Theological Training and Clarity

A Unit 5 reaction paper.

Missionary trips can be a very spiritually strenuous undertaking. Because of this, it is best that missionaries arrive at their destination after they have been theologically trained to carry the Gospel to the nations of the world or various communities in their own nation. This theological training ahead of time prepares them for their mission and helps them to clearly display and tell of God’s Gospel to the lost.

The first reason theological training is so important is because it is absolutely essential for the missionaries to know and understand their religion. This understanding in their own context will help them to carry over the truths of God to an unfamiliar context. Moreover, Christian missionaries do not wish to share any other religion except for Christianity with the lost. In order to do this, they must know their religion. If they go to the nations without the necessary theological training, they may share man-made ideas rather than true, historic Christianity.

Another reason theological training is important in overseas missions is that the missionary may serve as a pastor-like figure. Of course, missionaries mostly serve through evangelism and set up communities of churches where a qualified pastor is elected, but that does not keep the people of the culture from coming to the missionary for spiritual guidance. In order to best serve the people, the missionary minister must know the truths of Scripture and how to apply them to the cultural context in which he is ministering. Without theological training, this task is extremely hard to do.

In conclusion, missions are possible without theological training, as ministry is carried out by the power of the Holy Spirit, but they become easier and more effective when training is done first. Theological training equips the missionary to teach true Christianity and serve in the capacity of whatever he is called to.