Knowing Faith After the Fact: Why Theological Formation Happens Best In the Church with Jared Bumpers
Nov 18, 2025
Jared Bumpers, Associate Professor of Preaching and Evangelism at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, discusses the importance of theological formation in the local church. He argues that genuine growth in faith is best nurtured through pastoral oversight and community support. Jared also highlights the innovative cohort model at Midwestern, which allows students to gain hands-on ministry experience within local congregations. This approach fosters a deeper understanding of theology, connecting students with practical, real-world applications.
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Formation Is Knowing God Wholeheartedly
- Theological formation is becoming like Christ by knowing God and relating everything to him.
- Jared Bumpers defines theology as the study of God and all things in relation to God, aiming at spiritual maturity.
Community Is Essential For Formation
- The local church uniquely shapes believers through pastoral oversight, peer example, and mutual exhortation.
- Bumpers argues these communal elements make church the best context for theological formation.
Embed Students In Church Structures
- Place students in local churches where they sit in elders' and deacons' meetings and receive mentorship.
- Midwestern's cohorts require residential students to serve in churches and meet weekly with pastors.
