For six years it became a familiar line in the first evening of each semester, “If you are looking for a Bible study you are in the wrong class. However, this class will help you with your Bible study.” First, it was at the prompting of my pastor that I began teaching theology and then later, when the Acts Institute was formed, our associate pastor asked that I continue. At the end of the current semester the Acts Institute will come to a close. Teaching theology to the women of my church ended tonight as we concluded this semester’s study of Soteriology with a lesson on perseverance.
Content for this class was derived from the core doctrines of the Christian faith, taught over a three year cycle, and for me these doctrines have become vital truths now etched into my mind. My personal studies, prep for these classes, enriched what I had been taught in my seminary training. Christian doctrines are now prominent as they’ve become the theological thread running through all I counsel, disciple, and teach. To be frank, Christian theology now holds a place in my everyday thoughts and words. I live and worship with sound theology. Truth be told I was probably the woman who learned the most; I am truly an everyday theologian.
Time and again women who’ve sat under my teaching have let me know that the familiar line proved true. Whether they were better able to connect the dots in their personal Bible study, could relate to the core doctrines presented in BSF, or can now understand the meaning of a word used in our pastor’s sermon, women shared with me how they found benefit from the theology class in unexpected ways. What a joy it has been to hear from them!
Doing theology is about hope. It has to do with our perseverance in the Christian life. What we know about God whether we are growing theologians or poor theologians (because everyone is a theologian in some sense) affects how we do everyday life of faith and obedience. Basic truths that come together – and lay a foundation the church has held as permanence for centuries – firm up what we can not only stand on, but pass on to future generations. And when life throws us challenges, it is those age old theological truths that give us a confident hope and assurance that our God does not change. He is the same God who was worshipped and served by those Christians who came before us. Orthodox Christianity that falls within the guardrails assures us that when the trends and fads in church life have come and gone, Christ’s church will stand.
It’s with fond memories that I’m putting away Gregg Allison’s book that has served me well and as of now, you can find me preparing for upcoming workshops. These educational workshops for women are held quarterly:
- November 4th – “Knowing God”
- April 13th – “Cultivating Christian Friendship”
- August – “Habits of Grace”
On Nov. 4th we will explore what God has revealed about himself and how he relates to his creation. This interactive workshop will offer guided scripture reading and table exercises to encourage relationship building. In breakout sessions, we will discover what application looks like as we explore biblical answers to particular life problems, and together, we will consider how our view of God affects all of life. Those who attend will leave having greater clarity in who God is and how each one of us can find joy in who we are in Him. I believe this biblical teaching is invaluable when it comes to daily living in our fallen world. I hope you will consider joining us.
Oh, do not be alarmed by my absence on Sunday evenings because God’s not finished with me yet! Although I’m done with my formal classroom teaching this semester, I’m hoping to continue Wednesday evenings in January. My personal ministry continues; God is using this dedicated space in my home more and more as I walk women through discipleship or walk alongside them while sorting through life’s problems. And I’m convinced God has much work for me to do in 2024.
Debbie Swindell 