Surviving and Thriving in Seminary: An Academic and Spiritual Handbook
Getting the Most out of Seminary
Seminary can be rich and rewarding, but also disorienting. In addition to the typical challenges of doing graduate studies, your experiences in seminary have the potential to affect how you see God, other people, and yourself. The stakes are high, but the good news is that you are not alone!
In Surviving and Thriving in Seminary, two experienced professors (and former seminary students) tell you what to expect and how to navigate your years in seminary. They give you advice on how to prepare your own heart and relationships, how to manage your time and energy, and how to acquire the study skills you need. This essential book encourages and equips current and prospective seminary students to get the most out of their time in seminary.
Praise for Surviving and Thriving in Seminary
This is a very fine, well written book. It will help more seminarians start well, do well, and finish well. I will gladly and enthusiastically commend it to our students.
—Daniel L. Akin, president, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
Surviving and Thriving in Seminary is essential reading for the next generation of seminary students. In this carefully designed book, Forrest and Zacharias, with much wisdom and pastoral guidance, have thoughtfully introduced their readers to the multiple aspects of theological education, including shaping minds, transforming lives, as well as forming men and women for ministry. The authors have presented students with a great gift, providing both current and prospective students, as well as their families, with a thorough overview of the realities, privileges, blessings, responsibilities, and challenges involved in pursuing seminary education. Forrest and Zacharias are to be congratulated on producing this extremely helpful and beneficial volume.
—David S. Dockery, president, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
Daniel Zacharias and Benjamin Forrest have written an immensely helpful book on how to prepare yourself when you’re totally unprepared for seminary. If you’re starting seminary, this book will give you a head start, and hopefully prevent you from turning your Christian life into a train wreck. This book covers everything you should know from prayer life to research skills to time management. I wish someone had told me this when I went to seminary.
—Michael F. Bird, lecturer in theology, Ridley College
Top Highlights
“If you are tempted to resist new ideas, remind yourself that wisdom and knowledge come from being exposed to and thinking through new ideas—not by refusing to listen or enter into dialogue.” (Page 8)
“Seminary will ask you to take a step back and look critically at what you believe—not because your professors want to destroy your beliefs, but because they want you to think about whether they are the best way to understand the world, and whether they truly are in line with the Scriptures and not just a folk theology.1 They want you to expand your thoughts on certain issues. Be willing to entertain another perspective, even if you do not ultimately agree. This challenge is great for you—but can at times be a painful process.” (Page 9)
“In short, seek to understand positions that are unfamiliar to you.” (Page 13)
“There are three ways to proceed through seminary (and ministry) with a family. The first is to lead them on mission, the second is to drag them on mission, and the third is to abandon them for the mission.” (Page 51)
“Throughout your seminary education, your relationship with God must be your number one priority. This prioritization should carry forward throughout your entire life and ministry. When you make your relationship with God your main priority, the rest of your priorities will properly align.” (Pages 28–29)
Contents
- Part 1: Preparation
- Preparing Your Mind
- Preparing Your Heart
- Preparing Your Family
- Part 2: Managing Time and Energy
- Taking Responsibility
- Managing Your Time
- Taking Care of Your Body
- Juggling Ministry with Your Studies
- Part 3: Study Skills and Tools
- Research Skills
- Reading and Writing Skills
- The Right Tools
- Appendices
- Choosing a Seminary
- Paying for Seminary
- A Word to Spouses
Product Details
- Title: Surviving and Thriving in Seminary: An Academic and Spiritual Handbook
- Authors: H. Daniel Zacharias and Benjamin K. Forrest
- Publisher: Lexham Press
- Publication Date: 2017
- Pages: 114
- Format: Logos Digital, Paperback
- Trim Size: 5x8
- ISBN: 9781577997788
About the Authors
H. Daniel Zacharias (PhD, University of Aberdeen / Highland Theological College) is Assistant Professor of New Testament at Acadia Divinity College. He resides in Wolfville, Nova Scotia with his wife Maria and their four children.
Benjamin K. Forrest (EdD, Liberty University) is Associate Professor of Christian Education and Department Chair at Liberty University School of Divinity. His doctoral research focused on the spiritually formative experiences of seminary spouses. He resides in Lynchburg, Virginia with his wife Lerisa and their three children.
Sample Pages from Surviving and Thriving in Seminary
Reviews
4 ratings
G. Jorge Medina
8/30/2019
Roberto Diaz
9/17/2017
Jeromy Blomquist
9/11/2017
Great read! Danny and Ben do a great job of laying a sturdy foundation, to prepare future/prospective seminary students. They help you to know what to expect when entering into the seminary world. They give practical advise on how to balance seminary with your family, work, and church life. Along with tips on staying healthy, getting the right tools, and preparing for a lot of reading and writing. This book is an absolute prerequisite to entering seminary!
