Theology is important. Unfortunately, theology sometimes is relegated to pastors or seminary professors. Just as sad, it is reduced to dry, book-knowledge that has no bearing in our lives. Truth be told, everyone is a theologian. Everyone is trying to make sense of life and therefore attempting to have an understanding of God[1].

I have heard it appropriately put “orthodoxy leads to orthopraxy” (right beliefs lead to right living). Wayne Grudem pastorally puts one or two related hymns at the end of each of his chapters in his systematic theology book because theology (the belief of God) ought to lead to doxology (the praise and glorifying of God). So, to state it again, theology is important.

Recently, this was further driven home to me when I participated in an ordination council on Friday, July 26, 2024. My friend, Tim Martin, who serves as a pastor at First Baptist Church of Stryker, Ohio, was being examined by a group of ordain men invited by his church. Tim had complied a doctrinal statement that included his salvation testimony, call to ministry, and a summary of what he believe the Bible teaches regarding the major doctrines in systematic theology. This ordination council was tasked to review his statement and then ask Tim questions for further explanation or clarification.

This was a healthy and sharpening process for all involved. I was struck with how the theology being discussed had real implications with how one lives. So, put yourself on the “Hot Seat” as Tim was (because you are a theologian too). Imagine, you are in a conversation with a friend and the conversation moves to the topic of “church.” Your friend says, “Your church is going to Bethel Bible Church but my church is softball.” Immediately, this should give you some indication of what your friend believes church is. You probably should be slow to speak and quick to hear in that moment by asking some further questions such as, “what do you mean by that?” or “how did you come to that conclusion?”[2] Hopefully, questions like that will lead to some fruitful discussion. However, you ought to have a solid, biblically informed understanding of what a true church is in order to guide the discussion in a helpful way. Most assuredly, you will need God’s wisdom and prayer to be a minister on behalf of Jesus Christ to your friend. But the point is: theology is important (and you are a theologian). May God be glorified in both our beliefs and our lives.

[1] I have heard Paul David Tripp express this concept in a variety of settings.

[2] Gregory Koukl, Tactics.