My next post will highlight the advantages/benefits.

As for alternatives there are a number of shorter \"ministry training\" schools. For instance in my context we have an Every Nation School of Ministry (2-4 months) and and Every Nation School of World Missions (5 months?). Though students in these do a lot of reading and write some papers, it\'s not really an academic environment, in the strictest sense of the word. The focus of the learning leans heavily to an emphasis on application. I think programs like these can serve as a great way to get some intensive training, especially for those just starting out. Ongoing learning can take place in things such as \"coaching networks\" and even within ministry teams that are intentional about learning together.

That said, I still think seminaries have a place... check out my next post for more of my thoughts on that. :)

P. Ron, Thanks for the encouraging words. Jesus is worthy!! :)

Very true, Josh! Don\'t try those at home! LOL

This is a really helpful list of things to avoid. Most of these things I have avoided intuitively, but you did a great job of giving some simple explanations WHY these things are can be such big mistakes. Nice!

Yeah, that is a crazy amount of TV watching.