How important is theology for evangelists?

[stacey c]

No offense Shiloh, you are brilliant, but you just lose me brother!

I seriously doubt that is my fault. I speak in plain everyday langauge that everyone else seems to understand just fine.

Wow thanks

[Guest shiloh357]

Paul used theology when speaking to Jews in synagogues....who had probably studied the scriptures since childhood. How many people study the scriptures for years before they are saved nowadays? Most religious jews today study talmud instead of torah. Do you think we NEED talmud to be an evangelist? Would it help? Yes, but it isn't necessary. You pointed out that Paul used philosophy when speaking to unbelievers. He was relating to them where they are, ci? Most unbelievers are not theologians, so how is that relating to them where they are?

I am not comparing that to the average person today. Yes, Paul debating with Jews who had been raised in Torah. But that is not the point. But Paul's scholarship availed him of audiences and venues he would not have gotten without it. God did not cricumvent Paul's skills as Talmud scholar, as someone who was multilingual, who had a very advanced knowldge of the Greek world, its customs and philosophies, and the Roman world to boot. God took advantage of those skills and Paul was able to go places that the fishermen would not have been able to go. Paul's status as Pharisee and Rabbi gave him inroads to teach in synagogues all over the world and not just anyone got to teach in synagogues.

Obviously I've touched a nerve. I don't understand the anger you have because I gave an opinion based on my own experience?

But the example you gave is much like what I have seen happen when people who don't know what they are doing end up in the driver's seat even though they prayed for God's help and guidance.

If the question is "Should evangelists have a working knowledge of theology?" then the answer is YES.

Which seems to be more akin to what the OP is asking.

But it looks like "How important is theology for evangelists" is asking whether one needs to answer theological objections to be an evangelist, and I'm going to hold my ground if that is what is being asked.

I think you need to reread what the OP asked. The OP didn't say anything about what was needed to be an evangelist. She is already an evangelist.

You can talk till you're blue in the face and it doesn't change what I know to be true. No, you don't NEED theology to be an evangelist.

Yes, you do. You can't talk about God without theology. All dialogue about God is theological. Anytime you are sharing about what God has done in your life, you are sharing theology. When you offer someone encouragement in the Lord when they are going to through a rough time, that is theology.

Don't we all know people that came to faith because of a testimony, or because of the fruit of the Spirit working through a witness? Are you saying it can't be done?

I am saying that even that is "theology." Like the others, you don't seem to understand what theology is. You all seem to be working from some misperceptions about what theology really includes.

Is it helpful? Sure, why not...but you don't NEED to have theological debates when witnessing to a lost person.

Who said anything about engaging in theological debates?? Theology does not mean "debate."

We should be ready to give an answer for the hope that is within us. I can do that without the 4 spiritual laws, Trinity, Rapture, Creation,

LOL and again, that is theology. All of it.

[Matthitjah]

Entering into a discussion about Theology with a bias towards Religion seems to be the problem. I don't think anyone in this thread when speaking of sound Theology is speaking about Religion. I know that I'm not.

Does anyone disagree that Jesus had a Theology?

Peace,

Dave

[Dragoon]

Does God enable us to accept saving faith? Or is it entirely a human choice with God having nothing to do with it?

Do those who hear the Gospel accept on their own volition or does God place the faith in their heart?

God.

God.

The answer is always God.

Then based on your answer, which is mine as well, theology in evangelism is not that vital. God is doing the work through us.....

But people first need to hear the word, that is scriptural, so a certain amount of knowledge of the word is still important.

I think the isssue is what people mean by 'Theology'. Looking at the posts, it seems that most people are thinking of a detailed 'philosophy' of God, which is involved with fine details and explaining minute points. For example, Yod mentions debate on 'issues like creation, homosexuality, etc.'

When I think of 'theology', I'm really thinking of knowing God through His Word (by the Holy Spirit). Theo Logia... the Word of God.

I think knowledge of God and His Word is highly beneficial though. The work of an evangelist isn't merely to elicit a statement for Christ, but also to teach them to obey everything that Christ has commanded us.

[enoob57]

For me I think Theology is important to rightly divide the Word... a personal acquaintance with The Lord of Glory substanced in His foundational Word... no matter your calling getting to know the Lord should be priority # 1. Christ's mind was always upon the

the Written Word and was slated to be our example in living...

The linear progression of logic in His Word on this-

2 Tim 2:15

15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

NKJV

2 Tim 3:17

1

7 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

KJV

Matt 5:48

48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

KJV

Love Steven

[enoob57]

Entering into a discussion about Theology with a bias towards Religion seems to be the problem. I don't think anyone in this thread when speaking of sound Theology is speaking about Religion. I know that I'm not.

Does anyone disagree that Jesus had a Theology?

Peace,

Dave

Sided with definitely!

[Guest yod]

I think knowledge of God and His Word is highly beneficial though. The work of an evangelist isn't merely to elicit a statement for Christ, but also to teach them to obey everything that Christ has commanded us.

Actually that is the job of a teacher or pastor.

Theology is the study of God, is it not? Isn't studying an intellectual pursuit?

One can witness about the things that God has done in their life without getting into how it works. In other words, I don't see a testimony as being "theology" but rather as being an eye-witness account or explanation of a personal relationship.

[enoob57]

I think knowledge of God and His Word is highly beneficial though. The work of an evangelist isn't merely to elicit a statement for Christ, but also to teach them to obey everything that Christ has commanded us.

Actually that is the job of a teacher or pastor.

Theology is the study of God, is it not? Isn't studying an intellectual pursuit?

One can witness about the things that God has done in their life without getting into how it works. In other words, I don't see a testimony as being "theology" but rather as being an eye-witness account or explanation of a personal relationship.

Rom 10:14-17

14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written:

"How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace,

Who bring glad tidings of good things!"

16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our report?" 17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

NKJV

[Dragoon]

I think knowledge of God and His Word is highly beneficial though. The work of an evangelist isn't merely to elicit a statement for Christ, but also to teach them to obey everything that Christ has commanded us.

Actually that is the job of a teacher or pastor.

Theology is the study of God, is it not? Isn't studying an intellectual pursuit?

One can witness about the things that God has done in their life without getting into how it works. In other words, I don't see a testimony as being "theology" but rather as being an eye-witness account or explanation of a personal relationship.

In part perhaps, but even if I only introduce Christ to someone, I still need to reveal Him accurately. I think part of the problem with the Western church is that we've been too lax in our teaching and holding to account of each other. Certainly a pastor or teacher has that gifting, but we are all to eagerly desire those greater gifts so that we might build each other up.

I think theology is in part intellectual, but it is in greater part relational. To know God.

I think you're right that a testimony itself is not a theology, but it does reveal certain aspects of God. As we noted earlier, its always God who does the work. Even in testimony, the power is not in us, but in what God has done in us.

[Dragoon]

I think knowledge of God and His Word is highly beneficial though. The work of an evangelist isn't merely to elicit a statement for Christ, but also to teach them to obey everything that Christ has commanded us.

Actually that is the job of a teacher or pastor.

Theology is the study of God, is it not? Isn't studying an intellectual pursuit?

One can witness about the things that God has done in their life without getting into how it works. In other words, I don't see a testimony as being "theology" but rather as being an eye-witness account or explanation of a personal relationship.

Rom 10:14-17

14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written:

"How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace,

Who bring glad tidings of good things!"

16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our report?" 17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

NKJV

A beautiful passage.

... though all of scripture is beautiful.