The Institute Blog
Thoughts on Jesus, Education, and Life from Faculty, Students & Grads
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.
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.
S2E21: College Conversations Podcast - “What I Learned From My Mission Abroad & Why I Want To Go Again!” (Transcript)
Gregg Garner, Jeff Sherrod and Laurie Kagay from College Conversations interview Institute students; Genesis Garner and Erin Gammill. They reflect on previous mission trips as well as share hopes for upcoming trips.
S2E20: College Conversations Podcast - “The State of Short Term Missions: Are They Worth It?” (Transcript)
Gregg Garner, Jeff Sherrod, Laurie Kagay, and Benjamin Reese from College Conversations discuss the challenges and criticisms surrounding short-term missions in America, focusing on issues such as the lack of lasting impact and the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes. They emphasize the importance of expertise, financial integrity, and a holistic approach to measuring success in mission work.
S2E13: College Conversations Podcast - “What Bible Colleges Miss In Spiritual Formation” (Transcript)
Joined by the Presidents of Mid South Christian College, Larry Griffin and Nick Griffin, Jeff Sherrod and Institute for Global Outreach Developments president; Gregg Garner discuss spiritual formation in students featuring a discussion on spiritual formation at Mid South Christian College. Speakers focus on the challenges of assessing and prioritizing spiritual growth in students.
S2E10: College Conversations Podcast - “Discussing Diversity: A Person, Not An Idea” (Transcript)
Institute President Gregg Garner leads a discussion with Professors Laurie Kagay and Benjamin Reese where they discuss being token representatives of diversity and emphasize the need for genuine diversity rooted in values. They discuss the challenges of navigating different cultural environments and stress the importance of self-awareness in promoting true diversity.
S2E7: College Conversations Podcast - “Distraction Overload: Gen Z Navigating College Life” (Transcript)
In this podcast episode, Jeff Sherrod and Gregg Garner interview Brent Holzklaw and Daniel Ryan Day from Reclaim Today. They discuss the mission of Reclaim Today to help people connect with God in the ordinary moments of everyday life, and how they use research and creative content to engage Gen Z and Millennials in their faith.
The Institute for GOD Achieves National Accreditation with the Association for Biblical Higher Education
The Institute for GOD receives national accreditation from the ABHE, the country’s oldest and largest accreditor of Bible colleges.
College Conversations S1E7: Gap Years - Life Changing Break or Delayed Future? (Transcript)
Gregg Garner, Jeff Sherrod, and Laurie Kagay are joined by Josh Beers, President and Founder of OneLife, a gap year program operating across the US. In this discussion, “Coach Beers” delves into the importance of discipleship and the distinct advantages a gap year provides for students uncertain about their future steps. This episode is particularly insightful for those considering a break from traditional academic paths to explore personal growth and vocational clarity,
Institute Staff attends 76th Annual Conference for ABHE
The Institute staff ventured to Orlando, Florida for the ABHE’s 76th annual conference for its member schools. Take a look at some highlights!
College Conversations S1E6: Academic Battles: Does Accreditation Really Matter? (Transcript)
Join Gregg Garner and Jeff Sherrod at the Association for Biblical Higher Ed annual conference, with special guests Jennifer Nyago and Institute Alum, HR Professional Heather Maute. This episode focuses on the critical topic of accreditation in higher education. The group discusses how accreditation standards not only ensure quality but also drive colleges to enhance their offerings, benefiting the entire educational community. Listen in for an insightful look into how accreditation shapes and improves biblical higher education.
College Conversations Episode 4: College Stress Episodemic - What’s the Real Cause (Transcript)
In this episode, Gregg Garner and Jeff Sherrod sit down with Dr. Marty Harris, President of Latin America Bible Institute in California and a seasoned counselor and college professor in psychology. They discuss the mental health concerns prevalent on college campuses today. This conversation focuses on uncovering the root causes of increased stress among college students and offers insights into effective strategies for managing mental well-being. An essential listen for anyone looking to understand and mitigate the mental health challenges faced by students in their college years.
College Conversations S1E1: Rethinking Christian College: What’s the Point? (Transcript)
Gregg D. Garner, the Institute’s Academic Dean Jeff Sherrod, and VP of Enrollment Laurie Kagay, launch our College Conversations podcast asking the most relevant question - what’s the point of Christian Higher Ed? This discussion focuses on the unique aspects of a biblical education, emphasizing its impact on student faith and how it differs from conventional academic approaches.
Dr. Gyertson exhorts Institute Students to embrace Jesus everyday
Professor Brandon Galford reviews a special guest at The Institute’s weekly chapel event: Dr. David Gryertson.
Dr. Marty Harris of Latin America Bible Institute speaks in Institute Chapel
Dr. Marty Harris, Ph.D, and President of Latin America Bible Institute in California, was a visiting speaker in our weekly chapel event.
Institute for G.O.D. team attends ABHE 75th Annual Meeting
Institute faculty, staff, and board attended the 75th annual Association for Biblical Higher Education alongside other North American Bible colleges.
Institute Staff attends ABHE’s 74th Annual Conference
A handful of administrative faculty, board members, and Founder/President Gregg Garner attended the conference, gaining insight and experience and sharing our own with the hundreds of other colleges and seminaries at the ABHE.
Generosity in the ABHE
That's what happened this week when we welcomed Larry Griffin, President of Mid South Christian College of Memphis, TN, to our campus in Nashville. Connected by a mutual friend, John Savage of The Savage Group out of Seattle. Institute President Gregg Garner gave Mid South President Larry Griffin a tour of our campus. Then, the two discussed the future of both institutions.