Weekly Email: October 27, 2025

Weekly Email

Oct 27

In this week’s email:

Student Tip: Work smarter for the work that matters
Program News: Request book or article scans from the SBTS library

Student Tip: Work smarter for the work that matters

Productivity isn’t about getting more done. It’s about freeing your time and attention for what actually matters–your people, your church, and the kind of study that sinks in deep.

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably been pulled toward new systems or apps that promise to make everything smoother. Or maybe you saw someone on social media touting the "fix" for getting more work done. Deep down, you know this, real progress never really comes from adding more tools or quick fixes, even if it is attractive. It comes from removing the boulders in the way that keep you from doing what you already know matters.

Be honest with yourself. If sitting down for 45–60 uninterrupted minutes feels difficult, that isn’t failure. It’s feedback. It shows where your attention is thin and where your systems need tightening.

Efficiency is not about cramming more into an hour. It is about creating space to go deeper, to think clearly, and to give your best focus to the work in front of you. When you protect your study time, you’re not just getting assignments done. You are training your mind for the kind of steady, thoughtful work ministry will always require.

Look back over the last couple of weeks. Where did your focus drift? Maybe you sat down to read for class and ended up scrolling on your phone. Maybe you were trying to write but kept bouncing between tabs. Maybe you planned to study early, but the morning slipped away. None of those are moral failures. They simply show what needs attention.

Pick one of those distractions and make a simple change.

If it’s your phone, plug it in across the room before you start studying.
If it’s noise or interruptions, communicate with your spouse, kids, or roommates about when you’ll be studying.
If it’s mental clutter, begin each session by writing the next one step–something so small you can’t not start.

You (probably) don’t need a total overhaul. You need one good habit practiced consistently. Over time, those small guardrails make a difference. They help you move through your coursework with focus and finish your day with energy left for the people you love.

Program News: Request a scan of a book or article from the SBTS Library

Did you know the library can scan a chapter or article and email it to you as a PDF? It’s an easy way to access what you need for your studies.

How it works:

Check the databases first to see if it’s already available online.
They can scan up to one chapter or 10% of a book.
Fill out the Scan Request Form with your details.
If the item is checked out, staff will place a hold and scan it once it’s returned.
You’ll receive a PDF via Hightail (the link expires in one week).

Requests are usually processed within 1–2 business days, though high volumes may take longer.