The Institute Blog

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

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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 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 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 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 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 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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