My Advice to Students — Michael Bird Has 3 Things to Say to Younger Bird

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I would wager most of the scholars who’ve contributed to our series would say their advice is meant for a younger version of themselves as much as young students and scholars.

Michael Bird, contributor to Five Views on Biblical Inerrancy, has three things to say to young Bird and young up-and-comers:

1. Don't be a man pleaser. “Because if you go chasing respect or chasing some sort of validity in a certain camp, ultimately you’re going to sell out.”
2. Work in the primary languages and sources. Bird admits this is something he wishes he would've done more of as a young scholar.
3. Take measures to keep your work spiritually fresh. "Because like a cookie that's been left out too long," as Bird says, "it is so easy to go stale." He suggests some practical ways to avoid this kind of staleness.

Bird's advice is sound advice. Listen to the rest of what older Bird would tell younger Bird.

-Jeremy Bouma, Th.M. (@bouma)

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"My Advice to Students" videos advise and guide students studying for a future of ministry in the Church, whether in the academy or in congregations. In these specially curated videos, leading scholars of biblical studies share their wisdom to help you navigate this important season of preparation.