One of the most overlooked topics is the need for sound theology in the local church. As a Pentecostal, many people mistake us for being overly focused on hyper-spiritualization or obsessed with the gifts of the Spirit, often assuming we lack depth in theology. I can absolutely see where this comes from, and I've experienced it firsthand in certain charismatic environments. The need for strong theology and biblical literacy in the local church is undeniable, and it's more urgent now than ever, given the widespread lack of biblical understanding.
However, I believe there's an even greater need for solid theology and biblical literacy in a specific area that I'm deeply passionate about—and, admittedly, biased toward—because I am called to it. That area is the mission field, particularly the global mission field. While we often say that everywhere outside of ourselves is a mission field (and it is), I want to focus on the global mission field beyond our immediate context. This is where the need for good theology is just as critical, if not more so.
Around the world, there are countless places where the Bible is either misunderstood or unavailable in the local language. Many of these areas lack a proper understanding of what the Bible communicates—what God’s heart is, the meaning behind specific passages, and how to practically apply its teachings to daily life. This understanding is a crucial part of the equipping process that, unfortunately, is often overlooked.
Equipping people for the mission field is essential. Without proper preparation, we risk doing more harm than good. I’ve heard many stories of people going into mission fields without adequate training or understanding of the specific context, which ended up negatively impacting the communities they sought to serve. As missionaries, we must remember that this is not about us. We don’t go to serve for a social media post, to check a “Christian duty” box, or to boost our image. We go because God has commanded us to fulfill the Great Commission.
A key part of the Great Commission that is often forgotten is Jesus’ instruction: "Teach them about me." We are called to teach His commands, and in order to do that effectively, we must be equipped and trained in Scripture. Only then can we ensure we are fostering true biblical literacy in those we serve because a friend reminded me of this the other day, the Gospel story we present, might be the only Gospel story someone ever hears, that struck me.
In 1st Timothy, Paul instructs women not to have their hair braided. Without proper biblical literacy, a new believer could easily misunderstand this and assume that braiding hair is inherently sinful. However, that’s not what Paul meant. In this epistle, he is addressing a specific cultural context in which wealthy women were flaunting their social status by wearing elaborate hairstyles and expensive adornments in church, creating divisions with those of lower class. Paul's focus is on humility, not the act of braiding hair itself.
We do not just need Biblical literacy for our own personal growth either, we need it for some who may be encountering the Gospel for the first time. The global mission field is a sacred place, where we have the God-given privilege to present the Gospel and introduce who Jesus is to people, sometimes for the first time. We are often the first "Bible" some will encounter, and we must approach that responsibility with great honor.
When teaching soteriology (the theology of salvation), it's crucial to remember and convey that salvation is through faith in Christ alone. Nothing extra is required. The Cross is sufficient for all our sins, and we are justified by the blood of Christ shed on Calvary. The Gospel story does not need anything added to it—baptism cannot save you, spiritual gifts cannot save you, works cannot save you, and no symbol or act can replace the saving power of Jesus.
We must teach sound theology, reminding others that we have a gracious Father who sent His only Son to pay the price for all our sins. Salvation is a gift of grace through faith in Christ, and we must ensure this truth remains central in our message. This is especially needed when one is even approached with someone on the mission field that is apart of another false religion. A false religion where they are taught something completely different, maybe a religion where salvation is through works, it is important for us to show that faith and faith alone is the story of the Gospel
So, how does one develop good theology, Barrett? I’m so glad you asked! The key is educating yourself. The internet has provided us with unprecedented access to Scripture and theological resources, making it easier than ever to dive deep into biblical study.
Some theologians I love to read include Alister McGrath, N.T. Wright, Tim Keller, and John Wesley. Additionally, I highly recommend The Bible Project on YouTube—an incredible resource that makes biblical studies engaging through animated videos.
I also found the book The Bible in 30 Days: 30 Days to Understand It incredibly helpful (I’ll link it below). For those looking to grow in biblical literacy, two books that changed the way I read the Bible are Journey into God’s Word and Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes, both of which I read for my hermeneutics course. These are excellent resources that I encourage you to check out! (I’ve included links to them as well.)
These resources will help deepen your understanding of Scripture and develop a strong theological foundation.
The good news is that this is a journey, we will never reach the final destination, but I am beyond passionate about teaching people around the world all about the God that knows them, the God that cares for them and the one true God that can save them, and how He instructed us to live this life.
To Him be the glory in all we do,
Barrett
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