The Institute Blog

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

S2E14: College Conversations Podcast - “Why Being ‘A Light in the Darkness’ of a Secular College is a Bad Idea” (Transcript)

Laurie Kagay, Jeff Sherrod and Institute for Global Outreach Developments president, Gregg Garner discuss the challenges faced by Christian students in secular colleges, emphasizing the importance of a strong foundation in biblical education. They highlight the need for proper discipleship, Biblical literacy, and integration of faith into all aspects of life to effectively spread the light of Christ.

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S2E13: College Conversations Podcast - “What Bible Colleges Miss In Spiritual Formation” (Transcript)

Joined by the Presidents of Mid South Christian College, Larry Griffin and Nick Griffin, Jeff Sherrod and Institute for Global Outreach Developments president; Gregg Garner discuss spiritual formation in students featuring a discussion on spiritual formation at Mid South Christian College. Speakers focus on the challenges of assessing and prioritizing spiritual growth in students.

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S2E12 College Conversations: Why Mentorship Matters with Wye Huxford (Transcript)

The transcript features Mr. Wye Huxford discussing his background in Christian higher education and the importance of mentoring in addressing challenges. The conversation emphasizes the role of mentoring in spiritual formation and equipping students for ministry. Common issues faced by college students are also discussed, along with the integration of faith into education. The speakers reflect on taking risks for their faith and share personal stories of redemption. Mr. Huxford's blog wyehuxford.com is shared for more information on his work.

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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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S2E10: College Conversations Podcast - “Discussing Diversity: A Person, Not An Idea” (Transcript)

Institute President Gregg Garner leads a discussion with Professors Laurie Kagay and Benjamin Reese where they discuss being token representatives of diversity and emphasize the need for genuine diversity rooted in values. They discuss the challenges of navigating different cultural environments and stress the importance of self-awareness in promoting true diversity.

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S2E8 College Conversations Podcast: Will Anyone Hire Me with my Bible Degree? (Summary & Transcript)

In this episode of College Conversations, Jeff Sherrod, President Gregg Garner, and VP of Enrollment and Marketing Laurie Kagay discuss how colleges prepare students for the workforce. They explore the disconnect between graduates' readiness and employers' expectations, highlighting the importance of practical experiences and skills beyond a degree. The podcast also touches on the Institute for GOD's innovative approaches to addressing this issue.

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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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S2E6 College Conversations: Gen Z’s Summer Playbook - Education + Missions (Transcript)

In a recent College Conversations podcast, Gregg Garner, Laurie Kagay, Mitchell Buchanan, and Amelia Harrison discuss the transformative impact of Students Living a Mission and the Summer Internship programs on college students. They highlight the opportunities for cross-cultural experiences, professional development, and increased enthusiasm for education that these programs offer.

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S2E5 College Conversations Podcast Transcript: “Does anyone do Discipleship Like Jesus Anymore?” Part 2 (Transcript)

Gregg, Jeff, and Laurie discuss the topic of discipleship on college campuses and the various programs available. They highlight the misconception that discipleship is solely about one's relationship with God and emphasize the importance of interactions with others, and college as the premier venue for discipleship (even above church). Listen and check out what cooperation is necessary between churches and colleges for discipleship to occur effectively.

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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.

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S2E3 College Conversations Podcast: “Avoiding Degree Mills: The Importance of Accreditation and Libraries” (Transcript)

This podcast discusses the topic of accreditation in higher education, highlighting its voluntary nature and the benefits it provides to schools. It also explores the pros and cons of accreditation, including financial support and recognition versus the challenges of meeting standards. The conversation then shifts to the evolving role of libraries, emphasizing the need for adaptation to meet the changing needs of students. The importance of providing services and resources, marketing offerings, and supporting academic programs is emphasized. The speakers also discuss the importance of a physical library space and the potential for libraries to preserve students' work.

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S2E2 College Conversations Podcast: “Why College is one of your Most Important Life Decisions” 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.

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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.

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For Release: The Institute for GOD Launches “College Conversations” Podcast

The Institute for GOD has launched its first season of “College Conversations” — a podcast for college goers and their parents, facing a very different academic, economic, and social climate than previous generations. Hosted by Gregg Garner and Jeff Sherrod, the show invites interested students and families into discussions that range from the cost of college, the point of college, making friends, studying abroad, mental health, and more. It’s available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

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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.

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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.

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College Conversations S1, E11: Employers’ Confession: What They Really Want from Grads (Transcript)

Join Gregg Garner and Jeff Sherrod as they sit down with Amanda Aaseby, manager of Hopewell Family Care, and Chris Cameron, manager of Genovations Media, to discuss a critical question: What are employers looking for in college graduates? This episode offers a deep dive into the expectations of today's job market and examines if recent graduates are truly prepared to meet these standards. It's an informative session for students, educators, and anyone navigating the transition from academic life to professional endeavors.

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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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