Surviving Seminary

We are both in places where we need to move on to some different things, and so it is time to bring an end to Surviving Seminary. It has been a fun year working on this project, and we hope that it has been fun and valuable for you! Enjoy this final episode where we reflect on our podcasting path, talk about the future, and take some time to express our appreciation for everyone who has listened to the show. 

A complete argument needs a complete paper to contain it. It is critical to structure your research paper and write in a clear manner. It should flow and read easily so that your reader will understand and more likely be persuaded. This is the concluding episode in our Writing suite, and we hope to end it with a bang!

Even if you feel like your research paper has a water tight argument, you may have to add some extra components that will address objections and offer additional explanations. These components, known respectively as acknowledgements and warrants, will make your presentation clearer and increase your credibility. Kevin and Jason will break it down for you in this episode.

The main thing you are saying in your paper (your thesis), has to be supported. This is where reasons and evidence enter the picture. Kevin is out of quarantine, and the semester is over, but we are still working on our series about the research writing process. Enjoy!

At its heart, your paper will boil down to this: a clear, concise two or three sentences which explain your topic, research problem, and (most importantly) the claim you are making. This is a thesis statement, and it will help keep your paper on track. Kevin and Jason break down some of the ins and outs of Theses and sub-claims today.

After finding a topic for your research paper, the next step, aside from gobs and gobs of reading, is to encounter things which cause you to ask questions. Questions, and the need to seek answers to them, will drive your paper further toward completion. That's what Kevin and Jason are talking about on this episode.

A research paper cannot get off the ground without a topic, a narrowed focused area of research around which your paper will be based. On this episode, Kevin and Jason talk about the difference between a subject and a topic, and the ways in which a topic for a research paper might be narrowed down. In case you forgot or didn't hear the last episode, this suite of episodes will be our final "season," as it were, so don't miss a moment of it!

How do you write a research paper? What are the steps? In this episode, Kevin and Jason begin a suite of episodes exploring just that. The first and most foundational step for writing a paper in seminary is to pay attention to what the Lord is saying to you. Also, listen carefully; we have some announcing to do.

Last time, we talked about the hazards of a tech-filled life, based on the book Bored and Brilliant. This time, we talk about the book Digital Minimalism, and touch upon our personal experiences in trying to be more technologically responsible.

Boredom is typically seen as something to be avoided at all costs. And we've become pretty good at that, especially through the technology that is all around us. But what if boredom wasn't our enemy, but actually an ally that can recharge us and inspire deeper creativity. On this episode, Kevin and Jason discuss the ideas in the book Bored and Brilliant, and how those ideas can be useful to the seminarian.

On this episode Jason interviews author and blogger Lexie Mahaffey, who has just released a new book, “Hope Beyond Disappointment.” In it she reflects on her experience in being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, the deep disappointments that all of us inevitably face in life, and the hope that we can find when we turn to God in brokenness and honesty. The book is available now on Amazon; click here to get your copy! Also visit Lexie’s blog: lexiemahaffey.com

When you're having trouble coming up with ideas for projects, papers, or other school-related things, consider the old "Brainstorming" method. Learn all about it on this episode!

Zak Kratzer and Collin McSweeney from The Houseplants Podcast have dropped in for this episode! Zak and Collin are gifted worship leaders and their podcast is all about music, media, and the Mission of Jesus. On this episode, they talk with us about the ways we can maintain a lifestyle of worship while we go through the rigorous and often draining process of seminary. Go check out The Houseplants Podcast! Go to https://houseplants.podbean.com/ or find them wherever you get your podcasts!

Entering seminary and ministry as a second phase of adult life can offer distinct challenges, particularly in the realm of finances. In this episode, Kevin and Jason interview Pastor Brian Nutter, to hear his second-career seminary story. Brian gets candid and talks about the choices he wishes he had and hadn't made, and offers great financial advice to those considering seminary after already having an established career. 

One of the more challenging aspects of seminary education is biblical languages. They require a huge investment of time and energy, both in the learning and the maintaining. They also offer incredible rewards in biblical interpretation, preaching, and appreciation of the Scriptures, regardless of whether they are a degree requirement or not. In this episode, Kevin and Jason speak to the value of their favorite subjects, Greek and Hebrew. Links to resources highlighted in the episode: For Fred Long's Video, "Why Study NT Greek?": https://grksociety.com/resources/videos/ http://dailydoseofgreek.com/ http://dailydoseofhebrew.com/

In the course of your time at seminary, you will likely forge close relationships with people. You will also most likely have to say goodbye to those people as they and you move on to pursue God's calling. In this episode, Jason shares some recent experience of having to say goodbye, and both Kevin and Jason consider how to best handle seminary relationships in a way that is healthy and God-honoring.

You take a lot of courses in seminary. But not all courses are designed or taken in the same way. In this episode Kevin and Jason talk the pros and cons of varying course formats, from face-to-face to online and beyond. Which ones are best for your varying circumstances and preferences?

In our first interview EVER, Jason talks to David Durst about his book "Finding God in Your World," an appeal to seekers that God is ready to reach them in a way that is meaningful and relevant to their unique experiences and outlook. We also talk about evangelism and how the "Five Spiritual Worlds" can be used in witnessing. 

When our families went on vacation together recently, it wasn't exactly the most relaxing time. But then, what really is the purpose of vacation? On this episode Kevin and Jason discuss the difference between the cliches and realities of vacation, and the ways that interrupting our regular rhythms can help us to keep the proper perspectives.

Writing a paper is difficult. Especially ensuring that your citations are done correctly. Thankfully, you can use Zotero, a free software, to make your citation process a veritable no-brainer. On this episode, we share the details of how to use Zotero, and how it can help you take your papers to the next level.

Seminary involves responsibilities, obstacles, and choices. On this episode, Kevin and Jason explore these realities through an economics-related analogy, transaction costs and opportunity costs. How do we employ our time and energy in ways that achieve results efficiently? 

As a follow-up to our book format episode, we offer you a short "Survival Tip" episode, in which we tackle a thorny but useful hack to get your phone to read books to you. Take note, as a correction to an error in the episode, in the various voice-over modes, an initial identification-tap on an item on your screen is followed by a double tap to actually select that item. If there's anything else we messed up in this process, give us a holler and let us know! Thanks for listening!

Books are an inescapable feature of seminary; a two-edged sword involving both incredible value and often incredible cost. What format is right for you as you study?

Going to seminary is a big decision and takes the proper foundation. In this episode, Kevin and Jason talk about calling and how it relates to one's seminary journey. 

Welcome to Surviving Seminary. Hosts and seminary veterans Kevin and Jason are here to provide you with helpful advice as you begin or continue your seminary journey.