1.    When and where did you attend seminary?

I started the M.Div. Program at Asbury Theological Seminary in August of 2020 and am currently 1/3 of the way through the program.  I am a few days away from finishing my summer semester Old Testament class.

2.    What kind of student were/are you?  Any funny memories or stories?

To be frank, I am not a good student.  However, when it is a topic that interests me, I tend to rise to the occasion – and just in case anyone was worried – Christian education is a topic that interests me : ) --- Funny stories… hmmm… I got nothing.  I know that sounds like I’m a bore, but it mostly has to do with the nature of my classes.  Two-thirds of my classes are fully online while one-third of them are hybrid, where I spend 2 ½ days in the classroom and the rest online.

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? 

One thing that I appreciate about this program is the attention to personal spiritual formation – Don’t get me wrong, I love growing in knowledge, learning Greek (I think), Inductive Bible Study, and preaching, but it is the wisdom that shows up in Proverbs that has made the most impact in my life – "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." ~ Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)

I can grow in all the knowledge and learn from every scholar on an endless list of topics, but if I am (we are) not being mindful of God in all areas of my (our) life - marriage, parenting, daily rhythm, Sabbath, etc. - the spiritual disciplines, then all of the schooling will be in vain.  It reminds me that every minute I spend studying, I need to spend sitting at the feet of Jesus simply “being” - being formed in the image of God.  Three of my first four semesters included a class in the realm of personal spiritual formation – at times the classes felt “fluffy”, but it will be the “equipping” that came from those classes that will carry me through to the end - of seminary and my Christian Journey.

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

If bible reading is a newer discipline in your life or one that you want to have, I would encourage you to find someone who already has this rhythm in their life and ask them to help you start (meet with them at a coffee shop, etc.).  This way, you can have a form of accountability and encouragement in your life as you venture into the life-giving words of God.

For those of you further down the road looking for a resource that would expand your knowledge and wisdom, I want to encourage you to two resources:

·      Seminary – You might think that seminary (or another form of Bible School/Education as there are many out there) is not for you, or rather you are not for seminary… Pray, listen to others, I know that there are many in our community that God has called deeper – And just think, If Pastor Bobby and Luanne are out of town again - we can hear from you and not have to listen to that long-winded Youth Pastor : )

·      LOGOS is a Bible Software (kind of costly) that offers a comprehensive one-stop-shop that includes commentaries, Greek and Hebrew Lexicons, devotionals, and so much more for anyone in the ministry or anyone who just loves digging deeper.