I’m going to do it. I’ve been tossing around and praying about the idea since I graduated in 2005 – now I am officially a seminary student. If I stay on track, I’ll finish a Master of Biblical Studies in 2 years and an M.Div in an additional 4 years and if I have an ounce of sanity left… who knows? As I was sitting in orientation this morning one of my professors said that “going to seminary is like owning a DEWALT drill.”
A few months ago my Craftsmen drill bit the dust and I found myself in the market for another. Any guy with a lick of sense knows DEWALT is the best and since I have more than a lick of sense that’s what I wanted.. to make a long story short… I settled for a $50 Ryobi instead of the $150 DEWALT. Since then, I’ve needed the drill no more than once every other week! I hate the thought of having expensive things sitting around and rarely being used. There’s nothing more laughable than the guy who thinks he needs all the most expensive tools (and toys) available and then he never uses them.
One of my goals while in seminary is to not be “that guy”. The one who gets a tool (or a degree) just to say he’s got it. I will certainly be weighed down with the details of learning Hebrew, Greek, Theology and Church History, but when I finish, I don’t want my degree to be a tool that collects dust in the shed. I want to learn as much as I can so that I can use it (now and in the future) in every day ministry to help people and ultimately bring glory to God.








4 comments
Jacob says:
Aug 23, 2011
It has definitely been a sacrifice for me. I commit 9 hours each week to being in class, along with however long it takes me to do my reading outside of class or other course work. I’m guessing it takes me about 15 hours a week to do a decent job. Something has to give, you know? As a result, my wife and I are very protective of our time together. For me, it means I don’t watch TV, I don’t have a game night with friends, and I don’t have any idea what people are talking about when they mention something from the news. It’s just not possible to do all the things I used to do before seminary. But I’ve chosen to sacrifice that time now so I can better serve people in the future. It’s an investment of money, yes, but it’s maybe more so an investment of time. And it’s an investment in people I don’t even know yet. God has been faithful. I pray He will be to you as well bro!
Daniel says:
Aug 23, 2011
Thanks for the follow up, Jacob. You said all the things I wanted to say but didn’t because 1) I’ve never been there and 2) it would have made my post way too long.
Jason says:
Sep 26, 2011
Glad you finally took my advice. I keep track of all the people I tell to go to seminary. 100% success rate. You’re welcome.
Daniel says:
Sep 26, 2011
I’m glad I didn’t break your streak, man!