How does one become a lifelong learner? In my opinion, it is a matter of will. We either choose to have the learning mindset, or we choose to be stagnate. The irony of the matter lies in the fact that we will always learn, rather we want to or not. We will learn by experience, mistakes, and success if by no other means. However, if we take the initiative, our learning experiences can multiply extensively. Again, how? We should read. Reading is the gateway to knowledge. I can't sit here in my fancy little office chair and tell you that I absolutely love reading; that would be a lie. It is a love-hate relationship for me, but I am working on it. I pray that God grant me a love for reading, not just a respect. It seems I enjoy it more daily. Nevertheless, we should all be reading and growing in knowledge. What should we read? The Bible is a given. It is a necessity to read God's Word. We cannot live the Christian life the way that it was meant to be lived without hearing from God. The best way to hear from God is to listen to what He says. That being said, I think we should read a variety of things. This variety will broaden our scope of knowledge. I read Christian ministry books often. I read periodicals often. Some of my favorite periodicals are The Greeneville Sun, Group Magazine (a magazine for and by youth leaders), H.O.G., The Angus Journal, etc... I even read modern pop magazines; not because I particularly enjoy them, but because this subject matter will help me relate better with my students. I read books relating to counseling and psychology. I read military and political history. I read financial inspiration books. I read text books (yes even outside of class). I read emergency personnel handbooks and standard operating procedure manuals. I will even read the occasional owner's manual. What you read is up to you, but I humbly suggest stepping outside your comfort on occasion. 
In addition to reading, one could also open up to the idea of furthering their education to some degree. There are endless possibilities in this arena. Yes, sometimes it will cost time and money, but I believe the effort to be worth it. At the urging of my father, I went to college. I was the first generation of my family to graduate from college. The material I learned at Milligan was amazing, but even more important is the ideal instilled within me that learning is important. I have recently enrolled in a local educational opportunity started by a local congregation and offered to all. It is called The Church of God Bible Institute. It is a two year, online learning opportunity taught in the format of a collegiate style. There are these opportunities as well as others to tap into. If you cannot commit to university learning, try a local community college and take a class at a time. Research your options. I attend seminars often; these too are great learning opportunities. One of my favorite recent endeavors is venturing into the world of chaplaincy. I would love to one day be able to serve as an emergency services chaplain, if the Lord directs. I expect this to be in a volunteer capacity, but what better way to volunteer? With this in mind, I have started taking a few ICISF (International Critical Incident Stress Foundation) classes to both prepare me for future chaplain possibilities, but also to gain important knowledge in my full-time ministry at Cedar Creek.
Being a lifelong learner is a responsibility placed on us all. We should have the desire to always better ourselves for the advancement of others as well as our own benefit. Here's a final thought in plowboy terms, and I hope it applies to you as well: I don't know if I'll ever be a genius or not, but it won't be for lack of trying.
Good luck in your educational endeavors. Love & Blessings,
Pastor E.J.
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