Theology has sometimes been referred to as the “guardrails that keep us safe,” that keep us “in the lane” and from going over the edge into error.  Orthodox theology as it is also known has been developed through careful examination, introspection, and application, beginning first in the early Church Councils (Nicaea AD325, Constantinople AD 381, Ephesus AD431, Chalcedon AD451, etc.) and received by the Church as doctrinally sound and correct.  Theology doesn’t have to be deep and complicated, in fact, theology plays an important role in our understanding of the Church, its importance to Christ, and in directing how the Church should understand and conduct itself in the world.  This first Pathway opens the door to Theology and its important role in defining the Church and laying a foundation for continued study through the Pathway series.

To examine theology’s contribution to Church and Congregational Life

To explain the general categories of theology

To interpret how theology strengthens an understanding of Church and Congregational life