A few years ago I was sitting in a church history class in seminary. The professor was lecturing on the debate between Athanasius and Arius regarding the divine nature of Jesus Christ. A fellow student raised his hand, identified himself as a future missionary, and asked with, no small level of disdain, how this would help him be a better missionary. The professor did a fine job of explaining how theology undergirds ministry--but I'm not sure the student bought it.

I never saw another incident like that while I was at seminary. I remember it because I understand it. My mind gravitate toward that which is obviously and immediately relevant. Being a Christian (and certainly a Christian serving as a missionary) requires us to reflect upon who Jesus is and what he has done even before we answer how this affects us. We must answer the latter, but we must first dwell on the former. Read more