Historically, theology has been known as “the Queen of the Sciences.” While calling it that today may seem overly dramatic, all pastors-in-training will agree that a basic grounding in Christian theology is essential. Everything that a pastor does—praying, counseling, preaching, leading in worship—can and in one sense must be understood theologically. Whether acknowledged or not, theological implications assert themselves throughout the entire pastoral task, from first to last, top to bottom, front to back, side to side. It is too much to claim that theology is “the only game in town,” so far as the pastor is concerned, yet no other game makes any sense without theological awareness.
Even a seemingly nontheological task like conducting a church board meeting may be the occasion for theological reflection. For example, current approaches to God as triune suggest that the Trinity is itself the model for perfect human community, being more than one that yet always functions, acts, and believes as one. Applied to the church board situation, this may mean that the pastor does not dominate the meeting, but shares collegially with all present, working with them toward consensus or even unanimity.
It has been said that practical theology is the “crown jewel” of all theological study. These two modules are not strictly speaking courses in practical theology, and yet the practical dimension of theology must always be kept in view. Noted Nazarene theologian J. Kenneth Grider liked to talk about theology wearing overalls, and this homespun example is exactly correct. Albert Outler has well defined John Wesley’s theology as an example of a “folk theology” at its best. Regarding Wesley’s theology as a whole, “practical divinity” is the operative watchword.
This module contributes to the development of the following abilities as defined in the U.S. Sourcebook for Ministerial Development.
CN18—Ability to list and explain the Nazarene Articles of Faith
CN19—Ability to identify and explain the main characteristics of the nature of God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Human Person, Sin, Salvation, the Christian Life, the Church and Sacraments, and Eschatology
CN20—Ability to reflect theologically on life and ministry
CN21—Ability to demonstrate understanding of the sources of theological reflection, its historical development, and its contemporary expressions
CN22—Ability to articulate the distinctive characteristics of Wesleyan theology
CP10—Ability to synthesize, analyze reason logically for discernment, assessment, and problem solving, and live with ambiguity
CP11—Ability to analyze the validity of arguments and to identify their presuppositions and consequences
CP21—Ability to envision, order and participate in contextualized theologically grounded worship and to develop and lead appropriate services for special occasions (i.e. wedding, funeral, baptism, and Lord’s Supper)