Continuing Education

[Macrina]

Over the last two days, I've been at a wonderful seminar/retreat put on by my presbytery (regional governing body). Twice yearly, a seminary professor comes in and teaches an intensive course on some topic, and this time it was on Wisdom Literature. Really eye-opening... got me very excited to dig in further, and gave me ideas for how to teach it to my congregation.

Our instructor said that studies have shown that pastors who seek out continuing education experiences suffer less burnout and more satisfaction in their ministries. Plus, I am one who just likes to take advantage of learning opportunities. My question for you all who are pastors or in other full-time ministries is, what do you do to keep yourself learning and growing after your formal schooling has ended? I'm curious to know if you take seminary classes now and then, if you have reading groups you are a part of, or just what things you do for your personal study and growth, aside from sermon preparation.

 

[ccunning001]

I am in the middle of nowhere Missouri so for me taking classes is alittle difficult. However, I do read every book I can get my hands on, spend time on the internet discussing theology and listening to other pastors over the web. I really love to listen to other preachers since it is like going to church for me since Pastors are not really allowed to go to another church every now and again. I hang out at http://www.oneplace.com. Check it out, it has alot of good shows.

 

[Macrina]

Thanks for the link! I'll check it out. I'm in a small Mississippi town, so the only way I could take a class would be if it met maybe once a week, and I could drive the hour and a half to Memphis. But seminars and things are easier, I guess.

 

[desi]

You have to do what you know is right and roll with the punches with God's help.