Reading scripture in seasons-extraction vs. immersion

The greatest task of the seminarian is to somehow separate the devotional life from the academic life.  It is the failure to do this that causes many ministers to speak ill of their time in seminary.  The fact is, as ministers we have to read scripture and know how to study it.  The other side of that is we have to constantly throw ourselves into a relationship with the God who delivered us.  These are two issues that don’t solve themselves.

This semester there are two pieces of scripture that I am interacting with in non-devotional ways, the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) and the general epistles (1-2nd Peter and Jude).  While the rest of the Asbury community is reading the Matthew passages devotionally through our community reader, I lead the team that designs our chapel services and we are interacting with these passages three times a week in worship.  I am also taking a 700 level exegesis class on the general epistles, and the class involves translating the books, writing several papers, leading discussion in class one day, and learning to interact with the text on multiple levels.

While I realize that reading scripture should never be a chore, I had to figure out a way to not look upon these passages as work.  This means that I have been finding a way to read them devotionally everyday, and praying before I start any sort of “work” involving them.  Instead of looking upon them as facts, or paper topics I began to immerse myself in the.  It isn’t about extraction, meaning that I just go through to find small passages to pull out and use, but it is immersion-living my life this fall inside these scriptures.  This is “writing scripture on the doorposts of our house” (Deut 6:9).

It started this summer when I started memorizing the Sermon on the Mount.  I caught myself recognizing many life situations that reminded me of the sermon and it was a blessing throughout the day.  Then I began reading/translating 1 Peter and Jude this summer.  I noticed many conversations I had at work pointing to these passages, and it became almost comical how much I was citing them in many situations.

The idea of living in a text for an extended amount of time allows me to use it when I need to (work/class) but for it to never stop being a prayer that I go through throughout the day.  It takes discipline, and making the decision to orient my reading towards a devotional or academic time-but I am finding that the two have started to overlap each other in wonderful ways.

Writing in your Bible

I remember my grandmother thought it was a disastrous thing to write in a Bible.  I also remember seeing other kids write in hymnals and thinking they were going to Hell.  Between a rabid fascination with the Bible and classical music training I have gotten both of these ideas out of my system.

Last night I opened up an old study Bible that I carried for a few years.  It was during a huge spiritual time for me.  I noticed many passage throughout the Bible that had been highlighted or underlined.  Some of these were dated, especially psalms and 1 and 2nd Corinthians.  It was great to look back and remember why these passages had meant so much to me.  I could place myself in my old desk at college up late at night reading these passages over and over.  I could see myself in prayer repeating memorized sections from the Psalms.  It was great to look back and see where I had been.  I have a few other bibles that I can remember when and why I underlined things.

As seminarians and potential ministers, one of the important things that we can’t forget is our own spiritual history.  I keep up with friends that help to remind me what I have been saved from, and I love to read my old journals and bible notes to see what I found useful at certain times in life.

So last night, I decided to always date my underlineings. That way I can always remember why things were important to me.  I also started a habit last year that I want to share with you, one that benefits me so much in regard to separating study and personal devotion.

When I first started seminary I carried the bible I had used for the last several years.  I quickly filled it with more and more notes.  At points (especially in an Inductive Bible Study class in Mark) I couldn’t figure out what notes were from 2004 and 2007.  What I started doing was carry a “class” bible.  This is a bible that I just use for school.  I sometimes go to it when I am in personal study or sermon prep, but I make sure it is the bible I carry on a daily basis to class.

The reason I did this was to separate devotional thoughts from textual/form/redaction/historical-critical notes from class.  When I am reading Philippians 2, I don’t want to see my notes on the textual variance of the Christ hymn, but instead focus on the mind of Christ and how His descent/ascent is a lifestyle pattern.  Their is certainly a cross-over between academic and devotional, but this is a way for me to stay concentrated when I am simply reading my Bible.

I love finding my old notes in various Bibles.  When at seminary, it is hard to loose focus about why we are really here.  Sadly enough, there are many people that graduate knowing alot about Jesus, but don’t really know him.  We have to find practices that will allow us to continually focus on the Triune God and defend them in ways that others don’t understand (like my carrying a “just a class bible”).  Don’t loose focus on this, because it could be the worst mistake you could ever make.

Top 5 “secret” tips for your first semester.

There are plenty of resources on the net about how to write good papers, take the right classes…you know that sort of thing.  Here are is my Top 5 “secret” tips (in no particular order) that will help you out in your first semester.

1.  Get a job on campus.
If you live on campus, you may be trying to do this already because it means you don’t have to commute to work.  But this is a great option for any student.  I have two (sometimes 3) jobs on campus and it has allowed me many opportunities that the average student would never have.  I work in the office of Community Life and I lead the Worship Design team, a group of students that is responsible for planning the three chapel services a week.  Through my jobs I have worked with all of the Vice-Presidents of Asbury, had lunch with our President, interacted with our Board, had countless individual interactions with some of the professors that most students would love to have, and many other cool things.

I would not be as involved with so many things around campus if I didn’t work on campus.  I would say that as much of my learning has taken place in meetings and planning sessions as has in the classroom.

2.  Go to chapel.
At Asbury chapel isn’t required.  This surprises many of our prospective and incoming students (I know many Christian colleges require chapel, but do any other seminaries?), and just that barrier being down makes chapel more meaningful to some people.  It is possible to just go through the motions at seminary and not involve yourself at a spiritual level, but this is the biggest mistake that you can make.  When you become a part of the worshiping body at your school, you instantly have a time to let the “minister” in you take a back seat to your primary role as a worshiper.

Different school’s chapel services look different, but no matter what, becoming involved in yours will make a big difference in your life at seminary.

3. Find a hidden place in the Library.
I go to the library at least 4 times a week to study.  I have joked with friends that work at the library (let’s make that a sub-tip, make friends with the library workers) about how full the library gets before mid-terms and finals.  We all know why it gets so full, but it is wild to see how many people don’t utilize the library except for the computers.  I know of several “hidden” places in our library where I can go and be completely uninterrupted.  Your school may allow you to check out a carrel for the entire semester (I wish Asbury did).  I don’t know how my friends claim to get work done at home.  I can do it for an hour or so, but spending 8 hours writing a paper is impossible at home.  I can do it easily in the library.

When you go to the same place session after session, your mind gets into “study mode” when you sit down.  This allows you to concentrate on your work and fully pour yourself into it.  Our time here at school is an act or worship, so why not try to offer God your best.

4.  Make friends with the students about to graduate.
Within a month at Asbury I met my friend Isaac.  Isaac and I worked together for two years until he graduated and it is one of the best relationships I have had while here.  There are several reasons why our relationship was so important to me.

1.   The academic level:  Isaac and I came from the same situation, preachers kids who           didn’t have religon degree’s from undergrad.  We were also both under-achievers in           college.  Isaac had already navigated through some rough waters in seminary and               passed down so much to me.  When I was thinking about asking a professor for a                grade change, Isaac walked me through it.  I used Isaac to figure out what teachers           to take, because we both were interested in similar developments in theology and             biblical studies.
2.   The personal level:  Isaac and his wife were just a few years older than Meredith and        I.  There have been so many pieces of advice he has given me that have proven to be        golden.  Seminary can be hard to navigate for the first year or so, and having a friend        that had done it successfully was a huge help.
3.   The Spiritual level:  I had accountability in Isaac.  Asbury tends to be an immersive            academic environment with the professors sometimes turning a five minute                       pre-class devotion into the full blown lesson for the day.  Learning how to connect          personal devotion to academic excellence is a common discussion.  When I was                struggling through rough theological decisions, Isaac had been there before.  When         Meredith and I were trying to make decisions regarding our denomination, Isaac had        been there before.

Why not have a friend that is farther along the journey than you.  This will prove to be one of the best moves you can make at Seminary.

5.  Make friends with a lesser-known professor.
Your school probably has at least one teacher who is known at a large scale.  We have several at Asbury and their classes always fill up quick.  Everyone tries to get office time with them, and crowd around them after they speak at chapel.  I don’t want to encourage you to never take their classes, but you should investigate other professors.  More often than not, the professors that don’t publish yearly aren’t sub-grade scholars, but are more active in their church communities and other areas.  I have two professors that I enjoy spending time with that have mentored me along my seminary journey.  Both of them are brilliant and have taught me tons.  I have learned about what a pastor-scholar looks like through both of them.  When I need help with something, I can go to them.

Building a relationship with a professor or two who has more time under girds you and better prepares you for the ministry.  While you can try to do this with the most popular professor, it will be more profitable if you are able to be mentored by someone who has more time for you.

These are just a few tips that have greatly bettered my time at seminary.  I hope that they are helpful to you too.

What should I bring with me to Seminary?

I remember when I was anxiously awaiting my first day of classes at Asbury.  I had bought all of my books beforehand and had even started reading.  I was really hoping that I would be able to find a Seminary 101 list of a few things that would come in handy but I never did.  I am starting my third year this fall and I want to offer up a few suggestions to things that will help the new student (or the continuing).

System for Notes

Find a good way to take notes.  Learning to use a certain piece of software or going ‘Vintage” notes are two options.  Whatever you do, stick with it because it is a pain to switch mid-semester.  I did that in one of the most intensive classes I have ever had and it was painful.

A Good Bag

Get a good bag.  Unlike college, where just making it to class was an accomplishment, in seminary I find myself having to juggle three different roles every day.  The student side of me has to have the course materials needed for the day.  This could be as simple as a notebook/laptop or it could mean several books.  For one of my jobs, I have to keep several up with paperwork and my “idea” notebook, so there is two more items.  Lastly, I am always working on a few side-projects so I have a few extra books and materials with me.  This means that I sometime carry a full load.  Since I try to go into school in the morning and leave around 5 or 6, I have to have a step up from the Hannah Montana backpack I could have bought at Wal-mart for 10 dollars.  You will be using this bag for several years, find a good one and invest the money.

Organization Method

If you are lucky enough to only have the responsibility of going to school you are a           lucky person.  Most students juggle at least one side job, if not multiple.  At any given moment, I am working 4 jobs and maybe some freelance stuff.  I would die if I didn’t have a good method of organization.  Wess Daniels is a Phd student at Fuller and has a great post about his method here, it is pretty much the same thing that I use.

Bible

Get a good, simple Bible and stick with it.  When I came to school I had a bible I had been using for several years and it was already marked up.  I found it to be distracting when I was in class and my thoughts went to the notes I had made in previous study.  Having a “class” bible allows me to keep things a little better organized.  Find out what translation your school recommends the most and grab a simple one, with no study notes and wide margins if you can find one.  In a future post I will show you how I made my “tricked out” class bible.

Navigating seminary is different from college, it is an immersive experience that should be taken full advantage of.  I know others have some great tips and tricks out there, so please post them in the comments.

Thrifty Thursday - Building a Cheap Library

In an earlier post, I talked about why it was important for the seminarian to start building a good library (you can read the post here).  In this post, I want to talk about how to build up a library when you don’t have much cash.

The first tip I can give you is to know your favorite scholars and writers.  When you know that you like commentaries by writer A, and you see a commentary written by them, you can have a better idea that it will be worth the money.  I can’t stress how important it is to keep a running list of books that you want.  I keep mine in a section of my pocket moleskine I keep with me all the time.  That way, when I go to a booksale or shop, I know what I am looking for.

So here are some tips to find cheaper books.

1.  Get a job at a bookstore.  If you can work at your schools bookshop or a local book-seller, you can get an employee’s discount and access to other programs.  I once worked at a Christian Bookstore and got over 2000 dollars of credit from a major Christian publisher just by completing various incentive programs.

2. When you travel, look for any used book stores.  Cities with larger seminaries often have one or more stores around the campus.  Especially if you have a different theological viewpoint, you can get great deals.  Since I have more a Wesleyan perspective theologically, I can find some books alot cheaper than I can around my school because there isn’t a market for them in other places.

3. Look for any bookshelves selling/swapping used books around campus.  At Asbury we have a bookshelf that is full of books for sale, often for dirt cheap.  One of our professors always has a small collection outside of his office that he sells for 25 cents.  I have found some great stuff here.

4. Check out moving sales around campus.  Many people get rid of books just because they don’t want to move them.

5.  If you are in an academic path, go to conferences and society meetings.  Often books are heavily discounted at these events.

6. Sign up for the Emerging Scholars Network.  You get a serious discount on Eerdmans and IVP.

7.  Learn how to find the “odd” books.  I have a commentary series that I paid around 50 cents a volume for because it was from a different perspective and from the 70’s.  The authors were up and coming phd students then and now are some of the top New Testament scholars.

More than anything, building an affordable library is about keeping your eyes open and knowing what you are looking for.  Book sales go on all the time around my school, but since I know what I am looking for, I am able to take better advantage of them.  Also, let people know if you have an interest that is specialized.  I have had teachers give me books before that they have found and thought I would enjoy.

How I got to Seminary

I am sure that there are many unique stories about how people end up getting to seminary. On our forums there is a topic describing peoples top choices in regard to different schools. I didn’t chime in because the only school that I applied to was Asbury. Here is a quick version of how I ended up here.

I grew up a preachers kid so the usual entanglement with religion that PK’s have was a part of my life. In high school I learned about what the church could offer me, so we can just say that my level of involvement was just enough for me to have benefits from it. My life really changed when I hit college. Through a series of events that stretched out over several years I had tremendous experiences with God and also managed to screw things up pretty good too. When I was around 18 I felt a call to vocational ministry, but had no idea what on earth that looked like. My life consisted of various stages of pleading for forgiveness to God and thinking that I had everything together.

You can say everything changed with my life hit rock bottom when I was about 22. I wasn’t quite done with school, but I had cleaned up (literally inside and outside), was working at a small Southern Baptist church (the denomination I grew up in), and was dating the girl who felt called to be a preachers wife. I was presented with a great opportunity, but some friends felt that I wasn’t “religious” enough, and everything pretty much fell apart. I ended up having a nervous breakdown and a bout with alcoholism.

It was at this time that I started doing sound engineering for money and ended up touring with a great group of guys leading worship all over the country. I meet a local college minister and we would talk from time to time. By now, I was realizing that I could make nice money running sound at a mega-church and was planning to enter that world when I finally graduated from college.

Life went forward for a few years, and I met my wife Meredith. My plan was to sell furniture while waiting for her to graduate after we got married. One day I was slipping through the Louisiana Tech Wesley foundation, the home of our previously mentioned college minister. After finding out about the furniture plan, he offered me a job interning at Wesley. I spent the next year and half ministering there.

Wesley changed my personal view of ministry. There was alot that I didn’t say in this little essay, but we can say that my view of God was completely re-organized. One of the things that was promised to me was not ever running sound. While I did end up doing it, I was thankful and I understood why this “rule” was made. My director Scott had been watching me for years, and knew that I had other skills that had never really been brought out. While I was there I learned that I was gifted in organization, teaching, discipleship and just making friends.

You are probably starting to wonder where seminary comes into this…..

I had been thinking about seminary for years, since I was around 20. While touring I always carried a few books with me and attempted to teach myself Greek. Most people knew that I was thinking about seminary. In fact, the first time I sat down with Scott (my director at Wesley) was under the auspices of Asbury Seminary. It actually took around 3 years to get to that conversation. I was raised on the campus of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and I had friends that went to plenty of other seminaries around the country. There was something about Asbury graduates that made me want to check the school out. After spending a weekend here, I saw that many of my own interests were shared, specifically how liturgy can used in the 21st century. What sealed the deal was spending time in the chapel office with J.D. Walt, and seeing how the school puts together a reader for every season of the church calender. Asbury just made sense to me.

I tell people now that I wasn’t sure why I wanted to come to seminary. But I knew I wanted to be at Asbury. I would have come to Asbury if it was a welding school because of what the Holy Spirit has done and is doing in this place.

When searching for a seminary, the most important thing is to find the place that makes you stay up at night with excitement. Asbury is part of my soul now, and I pray that your choice in attending seminary will be part of yours.

Keeping a home library

Many Seminary students like books. Some of us, I being one, are book geeks. This means that we drive our spouses or housemates crazy with the amount of books that we seem to go through. So why is it important for the seminarian (and minister) to maintain a good library?

1. It allows you to have access to your thought process.
Hopefully, you are reading things you agree and disagree with. When you decide to keep certain titles it means that something important went on when you read that book. The level of importance may vary, but you want to keep the book as a resource for future needs. After a while, you can almost trace the history of your theological development by what titles are in your library. I love finding a book that I went through a couple of years ago. I end up being transported back to that time in my life.

2. You gain the ability to have better citations in papers.
What this means is that you know your library. To really do this, you need to have some sort of collection system for your notes. I use a searchable document that is updated every time I finish a book. This way I am able to quickly find sections that jumped out at me (more on this method at a later date). I have learned that I have a rotating stable of around 20 books that I use most of the time in my specific area of research. Many of these titles were books that I caught myself checking out 2-3 times from the library and decided to buy them. Some are out of print and having constant access to them allows me to not worry about them being checked out (or archived out of the stacks). I know these resources really well, and having them at my house (or wherever you keep your library) just makes it easier to write papers.

3. You can work on something at a moments notice.
While I am in an academic track in seminary, I also serve at a local church as youth pastor. It is a smaller congregation with a retired pastor. From time to time, I find out on short notice that I am needed to preach the next service (sometimes with a four hour notice on Sunday afternoon). Since I have been conscious about buying commentaries and other books, I usually don’t have to worry about not having access to the library at school to work on my sermon. I am slowly buying several commentary series, and when I am devotionally studying a certain section of the Bible I try to buy one or two commentaries on the book, because most of my short notice sermons come from what I have been going through in my own personal study time.

I also am a night owl. So when I am working on a project, or just a blog post at three in the morning, I can go over to my library and find what information about whatever I need.

Part of keeping a good home library is knowing how and when to buy books. Every Seminary student is short on cash, so we can’t just having shopping spree’s at the bookstore. How to build a library on a budget will be talked about in my next post.