What's more important - theology or practice? A man once asked me to give a sermon at a non-denominational chapel and advised me to be practical, not theological. "People don't want theology," he said, "especially not baptism or communion. Better to stick to the practical - God, love, Jesus, faith." After our discussion I declined his invitation.
I think that man was not giving people much credit. Theology is the "science of God" and most people want to know more about Him than just a thin top-layer. They want to get below the basics and find out more about Him. That involves some theology.
A farmer may experience more of God in a quiet July day in a cornfield than he does in a Bible Class. Sometimes God's presence in nature is better than a stuffy church service. Yet that farmer knows a lot more about farming than just how he feels in that cornfield.
He may enjoy the feeling of seeing a good cornfield (practical), but he also knows what it takes to make corn grow (theology). He must know about the land, seed, weather and fertilizer, because farming is more than just digging in a field. A good farmer learns all the details he can about crop rotation, financing, machinery and being a good steward of the soil. There's a lot more to farming than enjoying a nice field.
Theology is the details of God, who He is, what He says and how He does His work. God wants us to grow in our relationship and understanding of His will, His Commandments and His Word. Enjoying God's presence is good, but our feelings are fickle and they can change. God's Word does not.
Some churches are not giving people what they need. Too many are content to help people feel good when they leave and hope they'll return. Giving only the bare essentials of God is treating them like children, all frills and no work. It's like watching the wind blow in a summer field. Your feelings will not pay the bills. "Make me to know Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths." (Psalm 25:4)
In other words, theology is very practical.
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