Hey Scot,
What does Camp mean when he says, ‘don’t be a visionary?’ What’s bad about being a visionary?

I second Camp’s thoughts and add one: Don’t be defensive. In other words, don’t interpret what you are learning as a personal attack on your faith. My DMin experience was more enjoyable than my MDiv experience because I did not approach it as a defensive reactionary.

I would add: Go to professional counseling and work out some of your issues.
My seminary requires it.

Marcus,
What I’m guessing is that he means “Don’t think too much of yourself”. When we’re in seminary we can picture ourselves leading a “successful” church with thousands of people. We can think, “I’m going to change the world”. Although it is sometimes good to think about these things (and we do want to change the world for Jesus) it can set us up for disappointment when we end up in a rural church with 40 people. Perhaps that what he means.

@ Marcus and Nick – I’m admittedly an interested party here, but I recommend you pick up the book and find out what Camp means by “don’t be a visionary.”
@ Scot – Thanks for the kind words about one of my most favorite projects from this past year.
@ everyone – Save 20% off retail by ordering the book directly from the publisher (http://wipfandstock.com/store/Finding_Your_Way_A_Guide_to_Seminary_Life_and_Beyond)
Peace,
Chris
D. Christopher Spinks, PhD
Editor, Wipf and Stock Publishers
199 W. 8th Avenue, Suite 3
Eugene, OR 97401
541-344-1528
chris@wipfandstock.com
http://www.wipfandstock.com

For those interested in going to seminary, I would also recommend Cooper’s book, So You’re Thinking of Going to Seminary.

I would add, “Observe and collaborate as widely as possible.” My work in my own field (college ministry) has been forever altered by taking a trip around the country to view it in action and interview its leaders. But on that same trip, it was abundantly apparent how isolated we can be – knowing only our own circles or our own regions.
This is different from associating with those we disagree with; often we may be unfamiliar with alternative viewpoints altogether. But wide observation / collaboration forces us to subtler thinking, springboards to greater creativity, and just plain increases our knowledge of the field. Even if just means, for example, visiting other local churches once a month, a little road-tripping goes a long way.