The danger of losing a healthy approach to the Bible applies to every church - not only in Danmark, but also in other countries. In one country in Central Asia, which unfortunately we cannot mention here, it is no different. The young church is growing, but as every child needs a good environment to grow up - so does the church need theologians to create that environment.
I meet Adilet on a trip to the Middle East. He is 37 years old, has two children and has previously trained in economics. He is now studying theology for a 2.5-year bachelor's degree.
How did your interest in theology start?
- I came to faith in Jesus in 1999. Then I started Bible school, and when I finished, I went on a mission trip with the school. Here I helped the pastor with talks, sermons and diaconal work. It was here that I realized that the theology and dogmatics of Christian living is important to understand the radicality of the Gospel and its points. I discovered that there were areas where we in our Christian church did not preach everything.
"I believe that together, in unity and as one body, we can preserve each other in sound theology and thereby rejoice together in heaven."
Is it fair to say that you discovered a weak or downright wrong theology?
- Without being able to pinpoint anything in particular, yes. I would say that there is unhealthy theology here, but that is just my understanding. Our church has a short history compared to many European churches. I also think that one of our challenges is that with a short Bible college education and a further nine months of training, you can be employed as a pastor. Some of those who take this path are poorly educated. They are therefore not used to a systematic approach, but simply read the Bible verse by verse without an academic overview. It has its charm - but there is a need for some to approach the Bible systematically and read it in its entirety and dare to communicate the difficult things.
Is that why you're studying theology, or do you have other thoughts?
- That's not the only reason. I love Jesus and want to honor him with my life and therefore also my education. The church in my country is young and inexperienced and it needs good systematic and biblical teaching. I feel underqualified as a preacher and as a leader. Therefore, my goal is also - with God's help - to gain a good theological understanding to be able to pass on the message I have received.
- We face a great challenge to pass on our faith to the next generation. To pass the baton so that they have the power to run their own race. The new generation is at great risk of losing the healthy approach to the Bible. I therefore believe that through theological education we can keep the right approach and maintain faith in Jesus.
Do you have a goal for your church?
- Besides wanting my church to stand for good, systematic and solid theology, my strongest wish is that the church should not be isolated, but that it should be connected across the board. Both within the national borders, but also, if possible, that we must connect the church internationally. This is my wish - because I believe that together, in unity and as one body, we can preserve each other in sound theology and thereby rejoice together in heaven.
Sounds like a bit of a challenge, but you seem motivated?
- The is A big challenge, but yes, I am motivated. As I learn more and more, I also have a responsibility to pass it on. I want the church to pass the trials that are here now and that will come. We will only get through these trials with a sound theology. I have a responsibility to think about the generation after me and train them in the Christian faith. Right now there are 50 people in the church I attend. On Sundays there are 20-30 of us. It's a great community, but I want us to grow even more!
*The name has been changed for security reasons
