Updates & Blogs
Thoughts on Jesus, Education, and Life from Staff, Students & Grads
From the Field Uganda: Immersion Testimony from Jesse
GOD International Immersion Particant Jesse Grooms testifies about how the Lord has led him, his immersion project, but moreover, the overarching project God has been doing in him.
From the Field Uganda: SLAM Conference
Blake Botzum writes from Uganda about the facilitation of a SLAM week, on the other side of a program that changed his life.
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.
From the Field El Salvador: Week One Update from Lauren Garrison
Lauren Garrison gives a week one update from her Immersion to El Salvador concerning her time so far, and what their plans are for the month. Look forward to more updates like this throughout the month.
Institute for GOD Students Set Out for El Salvador Immersion
Students from the Institute for GOD will engage in a six-week cultural immersion in El Salvador, participating in community service projects like youth programming and gardening. The experience fosters cultural exchange and personal growth while supporting GOD Latin America. This post details their preparation, activities, and the educational impact of their trip.
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.
5 Reasons to Participate in Summer Internship before you start at The Institute
Going on a cross-cultural internship experience before coming to the institute, expands your ability to understand the mission God has for his people. Finding a summer internship abroad is just what you need!
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,
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.
Fundraising Tips for Your Mission Trips
Even if your next mission trip is still a year away, it’s never too early to start financially planning for it. Here are some fundraising tips to consider to help ease the stress of raising money for your next trip.
How Do Missionaries Support Themselves?
If you want to be a missionary, you’ll need to come up with a way to make ends meet, so here are the 5 most common methods missionaries use to garner support while abroad.
What to Consider When Choosing a Missions Training Program
It can be hard to decide on a missions training program, as you want to choose the one which will prepare you best for the mission field. However, without diving into a commitment, how do you know which program will properly develop you into the missionary who can fulfill all that God is calling you to do?