How Pastors Can Effectively Practice Theological Triage

How Pastors Can Effectively Practice Theological Triage

Author: The Gospel Coalition March 31, 2023 Duration: 49:04

In 2005, Al Mohler wrote an article about the call to Christian maturity through triaging theological issues. As with prioritizing particular injuries and illnesses in a hospital, there's great need for ranking theological issues in order of importance within the church.

At TGC21, Matt Smethurst moderates a panel with Al Mohler, Gavin Ortlund, and Afshin Ziafat as they discuss how to separate primary, secondary, and tertiary theological beliefs. Smethurst defines the three categories as follows:

  1. Primary doctrines are central to Christianity—things you have to agree on to be a Christian.
  2. Secondary doctrines separate churches and create denominations due to differing beliefs. These are things you must agree on in order to be church members in the same body.
  3. Last-order issues aren't definitional for any kind of confessional system, and they allow Christians to remain unified while holding their differing beliefs.

Gavin Ortlund shares that love should always be the driving motivation in finding where one’s church stands on theological beliefs. He says, “When we notice we are being too sectarian and fighting too much, it is helpful to ask if this is becoming a form of self-justification.” Ortlund reminds us we're saved by grace alone, through faith in Christ alone.

Recommended resource: Finding the Right Hills to Die On: The Case for Theological Triage by Gavin Ortlund


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.


Drawing from the archives of live events, the TGC Podcast from The Gospel Coalition offers a front-row seat to thoughtful discussions that sit at the intersection of faith and everyday life. This collection presents keynote addresses and breakout sessions recorded at their various conferences, capturing moments of teaching and dialogue meant to deepen understanding. The conversations you'll hear are grounded in a Christian worldview, exploring how timeless truths engage with contemporary issues in culture, philosophy, and society. It’s a resource for anyone curious about how spiritual conviction informs our approach to art, work, community, and leadership. By sharing these talks, the aim is to provide practical theology and thoughtful commentary that helps listeners navigate the complexities of modern life with wisdom and grace. Each episode serves as a standalone session, whether it's a deep dive into a biblical text, an analysis of cultural trends, or reflections on pastoral ministry. Tuning into this podcast means accessing a wealth of perspectives dedicated to forming resilient faith. The content is crafted not just for pastors and church leaders, but for any believer seeking to connect their Sunday faith to their Monday reality. You will encounter a range of voices from within The Gospel Coalition network, all united by a commitment to the centrality of the gospel. The hope is that these recordings equip and challenge you to think more deeply about your own spiritual journey and your role in the world.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 438

TGC Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Good News Homes in a Bad News World [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:08
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
How to Become a Tech-Wise Family [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:13
Collin Hansen interviews Andy Crouch about putting technology in its proper place Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertisin…
What Does God Think of Women? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:31
A talk by Kathleen Nielson on Women, God, and Hard Questions Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Of Reviewing Many Books There Is No End [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:21
Collin Hansen interviews Ivan Mesa about books Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Trevin Wax on Signs of Hope for the Next Generation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:57
A talk by Trevin Wax Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Don’t Pit Eternal Good Against Common Good [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:32
Collin Hansen interviews Stephen Um Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Doing Urban Ministry in an Unjust World [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:54
A conversation on Urban Discipleship with KB and Ameen Hudson Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Thank God It’s Monday [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:49
Collin Hansen interviews Tom Nelson Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Bumping Our Heads Against a Secular Ceiling [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:57
A conversation with Mike Cosper and Alan Noble Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.