The Benefits of Historical Theology for Youth Ministry
I was never a reader until I became a Christian, nor was I ever into history. But when I discovered that God has worked in history among his people, I became interested in church history. Whether you are a history buff who likes reading 8-volume biographies of Churchill for leisure (like a friend of mine), or you struggle to remember basic historical facts and persons, church history and historical theology are important for pastors to know.
Knowing how Christians from the past have understood, defined, defended, and practiced their beliefs is crucial for our own walk with Christ and ministry to students. To support that claim, here are eight benefits of historical theology from Gregg Allison’s work, Historical Theology.
Eight Benefits of Historical Theology
First, historical theology helps the church to “distinguish orthodoxy from heresy.” The apostles’ teaching is the foundation of the church. These were passed down from Christ to the apostles who, in turn, passed them onto others. In church history, those who adhered to this teaching were considered orthodox while those who strayed from it were considered heretical (cf. 1 John 4:1–6). Heretical views would be condemned at ecumenical councils and this was reflected in the writing of creeds. Such creeds were documents carefully crafted to articulate and define orthodoxy for current and future generations of the church. Historical theology involves the study of how these clarifications came to be.
Second, it “provides sound biblical interpretations and theological formulations.” There is much that we can learn from church fathers’ handling of Scripture, even if you may disagree with some of their conclusions. Because of their works explaining and defending foundational doctrines like the Trinity and Christology, it would be imprudent for us to not learn from their examples and benefit from their writings. These can guide us as we teach students about subjects like the triunity of God or the hypostatic union of Christ.
Third, it can encourage us by showing us faithful examples to imitate. Christians in past eras have shown tremendous courage in defending the faith, spreading the gospel, and enduring persecution. A more recent example of this is Murray Heron, who was a missionary in Quebec in the twentieth century. He was arrested and imprisoned on numerous occasions, but God used him to pastor two congregations simultaneously (one English, one French), lead a television ministry with a reach of 75,000 people, and establish a Christian camp. Heron is just one example amongst a multitude of faithful men and women in church history.
Fourth, it helps protect the church from individualistic tendencies. It is no secret that individualism is a hallmark of our culture, which can cause us to approach theology in a consumeristic manner, wrongly thinking that doctrine should be approached like a buffet, choosing only what we like. In light of this, historical theology serves as a check and a filter. We cannot reduce our faith to what we prefer, as our own history serves to protect us from adopting flawed theology or bizarre practices.
Fifth, it informs Christians of the contexts in which doctrine was forged. Sometimes, historical theology illuminates flawed views of the fathers as well. One example Allison gives is the influence of Platonic thinking on early Christian anthropology. This does not mean we should be afraid to read the fathers, but it does remind us that even the most brilliant theologians are more influenced by the time and place they inhabit than they realize.
Sixth, it informs the modern church what are essential doctrines. While each generation of the church needs to contextualize the Scriptures for its own moment, the testimony of church history is helpful in determining what is foundational and enduring. The church today might have greater explanations on sexuality in our doctrinal statements, not because the Bible’s teaching is changing but because it requires further clarification due to our unique cultural moment. Likewise, if Christians of past generations have not viewed a particular doctrine as essential, it should give us pause of elevating it to primary importance.
Seventh, it affirms the promise that Jesus made when he said, “I will build my church” (Matt 16:15). Though imperfect at present and throughout its history, the church continues to grow and increase because of who it depends on: Jesus Christ. In spite of the confusion and conflicts that have ensued, God’s Spirit has continued to unite Christians and bring clarity, and that is an incredible gift.
Finally, historical theology reminds “the church of today [that it] is privileged to enjoy a sense of belonging to the church of the past.” Not only do we have a great cloud of witnesses who have gone before us and have thought deeply and clearly about the truths we hold to, but we also have a testimony of faithfulness and brokenness that we can find solidarity in. Knowing the struggles and victories of our predecessors is an encouragement to endure and finish well.
The Application of Historical Theology
Implementing historical theology in your ministry context can be helpful, but it also presents challenges. After all, if students are unfamiliar with or disinterested in history, how do we introduce these subjects without losing our audience? Here are some principles to remember as you seek to incorporate historical theology on a regular basis.
Try a variety of approaches
One mistake is trying to introduce too much too quickly. If your group is not used to this subject matter, then overwhelming them may actually hinder your efforts. A good starting point is to use short anecdotes or illustrations from church history in your talks/sermons. Another worthwhile approach could be to focus on a particular figure and give an extended biographical sketch, drawing out practical applications along the way. You could also teach on a particular creed or a section of it to highlight particular doctrines.
Dig into church history yourself
You may not be a history buff, but the study of the beliefs and practices of past Christians is both beneficial and interesting. Remember that your students will be interested in the things that you are passionate about. As you dive into church history and are excited to share what you have discovered with your students, they will sense that! Thus, as you are able, consult non-modern commentators in your sermon preparation. Read primary and secondary sources, commentaries, and articles that may shed light on passages or subjects you will be covering. Regularly read biographies of particular Christians or books about a particular period of church history.
Acquire solid resources
If we want to faithfully utilize historical theology in our ministries, we must consult solid resources on the subject. Here are some recommended resources to get you started:
Simonetta Carr has recently released her Church History; it is aimed at young people, and so full of pictures, maps, timelines. A more substantial overview of church history is Nicholas Needham’s 2,000 Years of Christ’s Power in five-volumes.
Other helpful works include Michael A. G. Haykin’s Rediscovering the Church Fathers: Who They Were and How They Shaped the Church, and Michael Reeves’s Unquenchable Flame on the Reformation.
In terms of historical theology proper, I would recommend Allison’s Historical Theology and Jason Duesing and Nathan Finn’s Historical Theology for the Church, both which are written from a Baptist perspective.
Overall, we are fortunate to have a rich history we can learn from. There are a remarkable number of resources available for free online, and works available for purchase at a reasonable cost. What a blessing to have the voices of generations of Christians to encourage, strengthen, and rebuke us as we walk with Christ and minister to students.