Seminary Student Spotlight – John Saddington

We’re starting a new feature this week. Every Saturday (er, well I guess today is Friday) none the less, the plan is that every Saturday we’ll introduce you to a seminary student. Now, sure we’re all (well, most of us) seminary students and we all know seminary students… so, why do we need to meet more? Well, I just thought it would bee cool to meet some new people and hear a little bit of their story… sounded cool to me. So, today we meed John Saddington.Just the basics (Name, age, family, work, seminary, etc):

Just the basics (Name, age, family, work, seminary, etc):

John Lee Saddington, married to Sue and the father of Roenne. I am the Creative Web Director at North Point Community Church and I’ve been attending Dallas Theological Seminary for 3 years working towards a TH.M.

Why are you going to seminary?

Primarily I’m going to Seminary to explore the gift of teaching that God has confirmed in my heart through scripture, prayer, and the wisdom and guidance of others.

I’m not sure what will come of the TH.M (concentration in Christian Ed) in that I’m not sure if it’ll lead to a vocational change, but perhaps. I think part of Seminary is finding out where God wants you to go and to be lead by Him.

What is the most difficult part of balancing seminary and the rest of life?

Finding the time for all the reading. Being intentional about one’s studies is crucial. Also the ability to humble yourself and drop classes when needed… I’ve had to do this nearly every semester.

What advice do you wish someone would have given you before your started seminary?

I wish someone would have told me how often “feelings of failure” would arise and how difficult it would be to manage those feelings. Seminary brings out the worst in people, and that’s a good thing if responded to appropriately.

What do you love most about seminary?

Without question the professors. They are incredibly wise and bring to the class a passion for the Word and an enthusiasm that one doesn’t often see. They challenge and delight.

What question should I have asked you?

Why did you choose the Seminary that you decided to go to?

I choose DTS because of their firm foundation in the Scriptures. Since the Word of God is the primary vehicle (for me) by which I received my spiritual growth by the Spirit I knew that I needed a seminary who “taught bible well”. DTS has not disappointed.

In addition, they have comprehensive language programs, going over Greek and Hebrew extensively. I’m a language “buff” and love it.

Here’s your chance for self promotion. Where can people find you online?

You can find me all over but primarily I blog at http://Human3rror.com and http://ChurchCrunch.com