How THEOLOGICAL TRIAGE Can Help You Find a New Church

Christendom Chat, Episode 008

Today we move on to STEP 2 of the 10-Step Church-Search Method where we introduce 'THEOLOGICAL TRIAGE'!

Theological Triage is a crucial tool that will help us set priorities when it comes to determining which teachings are the most important to consider when finding a church. On the other hand, it also helps us prevent unnecessary division and conflict by showing us the doctrines that are of lesser importance in the grand scheme of the Great Commission.

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Scriptures Discussed:
John 17.11, 20-23: Christ's Prayer for Unity in the Church
1 Corinthians 15.1-8: St. Paul clarifies the "things of first importance" and then gives the 'Pauline/Corinthian Creed'

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Timestamps
00:01 | Introduction
1:48 | What is "Theological Triage"?
3:05 | Seriousness of Schism
4:22 | John 17
6:45 | Prioritizing Doctrines
7:22 | 1 Corinthians 15
9:00 | Tier 1 - The Essentials
13:58 | Tier 2 - Critical Doctrines
20:50 | Tier 3 - Important Doctrines
23:23 | Tier 4 - Unimportant Doctrines
23:52 | Closing Thoughts

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A non-exhaustive list of doctrines discussed in the video:

TIER 1 (Essentials): the existence of God, the Holy Trinity, the Fall and existence of Sin, Total/Utter Depravity of Man, the existence of Jesus of Nazareth, the divinity of Jesus, the Virgin Birth, the Incarnation, the Crucifixion and Death of Christ, the Burial of Christ, THE RESURRECTION, Repentance, the need for Baptism, the authority of Scripture*, the Second Coming*, Justification by Faith*

TIER 2 (Critical): the Sacraments, Church Government/Polity, Ordination (including Apostolic Succession), affirmation of the Creeds, submitting to a Confession of faith, Gender Roles in the Church, Church Discipline, Reverence

TIER 3 (Important): Creationism, Eschatology, Christian liberty issues (i.e. drinking), theology of the Spiritual Gifts, Preferred Worship Style (contemporary v. traditional)*, preferred Bible translation*, social justice and politics*, pacifism, eternal security ("once saved, always saved")

TIER 4 (Unimportant): angelology, demonology, theories about the Nephilim, celebration of holidays, etc.

*Anything marked with a (*) could, under certain circumstances, me moved up or down a tier.

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If you'd like to check out an overview of the whole process, check it out here:
   • How to find a Church! An Overview of my Me...  

If you'd like to review the previous step, check it out here:
   • How do you know WHEN to look for a NEW CHU...  

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Thanks for watching!

#gotochurch #churchgoing #christianityexplored #christianityexplained #protestant #evangelicals