How We Teach Theology: Teaching the IDS Way by Geoff Volker
The following is a set of notes that Geoff just finished that I thought might be helpful in explaining how to teach theology or at least how we approach teaching theology, that is, our methodology. These are just notes, so if you have questions, please ask me to clarify or expand.
Being Clear is Really Really Important
Be Clear and Simple but not Simplistic
Beware of SEMINARY Language
“The eschatological telos of Paul” = Paul’s end-times emphasis and purpose
Beware of the Sin of PRIDE
Forgetting why we are doing what we are doing. 1 Corinthians 10:31
Don’t Use Terms Without Definition
· The Danger of Assuming That People Understand More Than They Do.
· The Danger Mistaking Theological Ideas For Biblical Truth Because you Never Define Your Terms With Passages Properly Interpreted in Context– The Imputation of the Active Obedience of Christ Is An Example of This. Romans 3:21-31, Romans 8:1-4
Using Technical Terms
Technical theological terms can and will be used, but only when they are defined clearly.
Being Personal
We teach to Change lives
To teach is also to open one’s life up to the learner. 1 Thessalonians 2:6-8
Common Ground
Both teacher and student are a work under construction and nobody has arrived. Galatians 5:17
Avoid “the Preaching Stance”
“We” are seeking to live for our king. To teach primarily from the “you people” perspective does not give the student an opportunity to relate.
Again, Beware of the Sin of Pride
Avoid the pitfall of thinking that you cannot be encouraged or taught by the student.
Remembering our Purpose
If what we teach has no personal application then we spend little time on it.
Being Interactive
We must not forget Why we are Teaching
Remember!
We are teaching to cause someone to love Jesus more and to give them the tools to live for their king in a greater way. Ephesians 4:11-16
Forgetting Real Life
In no other relationship in life would we seek to teach by a lecture (ex. wife and children).
Theological Foundation
They must be equipped to study on their own
Common Sense
No one starts a 10,000 piece puzzle without looking at the picture on the box. You cannot understand the parts without also understanding the whole.
Transition
Constantly go from big picture to small picture and back again.
Scriptural Assumption
You need to understand the model in order to understand what is going on. Hebrews 8:7-8
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I have thoroughly appreciated and benefitted tremendously from the teaching style of the brothers at IDS. Years ago when I was first introduced to NCT, it was a breath of fresh air to come to this site and read the articles without having to have a theological dictionary in one hand and a computer mouse in the other. God bless!
I really enjoy all that Geoff and Steve have done with IDS. I have learned a lot from them over the past couple of years.
Interestingly enough, I used the word “caveat” today and one of my fellows brothers said, “Man, I didn’t have a clue what “caveat” meant and so you lost me for most of the sermon. Oops!
Thanks Guys!
I appreciate your encouraging words!
Steve
Thank you for this information, it was helpful. I have been given an opportunity to teach on Religion and Theology at Boise State University (Biblical Studies Center). I want to learn how to be a good professor and teach correctly. I have been arrogant and dishonest in the past and I noticed that it did not get me to far. I want to love and be honest and just do a good job.
I encourage Christians to learn more about God’s love. This love will effect your relationship with God himself and with others. This love will effect your Theology as well.
Amen to that. The character of an authentic new covenant is a dynamic, pure grace, not law. I am learning that it is Christ in me, the only hope of experiencing and manifesting the glory of Christ. I must know (intimately) my death to law and marriage to Christ, that I have been crucified with Christ and that it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. And the life that I now live, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me, as one who is joined to the Lord in one spirit by the new birth. Grace for living and not just grace for the start of life.
I know that we’ve touched on issues of sanctification and legalism before, ids, but I wanted to point to these books…the first two of which I’ve read, the second not yet;
“The Rest of the Gospel : When the Partial Gospel has worn you out” by Dan Stone and David Gregory.
“Grace Walk” by Steve McVey
“Grace Rules” by Steve McVey.
Also, Terry Rayburn’s website “graceforlife.com” which includes a back catalogue of his (short) radio broadcasts (I think in assocation with Steve McVey’s ministry), and transcripts of the same.
And for some more deeply theological writing in a similar vein, Jim Fowler at “christinyou.net”.
Phil