Surviving
and
Thriving
in
Seminary
An Academic and Spiritual Handbook
H. Daniel Zacharias and Benjamin K. Forrest
Surviving and Thriving in Seminary: An Academic and Spiritual Handbook
Copyright 2017 H. Daniel Zacharias and Benjamin K. Forrest
Lexham Press, 1313 Commercial St., Bellingham, WA 98225
All rights reserved. You may use brief quotations from this resource in presentations, articles, and books. For all other uses, please write Lexham Press for permission. Email us at permissions@lexhampress.com.
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations are from the Lexham English Bible (leb), copyright 2013 by Lexham Press. Lexham is a registered trademark of Faithlife Corporation.
Print ISBN 978-1-57-799778-8
Digital ISBN 978-1-57-799779-5
Lexham Editorial Team: Elliot Ritzema, Jennifer Edwards
Cover Design: Bryan Hintz
Back Cover Design: Liz Donovan
Contents
Chapter 1: Preparing Your Mind
Chapter 2: Preparing Your Heart
Chapter 3: Preparing Your Family
PART 2: MANAGING TIME AND ENERGY
Chapter 4: Taking Responsibility
Chapter 6: Taking Care of Your Body
Chapter 7: Juggling Ministry with Your Studies
PART 3: STUDY SKILLS AND TOOLS
Chapter 9: Reading and Writing Skills
Appendix 1: Choosing a Seminary
Appendix 2: Paying for Seminary
This is a no-nonsense guide to success in seminary. We are not going to teach you theology or give you an introduction to biblical studies; that is what your courses will do. Instead, we want to talk to you about things that should be covered in every seminary orientation. We want not only to help you understand the reality of what you are getting yourself into, but also to equip you with the skills to succeed—spiritually, relationally, and academically.
Students attend seminary for many reasons. You may be pursuing vocational ministry. You may want to go on to doctoral studies. Or you may just be taking courses, residentially or online, out of interest and a desire for growth. While we all have our own particular goals, we believe there are certain skills and habits that apply to anyone in a seminary context. So whether you are on the cusp of entering seminary, you are already there (perhaps you have become frustrated with your experience), or your professor assigned this as introductory reading in one of your first seminary courses, we believe that this book can help encourage and give you the skills you need to survive and thrive.
Perhaps it is the information age, perhaps it is our society that likes everything instantaneously, or perhaps it is our own impatience, but we don’t like long, drawn-out writing. What you’ll find here is concise, practical advice. This book is written in a conversational style and short enough to read through in one or two evenings. We’re not going to mince words, ...
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About Surviving and Thriving in Seminary: An Academic and Spiritual HandbookSeminary can be rich and rewarding, but also disorienting. In addition to the typical challenges of doing graduate studies, your experiences in seminary have the potential to affect how you see God, other people, and yourself. The stakes are high, but the good news is that you are not alone! In Surviving and Thriving in Seminary, two experienced professors (and former seminary students) tell you what to expect and how to navigate your years in seminary. They give you advice on how to prepare your own heart and relationships, how to manage your time and energy, and how to acquire the study skills you need. This essential book encourages and equips current and prospective seminary students to get the most out of their time in seminary. |
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