Weekly Email: June 2, 2025
The first week of summer courses starts this week! Awhile back I wrote about preparing for a course. My strongest encouragement to you is to prepare your heart for your next course. Spend time in prayer asking God to give you the strength and focus over the next eight weeks, have an open posture of what you're about to learn, and for the Lord to transform you not only academically but spiritually for better service to his calling in your life.
This past week I was thinking about my first semester in seminary, some of the things I learned, and just remembering how hard it was. I hope you find it encouraging as you continue on in your courses.
A Personal Reflection on Seminary and Encouragement for You
When I started seminary, I had clear expectations. At least, I thought I did. Fresh out of college, newly married, and eager to pursue pastoral ministry, I arrived at Southern Seminary ready to equip myself for what the Lord called me to. But I quickly realized how much I didn't know. Theology, biblical studies, church history, these were unfamiliar and overwhelming.
I recall my first church history class with Dr. Nettles. Looking back at the syllabus as I was writing this email, I remembered the assignment that shaped those early weeks. We had to read 50 pages of four different primary sources of our choosing. I chose the first 16 chapters of Book 1 from Against Heresies by Irenaeus. For a first-semester seminary student, that was not a wise choice. Those chapters are a dense catalog of Gnostic teachings and serve as the foundation for his later arguments. My first sentence in that paper read, "Reading through the first sixteen chapters in Book 1: Against the Heresies turned out to be a more daunting task than what was first thought." That sentence captured my experience well. I felt apprehensive and unsure if I was capable, but I was determined to press forward.
In Dr. Pennington's New Testament class, the Gospels came alive for me in a way they never had before. In Dr. Vickers's hermeneutics class, I learned how to read the Bible for all it's worth. These courses were challenging, but each one contributed to my growth in meaningful ways.
Seminary is demanding. Sometimes it feels like drinking from a fire hose. Coming from an accounting background, I was used to clear bullet points and concise summaries, not lengthy theological papers. My first systematic theology paper felt impossible, writing on prayer and providence in Dr. Ware's class. The reading was dense and different from anything I had encountered. But I kept going. I slowly built the habits and skills I needed to grow.
Over time, something unexpected happened. The pastoral ministry path I once assumed began to shift. Rather than feeling like I had missed something, I saw how God was leading me into academic administration, particuarly in online theological education. These roles allow me to equip others for their callings, and I have found deep joy in that work.
If you feel uncertain about your path in seminary, you are not alone. These years are about more than content mastery. They are about discovering where the Lord is leading you and learning to trust him through the process. If you feel uncertain about your path or doubt your abilities at times, remember that's normal. Seminary often highlights our limitations, reminding us of our dependence on God and each other.
Stay focused. Keep going. God has a purpose in every challenge and every step forward.
Program News: SBC Dallas
If you're going to be at SBC Dallas this year, I encourage your to attend our SBTS Alumni & Friends Luncheon. Even as a current student you're invited to attend. Its always a great time to meet others in the Southern community, hear some updates from Dr. Mohler about Southern Seminary and Boyce College, and see the 2025 Distinguished Alumnus.
Date: Wednesday, June 11 at 12:00 CDT
Tickets are available now and can be purchased here.
Quick Reference of Upcoming Term Dates:
Current Week: Summer, Week 1 (June 2-8)
Fall 1 Term Begins: August 4, 2025
Fall 2 Term Begins: October 6, 2025
Register for Courses →
Register for Fall Experiential Modulars →
Thanks for reading! I’ll check in next Monday. You can browse past emails in thearchiveor exploreCourse Snapshotsto find textbooks, course descriptions, and details about what we offer online.
