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“Mr. Ask a Question in Class to Try to Look Smarter” Guy

We’ve all seen examples of people who, when the scene plays out, we know that we do not want to be “that guy.”  For example, when you see the guy who has just barely learned a new theological term throwing it around among people who know what that term means so as [...]

14Jan2009 | Travis | 5 comments | Continued
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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 [...]

10Jan2009 | Mark | 4 comments | Continued
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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?

17Dec2008 | Mark | 4 comments | Continued
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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 [...]

3Nov2008 | Mark | 1 comment | Continued
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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.
If I do [...]

27Oct2008 | Mark | 6 comments | Continued
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When You’re Invited to Preach

When I’m invited to preach at a church I’ve never been to, I want to gather information that will guide me in the ministry of pulpit supply. Here are the questions I ask:

How did you get my name? (Probably through the seminary, but it’s good to ask.)
What time does worship begin? When does it usually [...]

8Oct2008 | Ed | 4 comments | Continued
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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 [...]

6Oct2008 | Mark | 0 comments | Continued
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Supply Preaching during Seminary

I’ve had more than my share of preaching, teaching, and speaking opportunities since I began seminary studies. A lot of these have been repeat visits– during seminary, I preached 94 times in 23 different places. So I’ve been blessed to get some invitations to go back to places I’ve preached before. (I always appreciate the [...]

1Oct2008 | Ed | 3 comments | Continued
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Recycling Sermons at Seminary

“I’m preaching tomorrow. Yeah, I’ve never been to this church before, so I’ll just recycle one of my sermons from class.”
If you are, or have been, in seminary, you may have heard a classmate say this. Perhaps you have said it- or thought it- yourself.
Now, there is nothing wrong with “recycling” a sermon. [...]

22Sep2008 | Ed | 2 comments | Continued
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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 [...]

15Sep2008 | Mark | 0 comments | Continued
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