Synergy Resources

Theology, formation, mission, and leadership — all four matter as we engage in church strengthening and multiplication. Sometimes, these differing aspects of the Christian life and church ministry can be pitted against one another. Some churches really value theology, while some say they are all about mission. Others say spiritual growth, and still others say leadership in the church matters most. All four are needed in balance for the formation of church health.

Theology

Theology is the study of God and all things in relation to Him. It is knowledge meant to result in wise living. We need to be people of the Word, able to instruct others in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict it. To do this, we need to understand the overarching storyline of Scripture, summarized as the 6 Cs: creation, catastrophe, covenants, Christ, church, and consummation. We need to understand what the Bible says about key topics such as Scripture, God, humanity, sin, Christ, salvation, the Holy Spirit, the Church, and last things.

Formation

God predestined us to be conformed to the image of His Son. As Christians, we are to grow in godliness. We are to forsake the world and pursue God in godliness. Ephesians 4:22–24 tells us that there are three components to that pursuit:

1. Put off the old.
2. Renew our minds.
3. Put on the new.

Mission

Mission exists because worship doesn’t. We are on a mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the glory of God’s name. We need to be about making disciples who are not yet disciples, both locally and globally. Don’t settle for transfer growth, plateaus, or declines. Think through and pray that God would do work as you reach out with the Gospel to make it known to those in your neighborhoods.

Leadership

Christian leadership can be defined as taking initiative to influence God’s people to fulfill God's purposes by God’s power. We need to raise up others who can do the same in every kind of ministry (kids, students, adults, music, teaching and preaching, administration, etc.) Many will follow godly leaders, and some will lead in various capacities (self, group, ministry, whole church, etc.).

Leaders must commit to spiritual growth alongside their competencies. If our abilities outpace our character, we will not have a long-term ministry.

Action Steps

1. Because theology, formation, mission, and leadership are all needed within the local church, don’t make them compete against one another.
2. Look to engage yourself and your church in these areas in fitting and balanced ways.
3. By the grace of God, we will see growth and multiplication in our churches as we commit to theology, formation, mission, and leadership.

Dr. Jeremy Kimble, Professor of Theology and Director of the Synergy Initiative at Cedarville University, is passionate about teaching college and graduate students the truth of God’s Word. He is committed to teaching in the classroom, mentoring students, and speaking in church, camp, and conference settings. He served in pastoral ministry for eight years and is currently an active member and minister at University Baptist Church. Dr. Kimble's academic interests include biblical and systematic theology, ecclesiology, preaching and teaching, and the mission of the Church.

Synergy is the combined power of a group working together that is greater than the power of individuals working separately. The Synergy Initiative aims to help students plan strategically to graduate from Cedarville, go together with others from this place, and invest their energies, talents, and efforts in planting, revitalizing, and multiplying churches. As Cedarville graduates join up with other church members who are equipped to do the work of ministry, the combined effect of their efforts will accomplish, by God’s grace, abundantly more than only a couple of pastors in a church doing all of the work on their own. Thus, the goal is to equip students to leave Cedarville University ready to help establish and strengthen local churches throughout the nation and around the world.