Ryan BurnsI’m 30 years old… the last time I went to an orientation for school was… 12 years ago.
Today is new student orientation at my seminary and me and Just a Gal will be heading over to campus while Just a Brother watches the Little Man and Sweet Pea (a funny blog post in its own right, I’m sure).
After orientation tomorrow, it is GO time… my first class begins Tuesday evening at 6:00 p.m. I’m a little bummed about that because I am a morning learner… So, we’ll see how I handle 3 hours at night.
It is kind of surreal to think that it is all happening now. After 7 years of thinking about attending seminary… I’m about to being my first full-time semester. I have mixed emotions… will it be all I hope it will be, will it be harder than I think, can I really handle the pressure, am I as smart as I think I am? The question keep coming and, I guess, only time will tell.
Just a Gal is pretty nervous too. She’s only taking one class, but school has never really been her thing… top that off with being in a class, most likely, 95% guys… 95% of which have been in seminary for more than 1 class… and you can imagine how she feels. That said, I’m really excited for her (and her classmates). Just a Gal is truly amazing. She knows her stuff and I think it will be good for all these future pastors to hear the theological thoughts of a mother and wife who is at seminary so that she can simply be a better mother and wife. Sure, these guys will probably know bigger words than her and will have a lot more books on their shelves… but Just a Gal wrestles with the Gospel every day as she deals with two kids under 4 and a husband that… well… is me!
I think it going to be really cool to see how it all goes… for her and for me.
Ok… strap on your seat belts… the ride begins now!
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Didaktikos
Tavis Bohlinger
You are in my prayers. I enjoy reading your blog, because I can relate to it. I am also 30 years old and thinking of going to seminary soon. I will be visiting SBTS in Louisville this week. I’m pretty excited about it. I know you and your wife will do well!
It sounds like all the 30 year olds are going to seminary. I just turned 30 a week ago and I’m going to my orientation for Reformed Theological Seminary’s virtual program at the end of the month. At least we’re not alone. Best of luck on your first day. God bless!
ST
Chris,
Congrats… it isn’t easy, but it is worth it. Enjoy the visit, it is a big step in the process.
Shaun,
Good luck with the virtual. I truly hope it works better for you than it did for me! Be sure to tell all the virtual students about Going to Seminary 😉
I found your blog not too long ago and have been reading it faithfully ever since. My husband wants to be a minister. Well he did. Life happened…. bad things have happened, but I have not given up hope for him. He thinks its God telling him that its not what he is supposed to do. I don’t think so. So I read your blog and I slip it into our conversation. I am hoping that you realizing your dream and God’s will for your life will help my husband see that he can realize his also even though he married me and our “ready made” family. You and your family have been a blessing and you are in my prayers. Keep the blog coming. I am so excited tor you!
In His Grace,
Ashley
I am so grateful for finding your blog. It reminds me of my seminary days. I am 49 now but I started when I was 31. A wife and four kids. I still remember the first day of class. Each day began with a 20 minute devotional time where the students took turns leading. A brief reading from Scripture, a brief lesson by the leader, then a time of group prayer that was spent literally on our knees. I remember as we got down on our knees to pray that I was grinning ear to ear to think I was with a group of men that were devoted to the word and prayer. This enthusiasm waned somewhat as the days went on and I realized what an academic exercise this all was. Nevertheless, I wouldn’t trade those days for anything.
Enjoy the time but don’t neglect your family.
Good luck, I remember how frightening walking into orientation was. I lucked out and found my best friends of seminary there. I too started a little older than some (I was 26), but I found out there were alot more there like me.
Enjoy brother! The ride is unreal. The one thing I have learned is that you must expect to learn something at ever turn. Even in a simple conversation walking down the hall with a guy I don’t even know has had an impact on my life and ministry.
By the way, it is kinda nice not to be the Ol’ Man in a group of guys–I won’t turn 30 until 3 April!
God bless, brother.
My husband started at Biblical Seminary (Hatfield, PA) in his early 50’s as a “day” part-time student. Our son started in his early 30’s, caught up to him, and they walked one behind the other at graduation. Husband: on staff at a local church Son: in the marketplace living his faith and serving at the church as a deacon. And now, in his late 50’s (and I mean LATE), my husband is going back for more…this time for an MA in Counseling and this time in a full-time cohort program (one night a week, one Saturday a month for two years). It has been interesting to watch the economy facilitate a shift to more students interested in night offerings because they need to work a job during the day.