To help me understand the issue a little bit better, I wonder if you would explain in a little more detail why you reject my pastor friends understanding of the issue.

Just so you don't misunderstand, he studies Systematic Theology, in fact according to him almost all of his theology books stem from a systematic point of view.
He believes both Biblical and Systematic Theology do compliment one another, but for him one of them must come first, for the other was born out of the first; Systematics flow out of and support Biblical theology.
Is there perhaps something in what I have told you about his views, which might uncover where his misunderstanding occurs?
I do know that he is quite young, having just finished his degree in the last year.

I will tell you one thing, after studying this issue in the past while although I have learned a lot; I feel I am only scratching the surface.

Tom