Updates & Blogs

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

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S2E27: Why a Biblical Education Matters in the Construction Field

This podcast features two Institute alum, Matthew Parker and Stephen Carver, who are both employed in the construction industry while also working as pastors and development workers. Joined by hosts Gregg Garner and Jeff Sherrod, the four discuss changing job opportunities for graduates of Christian colleges, focusing on non-traditional ministry roles.

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Student Life, College Conversations Website Contributor Student Life, College Conversations Website Contributor

S2E24: Why You Can't Wait to Pursue a Biblical Education

Gregg Garner, Jeffrey Sherrod, and Institute Professor and historian Shaun Galford discuss the importance of prioritizing biblical education, emphasizing the need for understanding beyond symbols and procedures. They highlight the role of the community in educating the next generation and stress the significance of passing down faith and values, drawing on historical lessons.

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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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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.

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S2E17 - College in the Age of AI (Transcript)

This week’s College Conversations podcast revolves around the impact of AI, specifically generative predictive text models like ChatGPT, on education. Institute President Gregg Garner alongside professors Jeffrey Sherrod and Benjamin Reese discuss concerns such as plagiarism, the erosion of critical thinking skills, and the oft-used comparison of AI to calculators.

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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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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.

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College Conversations Season 1, Episode 8: Real Talk with Students: What’s Life Actually Like at College? (Transcript)

Jeff Sherrod hosts a candid conversation with three Institute students, each at a unique stage in their college experience. Debbie Castellanos, a freshman, Jacob Olivera, a transfer student with a degree already under his belt, and Lauren Garrison, a senior, share their personal reflections on transitioning into and out of college. This episode offers a diverse perspective on the challenges and triumphs of college life, providing valuable insights for anyone navigating or about to embark on their own academic journey at The Institute.

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College Conversations, Institute News, Missions Website Contributor College Conversations, Institute News, Missions Website Contributor

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,

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College Conversations, Institute News Website Contributor College Conversations, Institute News Website Contributor

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.

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College Conversations S1E5: Mission Trips - More than Just Travel (Podcast Transcript)

Gregg Garner and Jeff Sherrod converse with Institute alums Ashley Moore and Nick Sherrod about the significant role of mission experiences during college. Through their personal stories, Ashley and Nick shed light on the importance of international service and travel, illustrating how The Institute for GOD incorporates these experiences into student education for profound personal and academic growth.

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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.

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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.

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