Discipleship must be theologically conservative because true discipleship is about faithfully transmitting the teachings of Jesus, as revealed in Scripture. In today’s culture, there’s a lot of pressure to adapt or water down biblical truths to fit popular trends, but this can lead to disciples who aren’t grounded in the solid foundation of the faith.
What is Conservative Theology?
Conservative theology, at its core, is about faithfully adhering to the Bible as the inspired and inerrant Word of God. It’s not about political positions or cultural resistance, but about maintaining the truths of Scripture as they have been passed down through the church. It seeks to preserve the historical doctrines of the Christian faith, without allowing them to be compromised or reinterpreted to fit modern opinions or societal pressures.
Here are some key elements of conservative theology:
1. Biblical Authority
Conservative theology starts with a commitment to the Bible as the ultimate authority for faith and practice. This means that every teaching, belief, and moral stance is grounded in Scripture. The words of the Bible are seen as God's direct revelation to humanity, and they carry the full weight of His authority. As 2 Peter 1:20-21 tells us, “No prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Peter 1:20-21, ESV)
This means that conservative theology doesn’t reinterpret Scripture to fit cultural trends; instead, it seeks to understand and apply the timeless truths of the Bible.
2. Doctrinal Stability
Conservative theology holds firmly to the core doctrines that have defined Christianity for centuries. These include beliefs like the Trinity, the deity of Christ, the virgin birth, Jesus’ literal resurrection, and the future return of Christ. These aren’t up for debate or reinterpretation—they’re non-negotiable truths that have been central to the Christian faith from the beginning.
Paul instructed Timothy, “Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.” (2 Timothy 1:13-14, ESV)
Conservative theology aims to guard that “good deposit” of truth against anything that would distort it.
3. Moral Clarity
In an age where moral relativism is rampant, conservative theology upholds the Bible's moral teachings as eternal and unchanging. From matters of sexuality to the sanctity of life, it affirms that God’s standards for living are not outdated but are as relevant today as they were when first revealed.
This moral clarity provides disciples with a clear sense of right and wrong, based on God's Word, not on societal opinions or personal feelings.
4. Commitment to the Gospel
The heart of conservative theology is the Gospel: the message of salvation through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Conservative theology insists that humanity’s greatest need is redemption from sin, and that Jesus is the only way to be reconciled to God. John 14:6 emphasizes this exclusivity: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6, ESV)
At its core, conservative theology remains laser-focused on the centrality of the Gospel, keeping it free from distractions or dilutions.
Why is conservative theology essential for making disciples?
Here’s why I believe conservative theology is essential in making true disciples:
1. Rooted in the Authority of Scripture
Theological conservatism upholds the authority of the Bible as God's inspired Word, and this is critical for discipleship. If the Bible is just another book or open to individual interpretation, then we lose the power and clarity that God intended. As 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17, ESV)
Without the firm anchor of the Bible’s authority, discipleship loses its direction. You can’t disciple someone based on the shifting opinions of culture; you must disciple based on eternal truth.
2. Preserves the Core of the Gospel
Conservative theology keeps the focus on the Gospel's central truths: Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and the need for repentance and faith. Discipleship, at its core, is about helping people live out the Gospel. When we dilute the truth or fail to address sin and the need for repentance, we fail to make true disciples. Paul warns us about this in Galatians 1:8, saying, “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:8, ESV)
A conservative theological approach keeps us anchored to the original, undiluted message of salvation.
3. Promotes True Spiritual Growth
Theologically conservative discipleship doesn’t focus solely on making people feel good; it prioritizes holiness and transformation. Jesus didn’t call people to merely agree with Him; He called them to follow Him, which requires obedience and a commitment to His commands. Matthew 28:19-20 makes it clear that discipleship is about teaching obedience: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations... teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20, ESV)
True spiritual growth comes from following Jesus fully—not just picking and choosing the teachings that we like. Conservative theology promotes this kind of full, authentic transformation, not just a shallow “feel-good” faith.
4. Prepares Disciples to Stand Firm
One of the most significant benefits of theologically conservative discipleship is that it prepares people to stand firm in their faith, even when culture and society turn against them. Jesus warned His followers that the road would be difficult (John 16:33), and pastors must prepare disciples for the hard choices and sacrifices of following Jesus. A conservative theological foundation gives disciples the strength to endure persecution, cultural pressure, and moral decay, because they’ve been trained to trust in God's unchanging truth, not the fleeting opinions of the day.
5. Fosters Multiplication of Strong Disciples
If we don’t give people solid biblical truth, we won’t raise strong disciples who can go on to make more disciples. One of the weaknesses of discipleship in many churches today is that we’ve “watered down” the faith, resulting in believers who don’t know how to stand firm in trials or defend their faith. Conservative discipleship focuses on multiplication through spiritual growth, accountability, and mission. As 2 Timothy 2:2 states, “And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.” (2 Timothy 2:2, ESV)
The conservative theological approach to discipleship isn't about being rigid or out-of-touch; it’s about being faithful. Faithful to the Bible, faithful to the Gospel, and faithful to the call of Jesus. This is what leads to spiritual transformation and multiplication.
"True discipleship isn’t about following the latest trends. It’s about faithfully following Jesus, rooted in the unchanging truths of Scripture."
When pastors lead discipleship from a theologically conservative standpoint, they give their congregations a strong foundation that can withstand the storms of life and culture. And that’s the kind of disciples we desperately need in today's world.
Why I will always be theologically conservative
After over 20 years of pastoring, discipling people, and watching countless lives transform, I can confidently say that I will always be theologically conservative. Not because it’s trendy—trust me, it’s not—but because I’ve seen firsthand the power of God’s truth to change lives when we stay true to His Word.
When I first started out in ministry, I quickly realized something: only the unchanging truth of Scripture could address the deepest needs in people’s lives. No amount of pop psychology, feel-good sermons, or watered-down theology could bring real transformation. People don’t need fluff—they need truth.
I've Seen God's Word Transform Lives
I’ve had the privilege of seeing theologically conservative discipleship literally save marriages, break addictions, and bring people out of spiritual confusion. I’ll never forget one man in our church who had been battling alcoholism for years. Through consistent, Bible-based discipleship, his life changed. He didn’t need a trendy message that made him feel good in the moment—he needed the life-altering truth that he was made new in Christ. And that’s exactly what he got. The Word of God isn’t just information; it’s a living force that cuts through to the heart and brings about transformation (Hebrews 4:12).
A Shifting Culture Needs a Firm Foundation
In today’s culture, everything seems to be up for grabs. Morality shifts. Truth becomes relative. People are told to “follow their own path” instead of following God’s path. But here’s the problem with that: if you don’t stand on something solid, the storms of life will blow you over. I’ve seen this happen in people’s lives time and time again when they’re not grounded in solid biblical truth.
I’ve made it my mission as a pastor to disciple people into a faith that lasts. And I’m convinced that a theologically conservative approach is the only way to make that happen. You can’t build disciples on quicksand. Jesus said it best: “Everyone who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matthew 7:24, ESV). That “rock” is the unchanging truth of God’s Word, and that’s where I intend to keep my ministry focused.
The Bible Doesn't Need an Upgrade
One of the biggest temptations in ministry today is to “upgrade” or “modernize” the Bible’s message to fit cultural trends. But I’ve seen how that can lead people away from the true power of the Gospel. If we start picking and choosing which parts of Scripture to believe, we’re no longer preaching the Gospel—just our own opinions. The Bible doesn't need an upgrade because it’s already perfect, timeless, and relevant to every generation.
In my years as a pastor, I’ve seen how theologically conservative teaching equips people to stand firm in their faith. One of my greatest joys has been watching people who were once shaky in their beliefs become solid and unmovable, not because of my words, but because of God’s unchanging Word.
I Will Always Stand on the Truth
I can’t change people’s lives. Only God’s truth can do that. That’s why I’ll never compromise theologically. There’s too much at stake. The people I disciple—people just like you—need the unfiltered, unchanging truth of Scripture. They need to know who God really is, what He really says, and how to live that out in today’s world. That’s what gives people hope and strength in the face of life’s challenges.
So, as long as God gives me breath, I’ll keep preaching and discipling from a theologically conservative perspective. Because I’ve seen it work. I’ve seen the power of God’s Word, when taken seriously, change lives in ways nothing else could.
And I want you to see that in your ministry, too.
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