Updates & Blogs
Thoughts on Jesus, Education, and Life from Staff, Students & Grads
The Institute for GOD launches Church Matching Scholarship
The Institute for GOD is pleased to announce the Church Matching Scholarship, launching in Fall 2024. This new program aims to support both incoming and current full-time students dedicated to their biblical studies and ministry preparation.
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.
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.
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.
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.
College Conversations S1E12: Building Leaders - Is College the Secret? (Transcript)
Benjamin Reese and Jeffrey Sherrod join Institute President Gregg Garner for a vital discussion on cultivating leadership skills in college. This episode examines how traditional college approaches may fall short in nurturing leadership qualities, essential in today's world and job market. The trio delves into the necessary changes colleges must adopt to effectively foster leadership among young people. It's an insightful episode for students, educators, and anyone interested in the evolution of higher education to meet contemporary leadership challenges.
College Conversations Season 1, Episode 10: Professional Development: A New Era - Announcing The Institute’s ProDev Program (Transcript)
Join Gregg Garner, Jeff Sherrod, Benjamin Reese, and Laurie Kagay in an exciting announcement of The Institute's Professional Development (ProDev) program. This episode sheds light on how the ProDev program provides Institute students with a unique Christian workplace environment. Here, students can enhance their occupational skills, graduate debt-free, and step into the professional world with both experience and a job offer in hand. This conversation is key for anyone interested in how faith and professional development can be seamlessly integrated in an educational setting.
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?
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 S1E3: Friendship Goals - Still Have Friends at 30 Like Jesus (Episode Transcript)
Join Gregg Garner and Jeff Sherrod as they are joined by Jennifer Nyago, Director of Community and Student Life at The Institute for GOD, for a thought-provoking discussion on a unique aspect of college life: the formation of meaningful friendships within a faith community. They explore the significant role friendship played in Jesus' ministry and how college serves as an excellent platform to emulate his teachings on companionship. This conversation sheds light on the importance of building relationships for both spiritual and academic enrichment during college.
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).
College Conversations Season 1, Episode 2: The Big College Debate - Smart Investment or Financial Trap? (Podcast Transcript)
Join Gregg Garner, Jeff Sherrod, and Laurie Kagay as they address a crucial question facing today's students: Is college worth the cost? In an era where college enrollments have significantly declined post-COVID, with over a million students opting out, this episode explores the reasons behind this shift. The trio discusses the financial aspects of higher education and evaluates its value in the contemporary educational landscape. This conversation is vital for anyone considering the balance between the costs and benefits of a college education in today's world.
Education in the Age of AI
Should Bible colleges like ours be afraid of ChatGPT and other programs that write for students? What do students lose in the process? Everything.
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.
Why a Bible College is better for Christians than a Liberal Arts School
Christian colleges are everywhere, but what’s the real benefit of a Bible college instead of a liberal arts education?
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?…
12 Ways the Institute for G.O.D. Int’l Accommodates Gen Z Learners
Rather than holding fast to the traditional methods of teaching from the past, the Institute is implementing technology and other methods to not only better accommodate this upcoming generation, but to set a precedent for how education should be adapted to meet the needs of this generation.
Why Gen Z Learns Differently…
Why do Gen Z-ers learn differently? Simple answer - they are different (but, you know, in a good way). Gen Z-ers are the first to grow up in the digital age, which as you can imagine, significantly affects the way they see, understand, and interact with the world around them. These digital natives…
How to Make the Most of Your Freshman Year
When done right, Freshman year can be one of the most enjoyable years of your life. So how can you be sure you are making the most of it? Well, here are some tips…