Just got this news from Rockbridge, the online seminary: they are waiving tuition for all new students in September!! I have a lot of respect for Daryl Eldridge, the founder of Rockbridge Seminary. The traditional seminary has its strengths, but I think there is a lot about online seminary that merits serious consideration. From the [...]
August 18th, 2009 | Mark | 1 comment | ContinuedArchive for Mark
Thinking of Seminary?
During the summer, some folks are finalizing plan to begin seminary in the Fall. Whether you’re on your way, or thinking about it, here’s a summary of our series on calling to ministry. Make Sure You’re Supposed to Be Here Part One Part Two Part Three Sounding the Call Part Four The Calling to Ministry [...]
August 17th, 2009 | Mark | 0 comments | Continued
What do ministers actually DO?
Great words from James MacDonald or Harvest Bible Chapel about the critical difference between ministering equippers and servants in the church. (Video not working? try here) This is a pretty important distinction. In particular, I’ve seen people go into youth ministry because they love working with youth. Then they become full-time ministers and realize that [...]
August 6th, 2009 | Mark | 1 comment | Continued
Tips for a Productive Day at Seminary
Of all the subject areas we address here at SSG, one I’m really passionate about is time management. Here’s a baker’s dozen of my favorite tips for daily productivity. Get up early. Sleeping in is fun, but should be an occasional treat. Jesus’ example of early rising is worthy of imitation. (Trouble getting up early?) [...]
January 10th, 2009 | Mark | 4 comments | Continued
Seminary Students are “Self-Absorbed Pricks”?
Nothing like the perspective of an outsider to give us pause. Over at Theophilogue, Brad reports an encounter with a coffee shop employee. You should read it. (It’s short.) So my questions: How much do you tip? What does that say about you? Is generosity an important virtue for people in ministry?
December 17th, 2008 | Mark | 4 comments | Continued
Deciding Where You Stand At Seminary
There is a huge range of debatable issues in theology and in the practice of ministry that a person could take sides on. An average church member generally isn’t required to have fully developed theological opinions. They are often asked to agree with and support the theological and philosophical stance their church, but aren’t required [...]
November 3rd, 2008 | Mark | 1 comment | Continued
Your Seminary Isn’t Responsible For Your Education
Your seminary isn’t responsible for your education. You are. In the past week, I’ve had the chance to visit with a few current and just-graduated seminarians, and some of their observations have been strikingly similar: The seminary environment is too academic. The assigned readings are too long, and not really related to the subject matter. [...]
October 27th, 2008 | Mark | 6 comments | Continued
Stumbling at Seminary: Laziness
In the face of all the multiple demands at seminary, the temptation to laziness can be acute. I’ve spoken with a number of students who succumb to laziness, to their own hurt. They have much to get done, but cannot get themselves to do it. Often laziness will show up as procrastination; or choosing to [...]
October 6th, 2008 | Mark | 1 comment | Continued
Introducing Ed
You’ve probably seen Ed Eubanks’ comments around Seminary Survival Guide. I’ve always found them to be mature and thoughtful. Well, after some correspondence, Ed and I met face to face last week for the first time over great food at Growler’s off Lindbergh in St. Louis. I’m happy to announce that in addition to his [...]
September 15th, 2008 | Mark | 0 comments | Continued
Stumbling at Seminary: Cheating
In an interview with the dean of students at a leading evangelical seminary, I asked about the most common reasons people did not complete seminary. One of his answers was a shock to me: students get caught cheating. Seminary students have ample opportunity to cheat. You can plagiarize-representing the academic work of others as your [...]
September 8th, 2008 | Mark | 8 comments | Continued
Hello,
My story starts back two years ago when I first arrived at Dallas Theological Seminary.
We had just finished our ...
Hi Mark,
I, too am a MDiv student at Denver Seminary, and I am relatively new as I am only entering ...
Recycling is very very important in order to preserve mother earth.,~. 
Love, love, love a new add-on called Leechblock!! Developed by an assistant professor over at Reformed Theological Seminary, Leechblock is ...
I was That Guy, but in a slightly different form. I soon realized I wasn't that clever so early on ...
Thanks Cindi. Our Facebook page is up! 
In my church this is required. Someone who has a call has to appear before our board of Deacons, ...
"We’re very open to your comments and suggestions, so fire away."
Well, I didn't find an e-mail address or comment form, ...
Thanks for this encouragement. It's an Enlightenment-era fantasy that we can intellectualize ourselves into our faiths. Don't get ...
No, the "Golden Rule #1" does not say "WORSHIP". It says, at least in most interpretations, "LOVE". Not ...
