Is University a waste of time?

9 Transformative Benefits of Lifelong Learning

J.P. Sanders, recording from Y.W.A.M. Barcelona, kicks off with encouragement for listeners bringing their “fishes” for God to multiply. He sets the stage for grown-up learning—not just schooling, but cultivating a lifelong learner’s mentality.

02:12 – Why Learning Still Matters (Especially in Your 30s & 40s)
J.P. acknowledges the grind of life in your 30s and 40s—family, work, shrinking free time—and shares why picking up education again or embracing intentional learning can be a game changer.

05:45 – The 9 Benefits of Pursuing Education at Any Stage

• [12:05] Expanded Knowledge = Expanded Reach
  Expanding your learning widens your social and professional circles. J.P. shows how more knowledge opens more doors for conversation, impact, and mission.

• [14:12] Credentials Build Authority
  Degrees, certificates, or even a completed course instantly boost credibility and open doors, especially in cultures that highly value credentials.

• [16:38] Legal Necessities and Strategic Access
  J.P. covers how having the right educational qualifications can be crucial for things like getting visas, residency, or long-term missions access.

• [19:44] School as a Place of Mission
  Formal education isn’t just about the classroom—J.P. shares stories of how campus life and courses have become unique and unexpected arenas for everyday mission.

• [23:09] Paying for School = True Commitment
  Investing money in education keeps motivation high and helps you push through tough subjects you’d otherwise avoid.

• [26:48] New Skills: Writing, Research, Teaching, Presenting
  Returning to formal learning has sharpened J.P.’s ability to write, present, teach, and research—skills essential for life, mission, and leadership.

• [29:45] Real-World Application in Missions & Teams
  J.P. discusses integrating fresh knowledge into Y.W.A.M. Barcelona every week, helping his team adapt, lead, and innovate with up-to-date ideas and structures.

• [33:10] Translating Missionary Skills to the “Normal” World
  Education equips you to translate your missionary and faith-based skills into professional language and value for careers outside of missions.

• [36:30] Setting a Family Culture of Learning
  Pursuing education as a parent sets a powerful example for your kids, reinforcing a family value of curiosity, resilience, and lifelong learning.

40:18 – Final Thoughts & Invitation
J.P. wraps up by inviting listeners to consider what next steps in learning might look like for them and welcomes those in Barcelona to join the Y.W.A.M. community at “the 81 space”—check the show notes for details.

Intro Song by Isaac Vasquez, link tree: https://linktr.ee/isaacxvasquez

Outro song by James Tyson. IG: https://www.instagram.com/james.mtyson/

Contact JP at: [e-mail]

YWAM BCN web: https://www.ywambarcelona.org

Join us in Barcelona. 

The following weekly points of connection take place at our hub: the 81 space. (81 Bac de Roda, Barcelona. ring “bajos”)

🔥 REVIVAL MORNING – A time of gathering with the community for teaching, worship, sharing, or prayer
🗓 Thursdays 11:00-12:15

🎨✨ SUELOS DORADOS – Creative night. A night of ‘playground mentality’ creating (playful, free, and open to anyone)
🗓 Fridays 18:00-20:00
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These take place around the city. Message for location.

🛹🙏 MACBA MORNINGS – Skaters gather to pray at MACBA every Monday!
🗓 Mondays 10:00-11:30 (DM @panama_dave for info)

📖🛹 SKATER BIBLE STUDY – Skaters gather in the city to read the Bible and connect
🗓 Wednesdays 18:30-21:00 (DM @fabiskt for info)