You can click here and visit the Going to Seminary website, where I posted today. I talk about apologetics and the confidence with which we can engage in conversation about our faith. Although it can be difficult to do so, we can rest in the promise of Christ that His Spirit will be present with us, and it is in His power that we can proclaim His love and grace. Be sure to check it out.

Ryan and I had the privilege yesterday to sit down with Dr. John Frame, professor of systematic theology and philosophy at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, to discuss his experiences and thoughts on seminary education. What we talked about centered around two documents he has written--Learning at Jesus' Feet: A Case for Seminary Training, and Proposal for a New Seminary. He gave us some very insightful material and offers some great advice to those currently in or thinking about attending seminary. Ryan asked the questions and directed the interview while I handled the camera.

Here is the a short clip with Frame giving some advice when thinking about seminary. You can view the full-length video (and find out why Frame is sitting in front of an organ) by visiting the GoingToSeminary.com website.

You know you are in seminary when clever responses like this come from students.

Professor: Bonus question number 2. Name one of Jesus' brothers.
Student 1: James.
Student 2: Judas.
Professor: Good. If you had James or Judas, you get one extra point.
Student 3: What if you put, 'Whoever does the will of my Father?'

Some people have taken to calling a theological seminary a "theoretical cemetery". What they mean by that is that going to seminary has the potential to turn into a very spiritually dry time for some. So how do you avoid the dangers of that? After all, you are training for vocational ministry, where you are supposed to shepherd God's flock in one way or another.

Seminary instruction gives you a ton of information. I know for myself it has sometimes felt like information overload. I am having to take in so much, that it almost bogs me down. All this stuff goes in your ears, and clumps together in your mind, and you don't really have any time to sort through it. We need to make active choices so that we don't become solely focused on what we take in intellectually. Getting through seminary is not just about passing tests. It's about learning to live out what you've taken in, making the Word of God really dwell in you so that it molds you and forms you completely.

But how? The place to start is prayer. Especially in Reformed seminaries, this has long been one of the major downfalls: the lack of focus on a disciplined, cultivated, and deeply committed spiritual life. Only when we get down on our knees will real learning begin. Also, it is important to develop deep relationships with people who can hold you accountable (and vice versa), and whom you can challenge and be challenged by. Go out for coffee, talk about these things, process them together.

One of my professors suggested that something worth considering is taking your time to get through seminary so that you don't succumb to the spiritual numbness. For instance, my program right now is two years, so why not spread it out a little longer, to three or three and a half years? That way you don't need to be swamped, and you really get the time to process through the stuff you take in. That enables you to better understand it, learn how to apply it, and use it to glorify and serve God.

I think it's actually a wise idea. Some people frown on stretching the time length of your education, because it will turn you into a slacker, or things like that, but I think it's beneficial. From a practical matter, going part time instead of full time makes financially managing higher education easier. It also allows you time to get involved in other things such as your church, your community, and your family. It also gives you time to focus more intensely on a few subjects at a time instead of having to fly through several.

I don't know yet if I'll do this, but it's something I'm considering. I'm doing something like 13 or 14 credit hours right now, so if I dropped down to 8-10, it would maybe add an extra year to the degree, but I think it would be better. That way I could also go get a part-time job at a coffeeshop or something like that, and make a little extra money on the side too. Robin I don't want to move right away after two years. We came a long way, and we want to enjoy our time here. Robin has a great job, we've gotten involved in a church, so we want to stay for a while.

Well, that's rambling, maybe a little lacking in coherency. It was talked about in a class a few days ago (HT: Reggie), and I thought it was worth sharing and discussing.

I love libraries. Especially libraries full of subjects I am interested in (such as a seminary library) where I can spend many hours just browsing titles, opening the occasional book to read portions of it. I particularly enjoy the smell, which may be indiscernible to some, as it is rather faint. I don't know that I can describe it, but some of you may know what I'm talking about.

And I especially love beautiful libraries. (HT: Gideon Strauss)

Here at RTS Orlando, we are privileged to have in our library Roger Nicole's collection, which amounts to something like 30,000 volumes. Maybe it's because I love history, but walking through his collection is something I especially love to do. It's filled with a wealth of historical resources---up to this point, the oldest book I have found there was published in 1794; I'm convinced there will still be something older. But it is an impressive collection, and since so much of it is theological and historical, it's a great place for me to be in. I only hope that the next school I go to has a truly beautiful library. This one has content, but is a little lacking in aesthetic appeal.

Books are just the best. I love what Erasmus once said (though my wife will make duly certain that I don't live according to it):

When I get a little money I buy books; and if any is left I buy food and clothes.

From the student handbook:

Studying and preparing for class is your primary responsibility before God during your seminary days. Preparation for ministry is a consecrated activity. Commit yourself to preparing thoroughly and approaching your study as a devotional service of worship...[Yet] each student must make difficult decisions regarding how much he/she wants to earn a high grade versus healthy relationships with family and friends. Work hard. Study well. But don't drive yourself crazy.

Recognizing and appreciating the multiple callings in life. Great advice.

Had my first class this morning at Reformed Theological Seminary here in Orlando. It was called Introduction to Pastoral and Theological Studies, and I think it's going to be great. It's basically an overview of the perspective and approach to teaching that the school takes. There's a lot of great stuff to learn and take hold of here. This is the course description:

Learning RTS/Orlando’s window on the rest of the Christian (esp. evangelical) world. Learning a theological model whereby one may come to measured conclusions about theological truth claims. Learning to assess one’s own theology (where one is on the theological map). Learning personally to integrate theological & biblical knowledge, pastoral skills, and religious affections. Learning to read pastoral and theological literature well (with discernment and with charity). Learning to write theology clearly, concisely, and cogently. Learning to disagree well. Stepping into potentially lifelong ministry relationships.

In addition to this, I'm taking History of Christianity I, History of Philosophy and Christian Thought, Systematic Theology I, and Theology of the Westminster Standards. I'm pumped, I think this is going to be a great year.

Of course, I need to thank God for this incredible provision and opportunity He has given me. I worried so much about how this was all going to work out, and really failed to trust Him that everything would unfold according to His plan. But it did, and He has opened a door for me that is going to provide unknown amounts of opportunity for me. What a great God we serve. To Him be all the glory!

Hey readers, leave me a comment and tell me what you are all up to right now---going to school, working, on sabbatical---tell me what takes up your time.