seminary

::: in a couple of days a close friend of mine will begin his studies in seminary...his starting-line stance has stirred me to look back at our four years of study at gordon-conwell theological seminary...

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...from the get-go i gathered some good advice on starting and finishing well in seminary...from this bulb of advice sprouted a few principles and practices that not only enriched my seminary experience, but continue to guide me...some of the advice i received (in no particular order):

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• read the bible in its entirety every month (or at least every semester)
• pray regularly for your professors, fellow students, and seminary staff
• forge genuine community with as many people from different traditions and perspectives
• seek mentoring
• do not let the search for minutia(e) extinguish childlike mysterium
• do not take shortcuts for the sake of recognition and do not argue about grades
• be equally (or more) ready and willing to consider why you may be wrong versus why you may be right
• schedule time to ponder the simplicity and beauty of nature
• study and worship go hand in hand
• don't be too proud to admit you've bitten off more than you can chew...but when you need to lighten your luggage, be sure to communicate to relevant parties in a timely manner
• not everyone cares about your thesis
• overflow in gratitude and be genuinely happy for others
• borrow books before buying them
• strive for A+ in your relationships
• last but not least, put God first

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