National Decision Day, celebrated on May 1, is when college-bound seniors officially commit to their chosen school, marking a major life milestone. This blog encourages students to celebrate the day with purpose—through personal reflection, social media, and community support—while highlighting the spiritual significance of the decision. The Institute for GOD invites students to mark the occasion with faith, community, and intentional steps toward who they're becoming, not just where they're going.

This College Conversations episode explores why many young people, especially Gen Z women, are leaving the church. Based on Barna Group research, students Elijah Lovelace and Brooke Vavold discuss issues like feeling unseen, gender inequality, the "Church Too" movement, and church culture. The episode stresses the importance of authentic community and mentorship to reverse the trend of disaffiliation.

In College Conversations, Jeff Sherrod, Benjamin Reese, and Gregg Garner discuss therapy’s growing role in Christian culture. Once rarely mentioned in churches, therapy is now widely accepted. They explore its benefits, potential downsides like dependency, and whether therapists resemble modern-day priests. Reese questions this comparison, citing differences in marketing and confidentiality.

The discussion covers therapy’s rise post-COVID-19, its impact on Gen Z, and the need for discernment, biblical education, and trusted advisors. They also examine social media’s influence, therapist qualifications, and the importance of measurable outcomes and holistic health.

Gregg Garner, Jeff Sherrod, and Laurie Kagay, all professors at The Institute for GOD, discuss the point of awareness media — both the consumption of it and the creation of it. If we are made in the image of God, and God sees and hears the suffering of people and thus responds, what should his people do, especially when we are now aware of more than ever before?

In this episode of College Conversations, host Jeff Sherrod welcomes Professor Benjamin Reese and Gregg Garner, president of The Institute for God, for a thought-provoking dialogue on faith deconstruction. Together, they explore the challenges, benefits, and spiritual implications of deconstructing religious beliefs. The conversation also features the story of Lindsay Holifield, whose faith journey—highlighted in Christianity Today—led her through deconversion, exploration of Judaism, and ultimately, a return to Christianity. With insights from books like Rob Bell’s Velvet Elvis and Donald Miller’s Blue Like Jazz, this episode sheds light on how doubt can lead to growth.

The Institute for GOD President’s and Dean’s Lists are announced for the Fall 2023 semester.

This blog summarizes the insights shared by three alumni and professors about the ProDev program. Their advice highlights how ProDev goes beyond traditional work-study, offering a transformative experience that combines personal growth, professional development, and meaningful work.

In this episode, Jeff, Gregg and Ben explore the significance of “the college years.” Are they solely for learning? Should students rush into work? Should they be free from concerns of career and financial stability, or challenged to figure it all out now? Tune into the discussion based on biblical principles.

In this episode of College Conversations, Jeff Sherrod, Gregg Garner, and Laurie Kagay discuss the concept of calling and its relationship to occupation, exploring whether calling is an internal discovery of one's passions or an external directive from God. They emphasize the importance of understanding calling through a biblical lens, highlighting the communal aspect of calling rather than solely individual pursuits.

In this College Conversations episode, Jeff Sherrod, Gregg Garner, and Laurie Kagay explore burnout, its causes, and its impact, particularly in Christian ministry. They share strategies for recognizing and addressing it, emphasizing reliance on the Lord, sharing burdens, and seeking help to maintain mental and emotional health.

Jeff Sherrod, Gregg Garner, and Laurie Kagay discuss the role of questions in a Christian community. As in, where do academic freedom, intellectual honesty, and how do they work in a Christian setting? Some people view questions as a negative thing regarding faith, but as professors, these guests highly favor asking questions. Think through what kinds of questions you answer, and how to get better at it.

In this episode of College Conversations, host Jeff Sherrod is joined by Gregg Garner and Benjamin Reese. They engage about the impact of media usage for young people, and what power it has to inform one’s values. Media is not bad, but does have an impact on your spirituality. Gregg, Ben and Jeff discuss the evolution of media and the need for colleges to incorporate better media literacy into their curriculum.

This blogs highlights the affordability of college with a list of considerations to make. Understanding your options and the reality of them is so important in a big decision like this.

Gabriella shares about her experience as a participant in the Summer Internship program this year and how this experience changed her experience in school.

Choosing a Bible college is a bold and often misunderstood decision, but it's important to find one that challenges and equips you for both ministry and personal spiritual growth. This blog highlights key aspects to look for in a Bible school, from rigorous academics and a healthy community to meaningful ministry opportunities and inspiring professors, ensuring your education aligns with your faith and future.

In this blog Katie Dunning explores the advantages of The Institute’s ProDev program compared to the Federal Work Study (FWS) program, highlighting how ProDev offers more comprehensive career development opportunities and financial support. Discover how ProDev equips students for success with hands-on experience, scholarships, and a biblical foundation that goes beyond traditional work-study programs.

Lydia Winter shares a testimony about her immersion trip, the Word of God not returning void, and the growth in her and our community in East Africa.

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.

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.

Olivia Beaverson writes about a standout moment in Eastern Uganda, asking herself, “Is what we’re doing enough?” only to be assured that God is working beyond what she can see.