Weekly Email: October 20, 2025

In this week's email:

• Student Tip: Why You Need Others in Seminary

• Program News: Experiential Modular registration open for Spring 2026
   

Student Tip: The Three Circles of Connection

Sometime about a year or so ago, my son and I were out at his school playground just hanging out and playing. I remember there were a few pieces of equipment he used to be pretty timid about climbing. He would ask for my help or just skip them altogether. It was usually anything with heights or anything that was not straightforward on how to get up or down.

Then, later that year, sometime after he started first grade, we went back. And all of a sudden, he was climbing to the top. No hesitation. It was like a completely different kid.

What changed?

He had seen other kids do it. Watching them gave him the confidence that he could handle it too.

When we are around other people doing something similar, it pushes us to grow. It keeps us motivated, it gives us perspective, and it reminds us that we are not the only ones figuring it out.

That is true in seminary too. Theological education is hard work, and online study can make it even easier to feel like you are doing it on an island. But there are three different circles of connection that can help keep you grounded and encouraged.

1. The Local Circle

First, the people right where you are.

If you know anyone in your church or community who is also in seminary, or maybe a pastor, elder, or deacon who has been through it before, reach out. Have a conversation about what you are learning or what has been challenging.

Even if you are the only one in your area studying theology, you might know someone else who is doing online education in another field. There is a shared rhythm in that. I have talked with students who have formed a kind of camaraderie with others in their church who are studying business, education, or counseling online. They get what it means to balance classes, family, ministry, and work all at once. Those connections can make a real difference.

We are made for in-person relationships, and that grounding matters most.

2. In-Person Experiences at Southern

The second circle is what I would call your in-person experiences at Southern.

We have several ways for distance students to build those relationships, including our traditional modulars that meet Friday through Saturday, pastors' workshops, conferences, and even mission trips. Each of these can be a great chance to connect with faculty and other students face to face.

But the deepest and most meaningful of these are our Experiential Modulars, which are intentionally designed for you, the online student. They blend your regular online coursework with three days here on campus where you will share meals, meet professors in person, and spend time with others who are walking the same path. I have seen firsthand how refreshing these can be. Students leave encouraged, refocused, and reminded why they started in the first place.

3. The Digital Circle

And then there is the digital circle.

This one is not an afterthought. It has been intentionally designed for you as an online student.

Our Southern Seminary Community app is more than just a place to scroll through announcements. It is built to create meaningful connection. You can join conversations around particular topics or interests, connect with students in similar degree programs, form study groups, or even find focus partners to help you stay on track.

Every part of it is meant to help you see that you are not studying in isolation. There are others learning the same material, facing the same challenges, and celebrating the same small wins each week. The app gives you space to meet them, to ask questions, to share encouragement, and to grow together.

These digital connections may start small, but they can become genuine friendships and ongoing rhythms of support throughout your seminary journey.

So as you move through your classes, do not go at seminary alone.

Find someone near you who is walking a similar road. If you can, come to one of our in-person opportunities, especially an Experiential Modular. And when you log into the app, do not just browse. Share what you are learning and connect with others who are doing the same.

You will grow deeper, stay encouraged, and probably get a clearer sense of why this work matters.

Program News: Experiential Modulars for Spring 2026 Open Now

As I mentioned on Friday, registration is now open for our Experiential Modulars. These three-day, on-campus courses are designed for online students to connect in person through lectures, meals, and worship. Southern covers your lodging and meals, and limited scholarships are available.

Spring 1 (February 9–11)

• Discipleship Ministry - Dr. Joe Harrod and Dr. J.T. English

• Moral Theory - Dr. Andrew Walker

• New Testament Use of the Old Testament - Dr. Jim Hamilton

Dr. J.T. English will also lead our three guest lectures during the week, teaching a class session in Discipleship Ministry on Deep Discipleship, and a chapel message.

Spring 2 (April 20–22)

• Church History II - Dr. Shawn Wright

• Pastoral Ministry - Dr. Hershael York

• Doctrine of the Person of Christ - Dr. Stephen Wellum

• Greek Exegesis of Romans - Dr. Tom Schreiner

You can learn more and register at sbts.edu/experiential.

Quick Reference of Upcoming Term Dates:

• Current Week: Fall 2, Week 3 (October  20-27)

• Winter Term Begins: December 1, 2025