There are just over 3 weeks (!!!) before orientation begins on campus!
I hope to make a post like this before every semester to let you know what I have going on (seminars, conferences, etc.) and some specific prayer requests.
On paper, this semester will be the most straightforward, but I’ll still have my hands full.
Weekly Seminars
Historical Jesus: Surveying scholarly discussion about the historical Jesus, evaluating historiographic methods, and weighing traditional historical approaches.
New Testament Research Methods: Studying the range of methods used for modern New Testament study, and executing the discussion, modeling, and practice of the entire research process.
Biblical Studies: Offering a scholarly forum, spiritual formation, and opportunity to present research papers as a way to participate in the ongoing dialogue of biblical studies.
Projects
Conferences: I decided not to submit a presentation proposal until after the first of the year, but I hope to attend several conferences in person or virtually.
First, I will attend the virtual Institute of Biblical Research Graduates Symposium in September. I presented a paper at last year’s symposium, and I don’t think I could overstate how great this group is.
Then, November brings the typical trifecta of Society of Biblical Literature, Evangelical Theological Society, and Institute of Biblical Research meetings in Denver. Although I’ve made plans to attend over the past few years, I’m excited to finally go this year, hear some interesting papers, and reconnect with old friends.
German: I need to pass a comprehensive German exam toward the end of the year, so I’ll set aside time each week to prepare. An email I received a few weeks ago from ATS stated that there is a German study group that begins meeting in September, so I’ll look out for that and other opportunities to make it stick (just in time to turn my attention to French in January).
Book Review: This is the most recent addition to my plans, but I was accepted by a journal to write a book review of “Revisiting the God-Fearer Thesis in Development of Early Christianity” by Thomas A. Robinson.
The topic is closely related to the conference paper I wrote earlier this year on the different addressees in Luke-Acts, so I’m excited to get started. I just received my review copy in the mail, and I have three months to return my review to the editor for publication. The more progress I can make on it before I move to Wilmore, the better. I don’t know what to expect from the book review process, but I’ll write a post about it if I make any glaring mistakes or notice something others could learn from.
In addition to each of these projects, I’m sure I’ll have several unexpected responsibilities pop up, but (as of now) these are the main ones.
Prayer Requests
All of the above: I have a lot of academic projects going on, some of which I have an idea of the work required and others I will quickly find out. In particular, the seminars will be unlike any of my previous graduate courses, so please pray for the focus and growth required as I get acquainted with this new environment.
Transition and community: In addition to all of the academic requirements, I’m still moving to a new town and joining a new community. From the emails and letters that I’ve already received from the seminary, I have positive expectations about entering a welcoming community that’s intentional about spiritual formation. But even then, many other students beginning in the fall are making a similar transition, so I would appreciate prayers for connection and relationships for all of us.
Clarity of mind and quality of sleep: I touched on part of this in my last post, but I’m trying to do a better job of setting aside time to rest and to pursue hobbies outside of the classroom and library. I’ve already noticed how doing other creative things that I enjoy helps my focus and excitement about the projects or readings that I’m working on. At the same time, I’ll need to follow a pretty strict schedule, so I’m focusing on optimizing the quality of my sleep (because who doesn’t want to sleep better?). Please pray that I can rest well so that I can work effectively.
Two More (Quick) Things:
First, if you haven’t already, please consider subscribing below so that you can get a notification every time I post.
Second, I’d love to pray for you! The box below will send your notes directly to me. We all have a lot going on, and we all need support.
Until next time!
Daniel Dicken 
Leave a comment