The Institute Blog

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

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.

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College Conversations S1E9: Finding Purpose - Does College Hold the Key? (Transcript)

Explore the crucial role of college in vocational development with Dr. Carlos Serrano, President of Manna University, and The Institute's Benjamin Reese. This episode delves into how Bible education influences a student's identity and purpose within the Body of Christ. It's a must-listen for anyone interested in the impact of theological education on personal and vocational growth.

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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 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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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.

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College Conversations S1E1: Rethinking Christian College: What’s the Point? (Transcript)

Gregg D. Garner, the Institute’s Academic Dean Jeff Sherrod, and VP of Enrollment Laurie Kagay, launch our College Conversations podcast asking the most relevant question - what’s the point of Christian Higher Ed? This discussion focuses on the unique aspects of a biblical education, emphasizing its impact on student faith and how it differs from conventional academic approaches.

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