Does My Theology Really Matter? If you get this wrong, you are not only damaging yourself, but those you are leading.

Episode Show Notes

In this episode, Rich Brown challenges ministry leaders to move beyond the external flash of programming and recenter their ministries on the core: theology. Using memorable metaphors, biblical teaching, and decades of ministry experience, Rich unpacks why theology matters for leaders and students, and how centering theological depth can transform ministry clarity, confidence, and consistency.

You will understand the distinction between theology and doctrine. illustrated with various metaphors that theology is the big framework while doctrine is the specific teaching that flows from it. Drawing from many Scriptural references, Rich shows how Jesus, the apostles, and the early church centered their ministry on teaching and doctrine, and why this remains essential today.

You’ll hear:

• How Jesus taught all ten major doctrines and rooted the Great Commission in teaching.
• Why the early church was born through a doctrinal sermon and devoted itself to the apostles’ teaching.
• Paul’s letters emphasize being rooted in the Word for growth, strength, and fruit.
• Based on 2 Timothy 3:16, the four-part purpose of Scripture, starting with doctrine as “what is right,” reproof as “what is not right,” correction as “how to get right,” and instruction in righteousness as “how to stay right.” Biblical living comes from biblical teaching.
• Why discernment requires filtering every teaching through Scripture.

By the end, you’ll see that theology isn’t ivory-tower theory—it’s the foundation that equips leaders, sustains discipleship, and anchors the next generation in truth.

Resources Mentioned

• Youth Pastor Theologian – https://www.youthpastortheologian.com/
• Be Series: Be Faithful (1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon): It's Always Too Soon to Quit! (Warren Wiersbe)
• The Bible (Scripture references in order: John 7:16-17; Matthew 22, 28; Acts 2:14-41, 42; 5:27-28; 13:12; 17:19; Colossians 1:28-29; 2:6-7; 3:15-16; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22; 1 John 1:7)

Articles

• Article: "Why Youth Ministry Avoids Theology" by Mike McGarry – https://www.youthpastortheologian.com/blog

Timestamps

• 00:00 – Why ministry leaders must move beyond the exterior and return to the core
• 02:00 – The problem with focusing on tools, hype, and programming
• 03:30 – The three-circle metaphor: theology, philosophy, and programming
• 05:45 – Do our students truly know theology? The challenge of shallow belief
• 07:45 – Cultural issues, worldview, and why we must teach Scripture clearly
• 09:23 – Defining theology and the difference between theology and doctrine
• 13:00 – The “bowling alley” metaphor for the major doctrines
• 15:30 – Why youth pastors often avoid theology (Mike McGarry’s six reasons)
• 19:43 – What the Bible says about theology: 10 New Testament foundations
• 32:00 – Why theology matters personally for every ministry leader
• 35:43 – Why theology matters for shepherding students
• 36:33 – Students are hungry for depth: how doctrine shapes their hearts
• 37:01 – Ephesians 4 and four biblical aims for ministry
• 39:15 – Two action steps to strengthen theology in your ministry