Theological training in Pentecostal-Charismatic Churches: A necessity for discipleship

Abstract

Theological education is downplayed by many Pentecostal-Charismatic Churches (PCCs), resulting in church leaders who lack theological proficiency. The lack of sound theological training means that discipleship may be inadequate in many PCCs since discipleship entails being taught profound knowledge of the Word of God and being taught to long for obedience to all that Christ instructed. Therefore, for discipleship to occur systematic, biblical learning (knowledge) must take place in the context of a faith relationship with God within the faith community. Pastors play an important role in the spiritual lives of their congregants by teaching and nurturing them in the ways of God. Theologically untrained pastors may be ill-equipped to adequately shepherd the congregants in spiritual maturity, and therefore biblical training must be prioritised for the believer to grow into the full stature of Christ.
Contribution: This article is a critical literature study within the theological fields of Practical Theology and more specifically congregational ministry, as well as in Missiology and more specifically discipleship and theological education. The article contributes to the discussion of youth ministry in South Africa by looking at the context of theological training of pastors in PCCs and how this impacts discipleship. It suggests a positive correlation of theological proficiency among church leaders with discipleship of the youth within the South African context.