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
Tim Keller on Getting Out of Egypt (And Bondage to Sin) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:40
In this message on Exodus 4, recorded at TGC's 2011 National Conference, Tim Keller discusses the significance of the Red Sea crossing in the Old Testament and its connections to the New Testament, emphasizing that salva…
Pro-Life from Womb to Tomb [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:35
This panel discussion, recorded live at TGCW24 considers the importance of human dignity as we seek to develop an all-encompassing approach to valuing life. Join Missie Branch, Portia Collins, Lauren McAfee, and Bri Sten…
Theology of Rest [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:02
Many of us know we need to rest but aren’t sure how to adopt a rhythm of rest that reflects biblical teaching. In this conversation from TGCW24, Amy Gannett and Gretchen Saffles discuss how a right view of God shapes the…
Don Carson: Be Faithful and Flexible in Gospel Proclamation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:28
Don Carson discusses the concept of flexibility in gospel proclamation based on 1 Corinthians 9:19-23. He explains how Paul adapted his message to different audiences, emphasizing the need to win people to Christ without…
Loving the Church When You've Been Hurt [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:51
Whether it’s a public scandal captured in the headlines or a private offense held closely in our hearts, many of us have been hurt by others in the church. In this panel discussion from TGC’s 2024 Women’s Conference, Win…
Encouragement for Ministry Wives [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:04
Are you the wife of a pastor, elder, or seminary student? We want you to know you’re not alone in this unique calling. In this episode from TGC’s 2024 Women’s Conference, Kristie Anyabwile, Christine Hoover, Glenna Marsh…
Building Cross-Cultural Competence Through Holistic Discipleship [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:58
Loving others and communicating respectfully across differences isn’t easy—sometimes it’s not even something we want to do. It’s far more comfortable to stay in circles of sameness than to engage those with different bel…
Fighting the Good Fight (2 Tim. 4:6–22) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:21
In this keynote from TGC’s 2009 National Conference, Ligon Duncan urges pastors to recover the centrality of the pastoral epistles—1 and 2 Timothy and Titus—as foundational guides for faithful life and ministry. He criti…
Pitfalls and Parodies of Gospel-Centered Ministry (2 Tim. 2:14–3:9) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:44
In this keynote from TGC’s 2009 National Conference, K. Edward Copeland examines 2 Timothy 3:1–9 to address the dangers of self-centeredness, superficial godliness, and a diluted gospel in the last days. He warns that mi…
The Pattern of Sound Words (2 Tim. 1:13–2:13) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:51
In this keynote from TGC’s 2009 National Conference, Philip Ryken opens 2 Timothy to remind pastors that faithful ministry flows from the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. With encouragement from Paul’s example and…