Starting seminary? How not to screw it up

Classes started this week at Luther Seminary following a service complete with presidential sermon and abounding in Harry Potter robes. Last week was “First Week” when we welcomed new students to campus and barraged them with orientation information until they begged to start classes and get started on their homework. On some seminary social media channel, an inquisitive person asked, “What’s your advice for our new seminary students?” I couldn’t fit my response in 140 characters. So, here it is. Three points—because, well, sermons and the Trinity.

First, cultivate friendships. I don’t remember most of what I was supposed to learn in lectures, but ten years after my own first week in seminary, it’s the relationships that have true sticking power.

So, consider that late night reading always goes better after long conversations with new friends. Study groups grow more than knowledge. Laughing with others helps. Always.