Good theology aids in the church doing the work that God has called and equipped it to do. Any dichotomy between academic theology and actual ministry is entirely false. If a theology – an attempt to explain aspects of the Gospel and the kingdom of God – is accurate and clearly laid out then it will find practical application. It might take some serious work to figure out how, the way it takes a measure of training and skill to use professional grade power tools.
If a theological expression really has no practical import then it is entirely worthless and we need to start over. And that is not a bad thing. We have to start theology over again all the time because each generation, each culture has to think through the truth of the revelation of God and express that in terms that make sense under the logic of that time and culture. The truth of God doesn’t change. But we constantly do and thus our theologies with us.

The Gospel inherently, necessarily brings together people who are not like each other to live into community together. This means we are always going to have to fight for each other’s freedom and equality. This continual process is an integral part of doing kingdom work.