I heard someone say this, but can't remember who. All I know is I was with Mike Foster when it was said, so it might have been Mike. Who, by the way, has the best blog that hasn't been updated since November 12.
I endured only two classes in an MBA program. I started a Master's degree in English literature. I got admitted to the University of Dayton law school. But I ended up with a degree from seminary. Problem is... seminary teaches you to answer questions from the Bible that no one is asking.
I wish I'd gotten a film degree.
I think we're all storytellers at the root of every job we have.
Dan Pink, author of A Whole New Mind [which I think you would love if you haven't read it yet] said that the MFA is the new MBA. same idea i think, in terms of the attributes of design, symphony, etc.
Posted by: tony sheng | April 09, 2009 at 09:45 AM
that must be where it came from then
Posted by: Ben Arment | April 09, 2009 at 10:10 AM
Why do we have to universalize and say that "We're all" anything? I'm not much of a story teller. It's much more natural for me to theorize about stories from a biblical, theological or philosophical perspective.
Posted by: Richard H | April 09, 2009 at 10:36 AM
zzzzz
Posted by: Ben Arment | April 09, 2009 at 10:45 AM
Great thoughts.
Sarah Sumner had a great quote on the Neue podcast last month (paraphrased): "Seminary profs usually teach students WHAT to think instead of teaching them HOW to think."
Posted by: Isaac Downing | April 09, 2009 at 12:08 PM
"Problem is... seminary teaches you to answer questions from the Bible that no one is asking."
If that is the case, does a person that wants to get into full-time(voactional)ministy even necessary? What background(education) would be most helpful?
Posted by: Craig Strauss | April 09, 2009 at 12:16 PM
makes me wish that my seminary Regent University would do more partnerships between the divinity school, and the communications school. there seems to be so much potential there...
Posted by: matt Morgan | April 09, 2009 at 12:20 PM
Ben - I never knew these things about you. Masters in English Literature?! That's AWESOME. Let's have a chat about literature and first century Jewish culture. I like both.
Posted by: amanda hindson | April 09, 2009 at 04:20 PM
I'm with Dan Pink that MFA's are next MBA, in the sense that they will be the go to mass market degree of choice. Not because they teach you to create, but because it's a point of distinction. However jobs that "require" an MBA probably won't look at your MFA even if it is from RISD or Parsons.
So in lieu of that MFA (unless the degree is required) why not just try reading? Read "Story" by McKee, read "Made to Stick" by the Heaths, maybe toss in some Jared Diamond with "Collapse" or "Guns, Germs and Steel" to get the historical perspective. Last of all, in the words of Guy Kawasaki, "eat like a bird, poop like an elephant" i.e. consume a lot and then share it with the world. (this is the part I'm bad at, if anyone knows how to share better I'm all for critique)
what do you think ben?
Posted by: Gavin Baker | April 09, 2009 at 06:38 PM
I agree Ben. I, too, have a seminary degree. While there were portions I found valuable, there is a lot that is invaluable. I told my wife last year about my interest in attending a college in Tennessee that is about storytelling. Everyone loves a story. Perhaps if we could tell God's life-changing story better, the audience might engage more. I don't know if that's true or not. I think it is. Regardless, the Bible is a story and we often "sell" it short, as I have been guilty of myself.
Posted by: Jason Young | April 10, 2009 at 09:33 AM
my college/seminary education and my role as a lay-pastor has given me a solid foundation for my creativity.
Posted by: Jim | April 13, 2009 at 03:29 AM