Weekly Email: May 12, 2025
This past Friday, we celebrated many of our graduates (watch the highlight video!). It’s always encouraging to see online students reach this significant milestone, one that you’re pursuing as well. Hearing their stories and seeing how God is actively at work in their lives and ministries is truly inspiring. These graduates are now better equipped with richer and deeper resources for gospel ministry.
Read the article about graduation and Dr. Mohler’s encouragement to new graduates
View all graduation photos
Student Tip: From Hacks to Vision
As seminary students juggling ministry, family, and academics, productivity isn’t just about getting more done but it’s about aligning your daily actions with your deeper purpose. Let’s break down the hierarchy of productivity, from the least to the most important, so you can focus on what truly matters.
1. Tips, Tricks, and Hacks (Least Important)
These are the quick fixes, like writing on a “downhill slope” (starting with a few pre-written sentences) or listing your top three tasks for the day. While helpful, they’re only effective when built on a solid foundation. If your life feels scattered, hacks won’t solve the root problem. For example, a morning writing hack won’t help if you’re staying up too late binge-watching Netflix. Use these sparingly, and only when they fit into your larger system.
2. Habits and Routines (Very Important)
This is where the real work happens. Habits like waking up early to study or dedicating focused time to sermon prep are the building blocks of productivity. These routines ensure consistent progress, even when life gets chaotic. If you’re a morning person, leverage that energy for your most important tasks. If evenings work better, structure your day accordingly. The key is consistency.
3. Vision and Values (Most Important)
At the top of the hierarchy is your why. Why are you in seminary? Why are you serving in ministry? Your vision and values should drive everything you do. If you’re unclear about your purpose, it’s hard to prioritize effectively. Take time to reflect on your calling and how your daily actions align with it. This clarity will guide your habits and make hacks more meaningful.
Practical Takeaways
Start with your why. Write down your vision for ministry and let it shape your priorities.
Build consistent habits. Identify one or two routines that will move you closer to your goals.
Use hacks strategically. Only implement tips and tricks that address specific gaps in your system.
A Final Thought
Productivity isn’t just about checking boxes—it’s about becoming the person God has called you to be. As you navigate the demands of life, school, and ministry, let your vision guide your habits, and let your habits make room for helpful hacks. You’re not just managing time; you’re stewarding your calling.
What’s one habit or hack that’s made a difference in your productivity? Reply to this email, I’d love to hear more!
Program News: Enhance Your Ministry Impact through a Doctoral Degree
I've heard countless stories from graduates of our Doctor of Ministry (DMin) and Doctor of Educational Ministry (DEdMin) programs about how deepening their theological studies and implementing a targeted ministry project transformed their leadership and ministries.
Our doctoral programs offer:
Advanced biblical, theological, and practical studies
Personalized mentorship from trusted, familiar faculty
A focused ministry project designed specifically for your current ministry context:
Identify a real challenge or opportunity
Research a biblically grounded solution with one-on-one faculty guidance
Implement practical steps to create lasting impact
If you have questions, whether you’re just beginning your studies or nearing graduation, join Dr. Matt Haste, Director of Professional Doctoral Studies, for our upcoming webinar:
Tuesday, May 20, at 4:00 pm EDT
Encouragement for Your Week
This past week, I connected with several new online students. It reminded me again how diverse our student body is, yet how similar many of your experiences are:
A deep commitment to gospel ministry and faithfulness to God’s calling.
Busy lives: balancing family, work, ministry, and seminary.
Initial hesitancy about starting and navigating the challenges of seminary education.
One new student is a mom juggling homeschooling, work, and her biblical counseling degree, eager to grow in her calling. Another is a young man who recently began serving at a church, learning how to balance ministry responsibilities alongside seminary.
I also spoke with a lay leader who, after years in the business world, is excited to begin formal theological studies to better equip himself as he steps into greater ministry responsibilities.
Finally, another student recently relocated several states away and transitioned from on-campus at another seminary to online studies with Southern, while now helping lead a new church.
As you continue in your studies, remember that your experiences are shared by many. You’re not alone, and we’re praying for you. Keep your purpose clear and press forward, we’re here for you!
Quick Reference of Upcoming Term Dates:
Current Week: Spring 2, Week 6 (May 12–18)
Summer Term Begins: June 2, 2025
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.
