Meyu Changkiri
Why do so many Christians struggle to understand their faith deeply? While social media preachers are more popular than ever, biblical literacy continues to decline. What will this mean for the future of the church? Many Christians avoid serious theological study, preferring simplified messages from popular preachers and influencers. While these voices help spread the gospel, their messages often lack the depth that serious theological study provides. Though accessible, these messages risk creating a shallow understanding of faith that can leave believers vulnerable to false teachings.
The church today faces the challenge of balancing accessibility with theological depth. Some dismiss theology because of the personal flaws of theologians. However, theological insights remain essential despite the imperfections of those who teach them. Great theologians like Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Augustine had personal flaws, yet their teachings remain foundational. Even biblical figures like David, Peter, and Paul had failures, yet God used them to reveal profound truths.
The truth of theology does not depend on the perfection of the person teaching it but on God’s revelation. While some theologians may promote misleading doctrines due to bias or misunderstanding, sound theology is tested by Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience - not solely by the character of the teacher.
The Importance of Theological Education
Theological education is foundational for faith and spiritual growth. In a world where deep study is often overlooked, the church must reclaim its role in teaching biblical wisdom. Many churches have adopted a consumer-driven approach, prioritizing attraction over depth. However, theological education is crucial for: strengthening believers’ understanding of the gospel; equipping leaders to teach and guide the church; defending the faith against false teachings; and developing a Christ-centered worldview.
Without proper theological training, there is a risk of misinterpreting Scripture and embracing diluted versions of the gospel. For instance, misunderstandings of key doctrines, such as salvation, grace, or the nature of God, can lead to false teachings that distort the Christian message. Investing in theological education strengthens not just individuals but the entire church, ensuring that the gospel remains true and untainted.
The Journey of Theological Study
Theological education follows a structured path to prepare individuals for ministry, teaching, and leadership:
(i) Basic Theological Studies (3 Years): Covers biblical studies, systematic theology, ethics, pastoral care, and preaching through a Bachelor of Divinity (B.D.) or Master of Divinity (M.Div.).
(ii) Master’s Level Studies (2 Years): Specializes in areas like biblical research, theology, and interpretation through a Master of Theology (M.Th.).
(iii) Doctoral Studies (Minimum 3 Years): Involves deep research through a Doctor of Theology (Th.D.), Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.), or Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Theology.
Beyond formal education, theology is a lifelong journey. Pastors and scholars continue studying, engaging in research, and helping the church grow in wisdom. This calling requires discipline, humility, and a deep love for God’s Word. Just as doctors dedicate years to learning how to care for the physical body, so must church leaders dedicate themselves to understanding the truths of Scripture to care for the spiritual health of God's people.
The Cost of Theological Education
One of the biggest challenges of theological education is its cost. Unlike many other professional fields, theology graduates do not typically earn high salaries. Instead, they serve as pastors, missionaries, or teachers, often with limited financial rewards. Theological study requires significant financial and personal investment:
(i) Tuition Fees & Books: A theological degree requires extensive resources and materials.
(ii) Living Expenses: Many students move to seminaries, increasing costs for housing, food, and transportation.
(iii) Ministry Salaries: Graduates often work in low-paying ministry roles, making financial stability a challenge.
(iv) Personal Sacrifices: Many students leave their families and homes, and some wrestle with faith struggles as they engage with complex doctrines and deep theological questions.
To support strong biblical teaching, the church must invest in theological students. This is not charity - it is an investment in the future of the church. The sacrifices made by students today will enable them to lead tomorrow’s church with wisdom and sound doctrine.
How Churches Can Support Theological Education
Churches and Christian organizations can help by:
(i) Providing Scholarships & Financial Aid: Churches should allocate funds to support theological students, easing the financial burden and making education more accessible.
(ii) Encouraging Congregational Support: Church members can contribute financially to help future church leaders.
(iii) Offering Mentorship & Guidance: Pastors and theologians should mentor young students in theological studies, offering both spiritual and intellectual guidance.
(iv) Creating Job Opportunities: Churches should hire theological graduates for teaching, counseling, and ministry roles, ensuring they have the opportunity to apply their education.
By supporting theological education in these ways, the church plays an essential role in shaping the future of Christian leadership and preserving the integrity of the gospel.
The Danger of Biblical Illiteracy
One of the greatest threats to the church today is biblical illiteracy. Despite the rise of Christian books, podcasts, and social media content, many believers lack a working knowledge of Scripture. Even some pastors struggle to teach sound doctrine, relying too heavily on emotional appeals or shallow interpretations. Simplified messages and emotional slogans leave believers spiritually weak and vulnerable to false teachings.
Another growing issue is anti-intellectualism, where some Christians view deep study as unnecessary. They believe faith should be based on experience alone, dismissing theology as irrelevant. But this mindset is dangerous. Jesus calls us to love God with all our minds (Matthew 22:37), and Proverbs 2:6 reminds us that wisdom comes from God. True faith is strengthened by both spiritual experience and intellectual understanding. Without deep study, we risk reducing our faith to feelings or superficial beliefs that lack a firm biblical foundation.
Theological Study Is A Necessity, Not a Luxury
Theological education is not an obstacle to faith - it strengthens it. Great theologians like Augustine, Luther, and Calvin dedicated their lives to studying Scripture deeply, shaping the faith we hold today. Theological training equips church leaders to: interpret Scripture correctly and teach sound doctrine; lead with wisdom and depth, strengthen the church; engage with ethical and theological challenges in today’s world; help believers grow in their faith and understanding of Christ.
We must restore a culture where theological study is valued. This means respecting theological institutions, supporting students, and promoting deeper biblical engagement in our churches.
Conclusion
The journey of theological education is one that requires commitment, sacrifice, and an unwavering passion for truth. Just as doctors spend years in medical school to care for physical health, pastors and church leaders must dedicate time and effort to studying theology to nurture the spiritual health of God’s people. However, it is not the quantity of theologically trained individuals that should concern us, but rather the quality of their education and the depth of their understanding.
A church filled with theologically sound leaders who are deeply rooted in Scripture is a church that can withstand the storms of cultural shifts, false teachings, and challenges to the faith. It is not enough to simply have more pastors or leaders; we need leaders who are wise, discerning, and capable of teaching sound doctrine. The church must invest in the formation of leaders who will guide others in a faithful, thoughtful, and meaningful way.
The cost of theological education is high, but the cost of neglecting it is far greater. Theological education is not a luxury for the few; it is a necessity for the church’s vitality and long-term health. As we invest in quality theological training, we are ensuring that the church will continue to thrive, providing spiritual nourishment for generations to come. Let us commit ourselves to support and nurture those who will faithfully serve God and His people through their ministry.
