In the spirit of "Back to School," our pastors are going to be sharing some practical wisdom and habits that they've picked up in seminary! As always, email lauren@deerlakeumc.org if you're interested in writing for the blog.

1) When and where did you attend seminary?
I started Course of Study School at Candler School of Theology in Atlanta, Georgia in February 2020. I am on the slow steady route taking my cues from the tortoise and not the hare ☺.

2) What kind of student were/are you?  Any funny memories or stories?
I am a much better, or at least more motivated, student today than I ever was when I was younger.  I obviously am passionate about what I am learning, but I’m also more disciplined, which is a requirement in keeping up with church/school responsibilities.   As far as funny stories go, the church staff know when I have a paper due as I would rather organize a closet, clear out a refrigerator, or do anything other than sit down and write.  I have a love/hate relationship with writing and feel more like the errant child who must be sat on to complete the assignment.  The main difference today being that I am now both the parent and the child.

3) What is the most transformational practice/truth/wisdom that you’ve picked up in seminary?  How did that impact your life/walk with Jesus? 
There are so many things I have learned about Scripture, spiritual disciplines, leadership, and our theological heritage that has helped me to grow in my faith.  If I must choose just one to share about however, it would be the spiritual practice of silence and solitude.  Through the years, I have practiced a variety of disciplines such as reading Scripture, prayer, journaling, and Christian conferencing (small groups), but one discipline I had never really engaged in is silence & solitude. 

As part of a Formation & Discipleship class, we were required to read the book, “Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership” by Ruth Haley Barton.  Each chapter leads you on a journey of quieting the noise and the demands of life in order to experience a deeper intimacy with God, the peace that comes from being in His Presence, rest from human agendas, and to know God beyond what we can do for Him.  In our fast paced, noisy world, the invitation to silence and solitude is an invitation to experience all of this and so much more. 

4)Any practical tips for studying the Bible or resources to share?

• Start where you are- You don’t have to go to seminary to grow closer to God through His Word.  When I started seeking God daily, I began with a Christian devotional.  Each day, I would read a Scripture verse or passage, followed by a short commentary, and it would end with a challenge.  Over time, I found it to be something I looked forward to each day and eventually moved to more in-depth studies and reading plans. 
• Make it your one non-negotiable- Don’t get so hung up on when, where, or how you get into the Word of God.  Instead, let the commitment to being in God’s Word each day be your one non-negotiable – something you do each day no matter what.  Depending on your season of life, learning style, and personal preferences (kids at home or empty nester, working or retired, married or single, auditory or visual learner, night owl or early riser) will greatly affect when and how you read Scripture.  The most important thing is that you just do it!  And the great promise for us is that like rain that waters the earth, as we spend time in the Word, it will accomplish something within our life even when we are unaware of it (see Isaiah 55:10-11). 
• Start with prayer- Whenever opening God’s Word to read, begin with a prayer asking God to meet you on the pages of Scripture.  This is something I learned from someone else, and it has really made a huge difference in how I approach Scripture.  No longer is it an activity to accomplish, but instead an invitation to encounter the Divine. 
• Resources- There are so many resources available these days that will help in your study of Scripture.  Some of the resources I like to use include:
• NIV Study Bible- provides commentary, context, and study helps 
• Journey through the Bible- reading program
• Biblegateway.com or blueletterbible.org- for listening to the Word, commentaries, and other study materials
• Podcasts- Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast and the Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast- both of which I learned about through Pastor Bobby; Both have great guest speakers and provide practical leadership principles