The Institute Blog
Thoughts on Jesus, Education, and Life from Faculty, Students & Grads
Comparing Bible Programs in Tennessee Colleges
This blog compares Bible programs at several Tennessee colleges, focusing on the depth of biblical education offered. Highlighting how the Institute for G.O.D.'s program stands apart, providing an unmatched level of direct engagement with scripture, practical ministry experience, and a strong emphasis on learning the Bible itself, rather than just about it.
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.
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.
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.
S2E14: College Conversations Podcast - “Why Being ‘A Light in the Darkness’ of a Secular College is a Bad Idea” (Transcript)
Laurie Kagay, Jeff Sherrod and Institute for Global Outreach Developments president, Gregg Garner discuss the challenges faced by Christian students in secular colleges, emphasizing the importance of a strong foundation in biblical education. They highlight the need for proper discipleship, Biblical literacy, and integration of faith into all aspects of life to effectively spread the light of Christ.
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.
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.
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.
Introducing the Certificate of Christian Practice - An Online Bible Program for Global Learners
The Institute is delighted to introduce the "Certificate of Christian Practice," an innovative online Bible program designed to cater to Christians across the globe. This new initiative is a testament to our commitment to providing accessible, high-quality biblical education to a diverse international audience.
7 Ways The Institute is Helping Third World Students
How The Institute is making Biblical Education possible for students in the developing world.
5 Ways Biblically Literate Leaders Help Third World Communities
Developing leaders in Uganda through a Biblical education to be a blessing to their community.
Is Prayer More Important than the Bible?
According to a recent study, Bible reading has taken a significant backseat to prayer when it comes to people’s personal times with God. This begs the question on which is more important for a healthy Christian walk?
Top 10 Bible Colleges in the South
Looking for some good Bible Colleges in the South? Then check out this list of our top 10 picks for Bible colleges that will help prepare you for your future in ministry (and in life).
10 Tips the Bible Gives Us About Being a Good Friend [Great for College Students]
The Bible has a lot to say about how to maintain a healthy social life, and one of the best times to lock those lessons down is in college when you are meeting new people and making new friends.
Bible College or Something “More Practical”?
“Why go to Bible school if it has nothing to do with my chosen career?” If you’re at that crossroads where you are trying to pick a college but feel conflicted between pursuing the career you have planned or attending a Bible school to deepen your understanding of God, this article is for you.
How Do You Know God’s Voice?
Ever felt moved to do something or thought you heard a voice telling you to make a certain decision, and then you had to stop and think: was that God? If so, is there a way to know for sure?How do we distinguish between the prompts of the Holy Spirit and the whispers of our own subconscious?…
What Do Missionaries Do Anyway? [And why that’s a hard question to answer]
Although the missionary is traditionally seen as being on the field, there are many roles which a modern missionary may take, (it could even be a desk job). So what does a missionary actually do?