Seminary Students: Love People not Papers? Or, Love People AND Papers?

Yesterday I noticed that someone sent out a tweet that said: “Seminary students: Love people not papers.” Now, in many ways, this advice is spot on.  Seminary students often need to realize that there is more to ministry than Greek syntax or lengthy bibliographies.  God calls us to engage with the flock personally, relationally, and intimately.  As Paul himself noted about his ministry to the Thessalonians, “We were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God, but also our own selves” (1 Thess 2:8).

However, at the same time, to say that we should “love people and not papers” sets up a bit of a false dichotomy.  …

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