The Institute Blog

Thoughts on Jesus, Education, and Life from Faculty, Students & Grads

Choosing A College, Academics Website Contributor Choosing A College, Academics Website Contributor

5 Things to Look for in a Bible School

Choosing a Bible college is a bold and often misunderstood decision, but it's important to find one that challenges and equips you for both ministry and personal spiritual growth. This blog highlights key aspects to look for in a Bible school, from rigorous academics and a healthy community to meaningful ministry opportunities and inspiring professors, ensuring your education aligns with your faith and future.

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College Conversations, Choosing A College Website Contributor College Conversations, Choosing A College Website Contributor

S2E26: College Conversations Podcast - “Will College Cure My Loneliness?” (Transcript)

Join Institute for God professors Jeff Sherrod, Laurie Kagay and headmaster Gregg Garner as they explore the issue of loneliness among college students, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. They emphasize the importance of feeling seen and heard, integrating into community, and recognizing cultural values to combat isolation.

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S2E23: College Conversations Podcast - “What Is ‘Summer Melt’ & How Do I… Not?” (Transcript)

Join Institute for God Professors Jeff Sherrod, Laurie Kagay, and Gregg Garner as they explore the "summer melt" phenomenon where students accepted to college do not show up in the fall.

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S2E22: College Conversations Podcast - “What I Learned On Mission Abroad & Why I Want To Go Again! - Part Two” (Transcript)

Join Institute for God professors Jeff Sherrod, Laurie Kagay and headmaster Gregg Garner as they discusses with Institute student; Jacob Oliveira his summer internship mission trip to Uganda, emphasizing intentional planning and transformative impact on one's relationship with God.

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S2E11: College Conversations Podcast - “Access & Equity: Reshaping Biblical Education Globally” (Transcript)

President Gregg Garner, Jeff Sherrod, and Laurie Kagay highlight the importance of biblical literacy and critical thinking in studying the Bible. They address the need for sustainable transformation and genuine education for leaders and congregations in the developing world.

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College Conversations, Choosing A College Website Contributor College Conversations, Choosing A College Website Contributor

S2E8 College Conversations Podcast: Will Anyone Hire Me with my Bible Degree? (Summary & Transcript)

In this episode of College Conversations, Jeff Sherrod, President Gregg Garner, and VP of Enrollment and Marketing Laurie Kagay discuss how colleges prepare students for the workforce. They explore the disconnect between graduates' readiness and employers' expectations, highlighting the importance of practical experiences and skills beyond a degree. The podcast also touches on the Institute for GOD's innovative approaches to addressing this issue.

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College Conversations, Choosing A College, Missions Website Contributor College Conversations, Choosing A College, Missions Website Contributor

S2E6 College Conversations: Gen Z’s Summer Playbook - Education + Missions (Transcript)

In a recent College Conversations podcast, Gregg Garner, Laurie Kagay, Mitchell Buchanan, and Amelia Harrison discuss the transformative impact of Students Living a Mission and the Summer Internship programs on college students. They highlight the opportunities for cross-cultural experiences, professional development, and increased enthusiasm for education that these programs offer.

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Choosing A College, Living Your Faith Ashley Moore Choosing A College, Living Your Faith Ashley Moore

No dorms, just homes for Christian community

Read about the Institute for GOD's unique student housing in Nashville, TN, turning traditional dorm life into a community-centric experience. Students reside in furnished houses, building relationships and acquiring life skills in a faith-based environment. This setup promotes personal and spiritual growth. Check out our blog to understand how we're enhancing student living for better service and fellowship.

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S2E5 College Conversations Podcast Transcript: “Does anyone do Discipleship Like Jesus Anymore?” Part 2 (Transcript)

Gregg, Jeff, and Laurie discuss the topic of discipleship on college campuses and the various programs available. They highlight the misconception that discipleship is solely about one's relationship with God and emphasize the importance of interactions with others, and college as the premier venue for discipleship (even above church). Listen and check out what cooperation is necessary between churches and colleges for discipleship to occur effectively.

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S2E4 College Conversations Podcast: “Does Anyone Do Discipleship Like Jesus Anymore” Part 1 (Transcript)

Gregg Garner, Jeff Sherrod, and Laurie Kagay discuss the topic of discipleship on college campuses and highlight the lack of engagement in discipleship among Christians. They explore different definitions and examples of discipleship, emphasizing the importance of interacting with others. The speakers also address the challenges of discipleship in a culture that values self-affirmation and individualism. They suggest that there is a problem with discipleship in churches and a lack of biblical literacy among young people. Overall, they emphasize the importance of making disciples and discuss the potential role of colleges in discipleship.

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S2E3 College Conversations Podcast: “Avoiding Degree Mills: The Importance of Accreditation and Libraries” (Transcript)

This podcast discusses the topic of accreditation in higher education, highlighting its voluntary nature and the benefits it provides to schools. It also explores the pros and cons of accreditation, including financial support and recognition versus the challenges of meeting standards. The conversation then shifts to the evolving role of libraries, emphasizing the need for adaptation to meet the changing needs of students. The importance of providing services and resources, marketing offerings, and supporting academic programs is emphasized. The speakers also discuss the importance of a physical library space and the potential for libraries to preserve students' work.

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S2E2 College Conversations Podcast: “Why College is one of your Most Important Life Decisions” Transcript

President Gregg Garner discusses biblical college education’s current and future relevance with Institute faculty Jeff Sherrod, Benjamin Reese, and Laurie Kagay. They address the challenges and benefits of a faith-based degree, its influence on career paths, and its role in preparing students for a dynamic job market. A crucial conversation for Gen Z students and their parents considering higher education.

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College Conversations, Missions, Choosing A College Website Contributor College Conversations, Missions, Choosing A College Website Contributor

S2E1 College Conversations Podcast: Biblical Education - Where’s it Headed? (Transcript)

President Gregg Garner discusses biblical college education’s current and future relevance with Institute faculty Jeff Sherrod, Benjamin Reese, and Laurie Kagay. They address the challenges and benefits of a faith-based degree, its influence on career paths, and its role in preparing students for a dynamic job market. A crucial conversation for Gen Z students and their parents considering higher education.

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Student Life, Choosing A College Benjamin Reese Student Life, Choosing A College Benjamin Reese

What if I Don’t Know What Major I am Going Into?

One of the strange aspects of modern higher education is that students graduating high school are expected to know what occupation they want to pursue. This is strange because high school students have generally not had the kinds of experiences that could help them discover what occupation they are suited for. In light of this lack of experience, students are left with introspection and best guesses. Read more to learn what to do if you don’t know what major you’re going into.

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Student Life, Choosing A College Clark Miller Student Life, Choosing A College Clark Miller

How Much Does the Institute Actually Cost?

The average Institute for G.O.D. student graduates with zero debt, and thus spends no time working to pay it off. And with their ProDev program, students can actually graduate with four years of work experience under their belt, and if that’s not already enough, students are guaranteed a job offer upon graduation. Awesome, right? But how is this possible? Read more to learn how this is possible!

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College Conversations, Missions, Choosing A College Website Contributor College Conversations, Missions, Choosing A College Website Contributor

College Conversations S1 Finale: Third World Travel - The Ultimate Learning Experience

In a special episode recorded during a break from filming The Institute’s feature on The College Tour, Gregg Garner, Jeff Sherrod, and Laurie Kagay are joined by show host Alex Boylan. Alex, an avid advocate of higher education, travel, and adventure, shares his perspective on why spending time abroad is an integral part of a student’s education. Tune in to learn about the unparalleled learning opportunities that travel offers and why it's a must for students seeking a well-rounded educational experience.

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