Students of the Bible often spend years in seminary, time that is meant to prepare them for ministry. But this can also be a very challenging time. Many students struggle with the rigorous study and the challenges to their personal and spiritual lives. Surviving and Thriving in Seminary is designed to prepare current and future seminary students for what’s ahead. In it, two experienced seminary professors (and former seminary students) recount what they tell their students and what they wish they’d known. This book aims to teach skills that will help students conquer challenges in the areas of time management, personal life, and study practices. Seminary is always challenging, but with the right tools, students can do more than just survive—they can thrive.
H. Daniel Zacharias (PhD, University of Aberdeen / Highland Theological College) is assistant professor of New Testament at Acadia Divinity College.
Benjamin K. Forrest (EdD, Liberty University) is associate professor of Christian education and chair of practical studies at Liberty University’s Rawlings School of Divinity. His doctoral research focused on the spiritually formative experiences of seminary spouses.
Praise for Surviving and Thriving in Seminary:
David S. Dockery, President, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
Surviving and Thriving in Seminary is essential reading for the next generation of Seminary Students.
Daniel L. Akin, president, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary:
This is a very fine, well written book. It will help more seminarians start well, do well, and finish well. I will gladly and enthusiastically commend it to our students.
Jason K. Allen, president, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary:
Theological education ought to be a season of tremendous intellectual and spiritual growth for the students who undertake it. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Too many seminarians find themselves overwhelmed by classroom responsibilities, family commitments, and financial challenges. That is why every seminary student would be wise to read Surviving and Thriving in Seminary by Benjamin Forrest and Daniel Zacharias. As the title indicates, this book will be an essential tool for all pursuing theological education, and for all who desire to graduate and look back joyously on their season of ministry training.
Michael F. Bird, lecturer in theology, Ridley College (Melbourne, Australia):
Daniel Zacharias and Benjamin Forrest have written an immensely helpful book on how to prepare yourself when you’re totally unprepared for seminary. If you’re starting seminary, this book will give you a head start, and hopefully prevent you from turning your Christian life into a train wreck. This book covers everything you should know from prayer life to research skills to time management. I wish someone had told me this when I went to seminary.
Paige Patterson, president, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary:
Surviving in seminary is a worthy quest, but it is inconsequential compared to thriving in seminary. Zacharias and Forrest have written a book that I wish I had had the foresight to write. Every student headed to a seminary or divinity school ought to read this book carefully before undertaking the journey. Chapter two on preparing your heart and chapter 5 on managing your time are 100 percent worth the price of the book. Read this book and then enjoy your seminary journey.