Description & Rationale

The discipline of studying Christian theology has limited value if it is not understood in terms of how it shapes understanding of personal spiritual growth, cultural issues, ethics, morality, relational dynamics, as well as organizational applications. Christian leaders not only need to know and understand theological content, they also need to be able to apply this knowledge to their own lives as well as to those they serve.

Resources

Download the Materials for Competency 4.30 Applied Theology

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Syllabus: 4.30 Applied Theology

4.31 Syllabus

Description and Rationale

The discipline of studying Christian theology has limited value if it is not understood in terms of how it shapes understanding of personal spiritual growth, cultural issues, ethics, morality, relational dynamics, as well as organizational applications. Christian leaders not only need to know and understand theological content, they also need to be able to apply this knowledge to their own lives as well as to those they serve.

Objectives

Upon completion of this competency the candidate should:

• Be able to identify the key questions which are essentially theological in nature and how to address them.
• Be aware of issues which require an empathetic theological response and gauge one’s own practical experience in addressing these.
• Learn how to identify, through the questions of others, the theological issue which requires addressing.
• Have an accountability partner or mentor who can provide feedback as to how the candidate is growing in this area and ways they have implemented this in their lives and ministry.

Core Requirements

• The candidate will complete the following readings:

How to Think Theologically, by Howard W. Stone and James O. Duke, Fortress Pres, OR
Chapter 25 of The Portable Seminary, (theportableseminary.com) Christian Ethics, David Horton, general editor, Bethany House OR locally approved substitute.

• The candidate will complete the Applied Theology Self-Evaluation.
• The candidate will write a reflective 3-5 page summary paper discussing what they have learned from the Applied Theology Self-Evaluation, which they should also be prepared to discuss with the mentor.
• Based on the reading, the candidate will also write a 3-5 pages discussing how theological belief shapes a person’s worldview, ethics, decision making and understanding of Christian ministry.

Mentoring Goals

The goal of the mentor is to:

• Assist the candidate in appreciating the importance of having a theological method to ministry and provide practical tools to help them develop in this area.
• Help the candidate with the development of their own theological method and providing constructive feedback as to how the candidate can better apply theology to the issues of their day and culture.
• Using the Assessment Evaluation and other resources provided, the mentor will design a Development Plan so candidate can apply theology within their own ministry and life.

Candidate Evaluation

• The candidate will be evaluated as to their level of development in this competency (Undeveloped, Developed, or Proficient). Using the chart provided, the mentor will facilitate a discussion regarding how the candidate can apply theology within their own ministry and life.

Development Plan

• Based on the Applied Theology Assessment and the Evaluation of that Assessment, a Development Plan will be designed to help the candidate apply theology in their lives in a practical way.
• This will include further work from the core readings, additional comprehensive learning, supplemental assignments, and various practicums.