25 Observations of Dallas Seminary

So this has been a long time coming but I'm finally done with seminary.  It took eight years, but I finally have the title of Master of Theology, though anyone whose received the degree knows, there is no such thing.  I wanted to chronicle 25 observations about my seminary journey in honor of the first assignment you do upon entering the seminary; make 25 observations of Acts 1:8!  The observations are in no type of order so please don't see this as a type of ranking.

1. International Students- Michael and Jean came from overseas to study at Dallas Seminary.  They have every intention of returning and beginning ministries either in their home countries or going to lands that are far less Christian in order to preach the gospel.  How sweet it was to share this season of life with diligent brothers in Christ.
2. Spiritual Formation Group- The group is a 2-year mandatory small group that students must participate.  They tell you horror stories on the front end of leaders that lead like dictators and participants who try to buck the system and end up having to start the group over again.  My experience was rich and rewarding, resulting in some of the sweetest friendships from my time in seminary.
3. Faculty.  I've read that you should pick your seminary based on the faculty and there could be no better advertisement for DTS.  Dr. Waters' missionary stories as we studied through Acts, or Dr. Bramer's ability to make the prophets come alive, or Dr. Bingham's innate skill at making all of church history directly relate with issues we face in our churches today are lessons that will continue to impact my ministry.  I will also appreciate Dr. Kreider's honesty about doubts, grace, and suffering, and Dr. Coover-Cox's kindness to a poor Hebrew student.  These stories and more make my experience rich and sweet.
4. Praying as a class on our knees in Hebrew 1 and 2.  No doubt DTS is an extremely academic institution, but despite the focus on higher learning, it was a sweet experience to begin this year long study of Hebrew by going to the Lord in prayer on our knees and then end our time together in the same posture, praying to the God who had revealed so much to us through our time together.
5. Worship Chapels. Nothing could be sweeter than gathering with others from different nations, all singing and proclaiming songs both new and old in Chafer chapel.  Reflecting on chapels of singing those old hymns with Chaplin Bill will excite and invigorate me for years to come.  
6. WM 101.  I took this class the semester that Hudson was born. We'd put him to bed and I'd gently encourage Jen to get to bed early as well so that I could begin my coursework.  There were specific lectures from Dr. Young that I watched twice as I was so challenged by his arguments and class.  I spent eighteen months wrestling with Matthew 15 before I finally felt like I understood it!
7. Going to Israel with Dr. Bramer- Such a wonderful opportunity to get to go to Israel with one of my favorite professors.  In addition, I only had to pay $750 for the 10-day tour.  God continues to give me insight into His word through that experience.
8. Haggai-In all honesty, I had never put much time into studying the minor prophets until I had a research paper on Haggai.  At that point I began to see how practical not only Haggai can be, but my eyes were opened to all of the minor prophets.
9. Church History- A.K.A. Historical Theology was my favorite area of study.  Too often evangelicals seem to lack a connection with the church in past generations and this was something that became obvious in these courses.  In many ways it changed my perspective on authority and the role of the church.  It also challenged me to read the original writings of those who have gone before.  The church fathers, the reformers, and others have steadily been in my reading pile over the last several years.
10. Bachelor Weeks- Sangiah's house The first six years of my study were spent doing online and week long courses in the summer or winter.  During those week long courses I would usually stay at a friend's, Dave Sangiah's apartment.  I'd sleep on his couch, eat out until I ran out of money and then switch to peanut butter.   Dave displayed great hospitality and it was always a treat to get that time with him. 
11. Online Greek 1 and 2-  I realize how strange this may sound, and that few would actually believe that I found the online form of the classes more challenging and rewarding than if I had been in the class.  Two reasons; first, in order to learn Greek I was completely dependent upon myself.  I couldn't lean on a merciful prof or a knowledgeable friend.  I had to study and know it for myself.  Second, technology can be a gift from above.  The websites that coincide with Mounce's textbook as well as some Greek vocab apps made the second semester a joy, and set me on a trajectory to love my studies in Greek.
12. God's fingerprints in scheduling- It may have taken me eight years to complete my degree, but I never lived in Dallas, and for seven of those years I had a full-time job.  In so many small ways, God's hands were at work in allowing the right courses to become available and for me to get in (even though often wait listed) into the courses I needed at just the right time.  The constant answers to prayer always humbled my heart as our Father worked out the finest of details.
13. God's provision of funds- Seminary is not cheap, nor do scholarships seem to be available to those who work full-time.  Despite the lack of financial assistance from the seminary, I graduated debt free.  This is an unimaginable gift and can only be attributed to God's grace and His working on the hearts of generous individuals who invested in my education.  I cannot convey my gratitude enough or as deeply as they deserve, but thank you.
14. Church Support at Countryside and McKinney- I can't express how gracious these two body of believers have been to me.  Early on at Countryside a deacon stood up in a congregational meeting to confirm that the church would pay for my seminary as long as I stayed on staff.  Their generosity provided for half of my courses to be covered, more than that their prayers, support, and graciousness with my schedule allowed me to devote time to my studies and improve as a pastor.  At McKinney, the constant support, asking questions, and encouraging words kept me going till the end of two years of commuting.  These individuals mean more than I could express and my debt to them is greater than they could imagine.
15. Taking a course with Jen- It seems ages ago, but prior to kids Jen audited a class with me, historical theology with Dr. Bingham!  The conversations that class sparked about life, faith, and culture continue to shape our relationship with one another and our believed role in the church and the community.   
16. Humility- I was told a story of Haddon Robinson, who would take first year seminary students and tell them, "Many of you think you have all the answers, but you don't even know the questions."  In many ways I walked away from seminary more aware of what I don't know and grateful for the insight it provided into those questions rather than just giving supposed answers.  
17. Camraderie of the preaching classes- Nothing can be more terrifying than standing before strangers and giving a sermon on a proverb.  What took place in those semesters was a real bond of friendship, respect, and admiration.  Preaching is a very personal act, particularly early on as we are developing security in ourselves and God's ability in us.  During the course of those semesters those strangers became co-laborers for the gospel.  Watching them develop their skill and the excitement to hear where God leads them is a highlight of this experience. 
18. Thinking Christianly- This was a favorite phrase of Dr. Bingham and something that I often consider throughout all of life, that my perspective must view each situation through the lens of Scripture, History, and the church.  This results in different politics, different educational philosophy, different family dynamics, etc.  
19. Diversity of DTS The seminary was not just ethnically diverse, but there was a great deal of theological diversity as well.  I can remember discussing issues of eternal security with a man who strongly believed a Christian could lose their salvation.  I can't say I had ever discussed the issue with someone so versed in Scripture or whose arguments were as theologically sound.  We tend to spend time with those who believe just like us, yet the seminary was a terrific place to rub shoulders with other Christ followers who come from different backgrounds or traditions.
20. Athanasius I can't say I honestly knew anything of Athanasius prior to attending DTS, but I quickly learned of this hero of the faith and the boldness with which he stood for orthodoxy and the truths of the gospel.  I admired him to such an extent that our son Athan is named after him, as it is our prayer that Athan will exhibit such boldness on behalf of the Lord as well.
21. Singing in class Early in my DTS days, particularly with Dr. Lightner and Dr. Waters, we would begin each class session with a hymn.  I loved and valued this blend of worship with academic study as it set the pace and purpose for the studies we were engaging in.
22. Todd 103 Almost every week long and weekend course I took in the early years was in this room.  I had my spot on the second to last row right next to the middle column.  Terrific insights came in that seat!
23. DTS Book Center In terms of bookstores I enjoy visiting, this has to be in my top 3.  Something about its architecture (it is a former Orthodox church) and the variety of books on theology, Bible, and practical ministry make this a place I always have to visit when I go back to campus.
24. Adoniram Judson Years ago I bought a biography on a number of famous missionaries.  I found a 400 page biography on Judson that was said to be the best, though I had no idea when I would sit down to read a biography of such length.  For WM101 we were assigned a biography and I figured it was the perfect time to read it and was I glad I did!  Judson's hardships and sacrifice for the gospel were awe-inspiring and a continual example I consider.
25. Acts 1:8 BE101 was the first class I took and listing observations of Acts 1:8 was the first assignment I had.  The verse will forever hold a special place in my heart and draw my attention and focus back to the skills I acquired while at DTS.
26. The Words and Works of Jesus Christ If I were to make a list of tough questions or passages from Scripture, at least half of them would be from the gospels.  J. Dwight Pentecost's class on the life of Christ and particularly his book entitled "The Words and Works of Jesus Christ" was an invaluable resource as I continue to study and seek to understand our Lord more fully.
27. Book of Hebrews I walked away from BE107 concluding that I needed to write an argument paper on every book of the Bible.  Not because it was easy, my argument paper on Hebrews was twenty-seven pages and took countless hours, but because of the way I grew from that study and the details about the book that stick with me to this day.  "Jesus is a superior person, priest, and has a superior program.  As a result we should endure in faith, hope, and love."  This statement sums up my outline of the book and reflects an admiration for Jesus I could have only found through the study of Hebrews.

On that first assignment I came out with 27 observations and figured it would only be right to come up with 27 observations here!  Thank you Dallas Seminary and all that made it possible.

Jay