Influence Podcast

Why Theology Matters to Ministry


In a January 27, 1855, sermon, C. H. Spurgeon proclaimed, “I know nothing which can so comfort the soul; so calm the swelling billows of sorrow and grief; so speak peace to the winds of trial, as a devout musing upon the subject of the Godhead.”

Spurgeon clearly believed that theology matters to life, and because he was a preacher, to ministry as well. The question is, do we?

In this episode of the Influence Podcast, I’m talking with Dr. Allen Tennison about the practical importance of theology. I’m George P. Wood, executive editor of Influence magazine and your host.

Dr. Allen Tennison is theological counsel to the Assemblies of God and chair of its Commission on Doctrines and Practices. An ordained AG minister, he holds a Ph.D. in systematic theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. Before coming to the national office, he served as a professor and dean of the College of Church Leadership at North Central University in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

P.S. This podcast is cross-posted from InfluenceMagazine.com by permission.

5 thoughts on “Why Theology Matters to Ministry”

  1. Dear Mr. Wood:

    I respectfully feel that The Assemblies of God need to clean their own side of the street regarding your theology before offering teaching to your constituents on sound doctrine.

    Case in point, you violate your own stated position papers on: -End Time Revival-Spirit Led and Spirit Controlled -Apostles and Prophets -Positive Confession

    I have many other examples in “My File”.

    In addition, You have a collaboration with Bethel Supernatural School of ministry in Redding California that offers credit toward an AG credential from some of their classes. Sam did a great job marketing them to the NCR community of churches.. Bret did a stupendous job of obfuscation to Willy Bowles and Jay showed political mastery at smearing me for bringing these matters up.

    It has also been my experience that a large percentage go AG churches embrace New Apostolic Reformation theology and behaviors to varying degrees of commitment and adherence.

    I know that an AG church has a “voluntary” tie to AG but that is not an excuse for the spread of toxic aberrant theology. Remember “Brownsville” and many other “revivalist” and Word of Faith movements under your watch.

    Please note: I’m still waiting on an apology from “The 3 Wise Men”.

    Sincerely, Robin J. Wood Sr. Promoting The Essentials of The Christian Faith (209) 324-8888

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    Reply

      1. Your response was confusing. The A. G embraces NAR theology by collaborating with Bethel Supernatural School of Ministry. This is in contradiction to A.G. position papers that I referred to.
        “The 3 wise men” are the 3 officers of NCN district. This is a moniker they’ve adopted.
        You don’t owe me an apology. They do.
        Sincerely,

      2. Go back and reread your original post. You repeatedly used the word “you.” That you commented on a post on my blog, it was Nashville for me to assume that you were referring to me. You should’ve made that clear. For the record, I am an employee of the national office, not the North California Nevada district. If you have a problem with them, take it up with them, not with me.

      3. Greetings:
        George, thank for your quick response.

        I have reviewed my original post. The “you” I was referring to was The Assemblies of God.

        I naively assumed that you recognized that the actions of NCN impacted the entire Assemblies of God movement. The toxicity of The New Apostolic Reformation has impacted not only the Assemblies of God brand but caused untold casualties among sincere believers. The Assemblies of God Position Papers are a part of your “national” doctrinal positions.

        Indeed my beef is with the NCN District and they are aware of my stance. I take responsibility for initiating this dialogue with you. Some part of me may have thought that there might be potential for reconciliation with them, maybe even through you.

        I think it best, however, to end the conversation here.

        Please remove me from your mailing list.

        Sincerely,
        Robin J Wood Sr.
        (209) 324-8888

        Note: If you have further interest in The New Apostolic Revival a great read is:
        A New Apostolic Reformation
        A Biblical Response to a Worldwide Movement
        R. Douglas Geivett & Holly Pivec

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