Theology: Thoughts on God

Pin It I had a discussion with someone on songwriting today that put this subject at the forefront of my mind.

Theology... ZZZzzzzzzz

Theology is one of those dusty words. When I say the word Theology (and doctrine interestingly enough) I think of an old large book that you open up and a large cloud of dust flies into the sky. Thus theology is a dusty word.

That's just what my (wayward) mind thinks, but actually it's far different. Theology is not a Seminary Graduate level lecture. Theology is not some ancient scroll locked away from public view. Theology is not information/knowledge/revelation that only the elect/holy/Spiritual Supernova can understand.

Theology is simply your thoughts about God.

When viewed this way I become aware that everyone has a Theology. Catholics and Baptist, Muslims and Jewish, even an atheist has thoughts on God. Everyone has a theology.  Scary enough... People act on their God thoughts.... From shooting Abortion doctors and wrapping explosives to their chests (Incorrect Thoughts on God) to surrendering their Life to Jesus, loving/forgiving others, becoming a servant(Correct thoughts!).

Hopefully you have a Theology that is still being shaped as you learn more about God. After all how could we possibly in this life understand all that is to be known of God? We have just scratched the service, you might say we "look through a glass darkly" (1 Cor 13:12) in the area of thoughts on God/Learning about God.

How important is it for us to help others form their Theology?

To help them think about God to the point of coming to conclusions about God, His Character, His attributes.  There is nothing Dusty about that!

It is KEY for Worship Leaders to help form Theology. We need to teach and challenge our brothers and sisters to be forming New thoughts about God.

TIME OUT!  I'm not JUST talking about helping new believers or "seekers" come to new thinking about God... I'm talking about everyone!  The Head usher that hasn't missed a service in 7 1/2 years and has been saved since his 3 month birthday (hyperbole), the pillar of the church, the guy who has it all together... Yeah THAT GUY!  We need to help him/inspire him/challenge him to form new thought about God.

TIME IN... NO WAIT TIME OUT (30 second variety)  Mr or Miss Worship Leader! You as well need to be forming Theology yourself!  You need to... In the midst of all your work duties, charting tunes, and scheduling volunteers, you REALLY need to take time to form THOUGHTS ABOUT GOD.  [sorry if that sounds preachy... I mean it to be adamant... also know I'm telling myself to do better]

TIME IN

What thoughts are you inspiring in your congregation? What new thoughts are you forming about God? Are you learning God?

A famous passage from Matthew 11. Jesus said "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me..."

Imagine if we could get people to learn of Jesus. Imagine if we ourselves learned of Him. This is bigger than learning the latest Tomlin tune, planning a killer lazer show, and emailing your people... whatever you do during the day. This is living out a life of discipleship... Learning, Studying, and Thinking... God. 

Let's go to it!