The Importance Of Theology And Ministry

In Orthodoxy theology and ministry are inseparable. Theology is not simply a formulaic doctrine or belief that is written down only for comprehension, but rather it is the genuine revelation from God Himself that is expressed in the ministry. Without the proper understanding of the truth in regards to the disease in this world, how could one prescribe any medication or seek any form of healing? In the same manner how could one hold onto a precious treasurer and not apply it to heal those who are suffering? As Father Joseph states, “creative tension must be maintained if pastoral theology will be done correctly….the words of this tension are praxis and theory and not praxis and theology” (98). For simply reducing theology to a theory or a belief would be contrary to the Orthodox understanding. In the same manner one can’t reduce theology to only experience since understanding and studying the faith is essential. So then the question becomes how can one establish this balance in a practical sense? Fr. Joseph Allen seeks to …show more content…
If one doesn’t build his theology on the foundation of scripture, doctrine, liturgics, patristics, etc. then pastoral theology in the Orthodox sense would be absent. This does not mean that one is unable to make mistakes, but as long as they are grounded in the faith of the Church with humility then God’s grace is able to fulfill where the minister is lacking. If we rely only on experiences and common medicine in the world (which obviously has its use), but are devoid of the faith then we are not allowing Christ to intervene. This ministry, whether it takes place in marital counseling, spiritual healing, etc. must always seek to reveal the person of Christ and the state of man. This second degree as Fr. Allen refers to it is then simply the revelation of the theological foundation. While this is simple to define, the challenge is the