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How can pastors make theology interesting to people who aren't often exposed to theological thinking? How do you decide what doctrines to teach?

Thabiti Anyabwile responds in our Ask the Experts discussion.

How can pastors make theology interesting to people who aren't often exposed to theological thinking? How do you decide what doctrines to teach?

Theology does not belong to the ivory tower but to every blood-bought Christian. To know and study God is a right of the new birth, and an ongoing joy for those who love the Savior. When theology is studied properly, it draws us nearer to the Savior in love, joy, and awe. What pastor wouldn't want his people to experience that?

Making theology interesting is really the main teaching task of the pastor. A few strategies to consider:

  • Help people see how understanding a big truth about God makes him more interesting and desirable. There's nothing worse than a tired theology lecture masquerading as a sermon or a weak-kneed "defense" of God that avoids the big truth of the Bible. Preach and teach in such a way that the hearts of the people are stirred for God and their perspectives on even the most common situations are changed. Bring the truth, and bring it home.

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