Setting Goals in Seminary: A Working List

So, I’ve been giving a lot of thought to this semester and trying to determine how I will know if the semester is a success. Is it a successful semester if I get straight A’s? Is the number of pages I read this semester a measure of success? Is going to class every day an indicator of a good semester?

I’m still working on this list. However, I think this sort of goal setting is a really good idea. It’s important to sit down and determine what success looks like for you this semester.

Then, when the semester is over, you can pull out the list and have a good evaluation tool.

Also, I think it would be good to review the list from time to time during the semester to remind you of what is really important.

Below I’ll share some of the items that I’m thinking of putting on my own list. Please feel free to share the items that make your list, too.

Family

• Does my spouse feel loved, appreciated, and important in my schedule?
• Was I home for dinner most nights?
• Did I pray and read scripture with the family?
• Did I consistently pray for my family?
• Am I paying the bills?

School

• Am I more in love with Jesus because of my studies?
• Did I read, with reasonable care, most of my assigned reading?
• Did I maintain a “C” or better in all my classes?
• Do I better understand Genesis–Joshua, its storyline, and its implications on the rest of scripture?
• Do I have a functional grasp of the Hebrew language?
• Do I better understand the book of Hebrews, with specific emphasis on texts that previously confused me?
• Have I been able to transfer what I’ve learned in Hermeneutics into something that is more than mere head knowledge?
• Have I been able to think more clearly about educational ministry within the church?

Work

• Have I given excellent service to all my clients by providing clear and timely communication?
• Have I met all my promised completion dates?
• Have I wisely spent my open work hours developing and creating my affiliate marketing sites?

Church

• Am I serving the local church?
• Am I involved in a small group and developing meaningful relationships with people?
• Am I praying for those who don’t know Jesus?

Physical Health

• Does my spouse still find me attractive?
• Do I eat three meals on most days?
• Have I increased my fruit consumption?
• Do I get adequate sleep every night?
• Am I dealing with stress in a healthy way ?

Spiritual Health

• Do I love Jesus more and more?
• Am I consistent in my devotions?
• Am I praying regularly and sincerely?
• Is my walk with Jesus a treasure and delight?

That’s my initial draft. Please feel free to let me know what you think and/or what is (would be) on your list. I really think something like this is good to help remind you of what you value and what is important. Without it, I might just end up trying to get straight As at the expense of all the other items. However, it is the entire list that defines a successful seminary semester for me. I’m guessing you’ll be similar.