by Elie Haddad

Earlier this month, we invited all our students who live in Lebanon to join us on the ABTS campus for a day of fellowship, conversations, and reflections. One of the key sessions was on the topic “Why We Study Theology,” delivered by various ABTS faculty. This blog is a compilation of what was shared that day. Although current students of theology do not need convincing of the need to study theology, this session served as a good affirmation and an encouragement for the students to complete the journey faithfully and successfully.

We study theology because we are serious about engaging in God’s mission. Serious people prepare. Those who are interested in working as accountants study accounting. Those who want to become physicians study medicine. If people want to build things, they study engineering. This same principle applies to serving God. If we are convinced that we are called by God to serve Him in the crucial work of mission, then it follows that we get prepared for such a commitment.

Theology shapes us as leaders in the church and in ministry. It sharpens our leadership skills by providing solid foundations for interpreting Scripture, preaching, shepherding, and developing better mental paradigms. In the MENA region, one of the top causes of conflict is unhealthy theology, which impacts relationships, leadership, families, and churches. It contributes to the church losing credibility within its surrounding community. Through theological training, we are equipped to deal with conflict in biblical and wholesome ways. Theological education helps us nurture leaders who are not only spiritually mature but also competent in leading others in challenging contexts.

We study theology because sound doctrine matters. Theological education helps us develop a healthy critique of our inherited beliefs and the ability to distinguish between primary and secondary issues. It helps us discern what is essential from what is merely denominational or speculative. We become more aware that beliefs matter, but not all beliefs matter equally. Theological reflection encourages humility in interpretation and charity in our dealings with others. It helps us appreciate both the diversity and the unity within the Christian tradition, recognizing that while there are differences in belief and practice, we are ultimately united in Christ.

Studying theology moves us from knowing about God to knowing God, growing and maturing in our love for Him, His purposes, and His ways. We study Scripture with this purpose in mind.

Theology deepens our understanding of God’s heart for the world and His redemptive purposes. It sharpens our missional impulses and helps us develop an integrated understanding of mission in word and deed. It enables us to mature as interpreters of Scripture. By studying theology, we build our interpretive skills so that we can hear God’s voice with openness and clarity, without imposing our own ideas onto the text. For those called to leadership, this is especially important, as understanding and applying God’s word faithfully is essential for guiding others.

Another reason we study theology is to draw together faith and reason. Theology helps us integrate our faith with intellectual inquiry and rational thought. As Anselm of Canterbury famously said, “I do not seek to understand so that I may believe, but I believe so that I may understand.” The study of theology helps us explore why we believe what we believe and how we can thoughtfully engage with the world around us. It encourages a faith that is thoughtful, reflective, and able to engage with the complexities of life.

Theological education fosters critical thinking. It moves us from basic memorization and understanding to more advanced levels of analysis, synthesis, and reflection. Ultimately, it allows us to create new ideas and engage in thoughtful dialogue with diverse perspectives. This kind of thinking is essential not only for interpreting Scripture but also for understanding and engaging with the cultural, social, and political trends around us. Theology equips us to respond to the world in ways that are both biblically faithful and contextually relevant.

Studying theology provides us with a biblical and theological framework for making ethical decisions. The Bible does not provide concrete answers to every question we face in life, but theology helps us apply a biblical worldview to those questions. As we navigate the complexities of life, theological reflection gives us the wisdom and discernment to make decisions that honor God and reflect His character.

Finally, theology transforms our disposition. It affects every aspect of our faith—our affections, behaviors, and thoughts. Theology enlarges our hearts, renews our minds, and equips us with the skills needed for faithful ministry. The transformation that comes through studying theology is holistic. It shapes who we are and how we live, equipping us to serve God more faithfully and to lead others in doing the same.

In conclusion, studying theology is not just an academic exercise; it is a journey of transformation that prepares us for meaningful participation in God’s mission. It shapes us as leaders, deepens our understanding of God’s Word, and equips us with the tools we need to navigate the complexities of life and ministry. As we engage in theological study, we grow not only in knowledge but also in wisdom, maturity, and faithfulness, all of which are essential for serving God and His people effectively. Theological education is a lifelong commitment to growing in our understanding of God, His mission, and our role within it.

Elie Haddad is ABTS President. His passion is to see more people formally trained to better serve the Church in the Arab world as it proclaims the lordship of Jesus.