The third degree
When the average church is told, ‘now we’re going to do some theology’, the odd keen bean will be on the edge of his pew, but the majority give their brains a rest in the sure knowledge that ‘this bit isn’t that important’.
Such is the place of ‘theology’ in the lives of many Christians in today’s church. Either that, or it’s seen as a danger to steer any would-be students well clear of. Certainly, if it’s a mission-focused church, theology is the last thing they want to spend their time on! Of course, it’s the experience of God and the simple gospel that a church with missional aspirations requires. Not theology. That’s for people who want to ‘go a bit deeper’, but far from essential for every would-be witnessing believer. Or is it?