We believe that Christ came as “God in person” (fully God and fully human) in order to commune directly with us as imperfect creatures. This creates a missional imperative to follow in that pattern (the word disciple means “learner”, thus we learn from Jesus by following what he did). One of the very first instances of this was at a wedding, where Jesus turned water into wine. Again at the end of his time with the Disciples, he shared wine with them at the Last Supper. Throughout his time on Earth, he was seen “eating and drinking … a friend of tax collectors and sinners” (Matt 11:19). Therefore, we believe that following this pattern of Jesus by breaking bread and sharing a drink together with those who have questions about God is one of the most natural forms of dialogue-based discipleship.
Our core values are summarized as:
- Gospel Centrality
- Worship in Response
- Discipleship as a Lifestyle
Here is what that means in a practical sense.
Gospel Centrality
Who is God and what has He done? The Gospel, simply stated, is a word that means “good news” and refers specifically to the finished work of Christ. There are several places where the Gospel is written down by the eyewitnesses to the resurrected Jesus, the first one penned is likely 1 Cor 15:3-8, which states: “3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.” What are the implications of making this our central claim? Read more here…
Worship as Response
Worship is our response to the Gospel. Worship, simply defined, is the act of ascribing value or “worth” to a person or thing. In theories all languages it referred to a humility, a bowing in honor before another. There is a ton to know about this, but certainly it is more than singing songs or hanging out for hour once a week. It is really our whole life in response to God’s love. It can be well summarized by Col 3:12-17 which states: “12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” We take this to mean that our lives (“whatever you do”) including “word or deed”are lived in response to the person or thing we worship, either God or something else. Read more here…
Discipleship as a Lifestyle
Discipleship is learning to be like Jesus in both our thinking and doing. One great passage on this is Phil 4:4-9, which reads: “4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” We say this is thinking (orthodoxy) and doing (orthopraxy) because is precisely he balance between overemphasis on either truth or justice. We are called to be God’s ambassadors on earth. Read more here…
Historical Affiliation / Covering
Theology Pub grew out of the discipleship training program of a local church plant in Huntsville Alabama and as a part of the interdependent and autonomous non-denominational Berean Fellowship of Churches. While the church plant closed during the COVID-19 pandemic and is no longer gathering, we we share a common statement of faith with our historical fellowship. Theology Pub is intended to continue as a disconnected and non-denominational discipleship movement, open to dialogue in various “public house” settings (including pubs, coffee shops, and other gathering spots) and not as a formal organizational church. That said, the leadership team still very much adheres to our history in the Berean statement of faith.
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