenged in is to simply give away my gift at a local level. Teach dedicated ministry students who want to be in ministry but can’t afford the astronomical costs of college. How can I do something in an affordable way that would bless students who want to grow in ministry, and they may not care if their training is “accredited”?

There are new models we need to think about and discover as the Church once again.

 

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That Which We Don’t Talk About Very Well

In Minnesota, we have the Marriage Amendment issue on the ballot, which is a call to define marriage as between one man and one woman and put it in the state constitution. Gay marriage is defining the political argument this election season.

We don’t talk about it very well in the Church. I know I’m not very good at it, especially in a forum like this.

But this interview is one I find stimulating for me. I also like Frederica Mathewes-Green on this topic as well. I am struck by the humility of this pastor and his searing honesty with his own sexual structure and obedience to Scripture. You may agree, disagree, or just not comment, but somewhere along the line we need a discussion on this as clergy because somewhere along the line it will effect us.

 

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Pastor, are you a theologian?

It often starts with the silly precursor, “Now, I’m not a theologian…” then devolves into bad theology.

And that’s a pastor talking.

So, pastor, should you be a theologian?

Some interesting thoughts HERE.

 

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