Comments on: What’s So Great About Seminary?

By: Southern Seminary Facing Layoffs & Tuition Increases? | Southern Baptist Blogs - SBC Voices

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 02:52:11 +0000

[...] What’s So Great About Seminary? [...]

By: Dr. Timothy Paul Jones - Southern Baptist Theologica Seminary Professor | Said at Southern

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:27:02 +0000

[...] is one of the few SBTS profs who know how to comment on blogs 1 2 3 [...]

By: What’s So Great About Seminary? (Kummer) « Expositionalogistix

What’s So Great About Seminary? (Kummer) « Expositionalogistix — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 03:29:45 +0000

[...] , seminary Tony Kummer of Said at Southern has written a great piece entitled, “What’s So Great About Seminary?” It’s well-worth the read. Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)Graeme [...]

By: john

john — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 09:52:41 +0000

Great post. I’m starting my first classes at SWBTS this fall and am excited.

May the Lord bless and lead you after graduation.

By: Tony Kummer

Tony Kummer — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 03:27:18 +0000

@Doug: The disconnect with the local church is one major drawback to the seminary experience, that is where the online/extension center guys have a real advantage.

@Sandra: The books are definitely a wonderful side effect. Before I went to Boyce/SBTS my books were mostly Christian “best sellers.” Now I have many better resources.

@Dr. Jones: Thanks for stopping by, we did enjoy your church this morning. Thanks for your insights about seminary. Most of the professors I’ve had at Southern have the same attitude and take their academic ministry very seriously. That is certainly a benefit of SBTS.

By: Terry Delaney

Terry Delaney — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 01:23:50 +0000

@Timothy–Thank you for your second comment. As one of those “sacrificing students” it is easy to get into the mindset of “no one understands” or “no one appreciates why I am here.” I am not saying we want to be appreciated but it is nice to know explicitly that the professors understand and that they still drive us to finish the task at hand. Thank you brother.

Terry Delaneys last blog post..Softball for a Day

By: TimothyPaulJones

TimothyPaulJones — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 19:21:08 +0000

Ah, now I’ve made the connections, Tony! Good to see you today. Anyhow, I would agree with your assessment, at least as it pertains to Southern—as well as with the commenter who pointed out how important it is to have face-to-face interaction with professors. A couple of other thoughts: (1) I went to one of our other seminaries for my MDiv before that institution shifted gears from “L” to “C,” and I went to SBTS for my doctorate after the shift was solidified. I was amazed at how much more passionate the conservative scholars were about their subjects and how much more they wanted to see it applied in local churches compared to those from more liberal perspectives. Never lose sight of the blessing of being trained under scholars who are passionate about Scripture and about the local church. (2) As a professor, I am deeply and repeatedly humbled by how much our students sacrifice to come here for seminary. It constantly drives me to do everything in my power to teach better and to learn more because there truly is “a charge to keep” here, and I love every moment of it.

By: Why Seminary? « Ambassador In Chains

Why Seminary? « Ambassador In Chains — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 18:31:42 +0000

[...] asks the question, “What’s So Great About Seminary?“ He gives 10 excellent [...]

By: 10 Valuable Blessings of Seminaries « Live Life! International

10 Valuable Blessings of Seminaries « Live Life! International — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 11:04:33 +0000

[...] Valuable Blessings of Seminaries Jump to Comments Tony Kummer at Said at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary lists 10 blessings of being at a Seminary. God has allowed me to share in the ministry of Toronto [...]

By: Andrew

Andrew — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 20:25:17 +0000

I’ve finished my first year at another SBC seminary (yes, we are watching this blog intently!) and have enjoyed it thoroughly…and yes, I’ll be returning to it this fall! I agree with everything you stated, especially the point about life-long friends and colleagues. The support is the best incentive to on-campus/in-residency education

By: Sandra

Sandra — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:32:02 +0000

Numbers 6 and 7 were especially true for my husband and me, having graduated a year ago now. I would also add that if you can find the right balance of ministry, work, and family time while in seminary it will help keep your priorities in order after graduation. Seminary also helps you get started on a great collection of books that every pastor needs to fill the bookshelves of his office!

By: Jerry

Jerry — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:04:30 +0000

It has been almost 20 years since my Seminary days (MDiv. SWBTS '89), but I would agree with all of your points. Some things remain constant in this changing world. Jerrys last blog post..Free Book

By: Doug Smith

Doug Smith — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 13:42:07 +0000

Tony,

Thanks for these insights. I am somewhat on the other end of the church – online student residing in Virginia, hoping to be serving nearer L-ville or an extension center in the coming months. I have taken two seminary classes in person, and wWhile I appreciate the distance-enabling technology, it is so much better to be in a class with real flesh and blood people and have more personal interaction with the professor. Taking Hebrew this fall will probably be a continual reminder of the importance of perseverance! I would love to see a big change in seminary that gets back to a more local-church model. But, I too am grateful for the many benefits the current status quo provides. The Lord bless you as you trust Him and serve Him.