Weekly Email: May 5, 2025

First, congrats to Jesse Wells on winning a copy of Dr. Wellum's book, The Person of Christ: An Introduction from our audiobook survey last week!

Over 200 of you participated, and it was fun to read your lively comments. For the record, 76% of you think audiobooks count as reading, while 24% disagree. If you have ideas for similar engaging discussions like your favorite study techniques or helpful productivity tips just let me know!

This week we’re exploring how a quick walk can boost your creativity, and we’ll hear encouraging feedback from students who attended the recent Experiential Modular.

Student Tip: Take a Walk

If you’re ever stuck doing research, making progress on a paper, or trying to come up with new ideas for a project, try taking a quick walk. A study from Stanford University found that even a short 4 to 6 minute walk can significantly boost creativity and help clear your mind.

I’ve been doing this for several years now, especially when I’m feeling stuck on a problem or coming up blank for an idea. Sometimes I intentionally think about the issue, and other times I just let my mind wander. Either way, I almost always feel clearer and make noticeable progress when I get back to my desk. So next time you’re feeling stuck, take a walk. Indoors, outdoors, or on a treadmill, it really doesn’t matter. Just get moving.

Program News: Spring Experiential Modular Feedback

I just finished reading through the feedback survey from our recent Experiential Modular, and I'm genuinely encouraged by our students' experiences.

Many expressed that the modular was a deeply refreshing break from watching lectures on the computer and feeling isolated in their studies, describing it as "truly the best of both worlds," where the classroom and conversations with others who were going through the same things as them intersected naturally. Students frequently highlighted how valuable face-to-face interactions were in renewing their energy and enthusiasm, especially the fellowship during meal times that turned tiredness into encouragement.

One student's feedback particularly resonated with me:

"There is a special rest in the Lord that happens when you go [to the Experiential Modular]."

Whether you’re feeling disconnected or simply eager for deeper community, the Experiential Modular offers the kind of renewal many students like you crave.

If you're considering joining next time, our recent attendees offer clear encouragement: "Absolutely, do it!" It's not just about the in-person classroom time (which is so helpful) but even more so, it's a time to be encouraged, refreshed, and strengthened with other students who are in your shoes, meeting the professors who care for you, and experiencing everything Southern has to offer.

I'd love to see you at a future Experiential Modular! You can register for the fall here.

P.S. -- Dr. Hershael York and I recently hosted a webinar about our exciting new Logos initiative, which provides all master’s students with digital textbooks for life and Logos Max access starting Fall 2025 You can watch the recording here.