The Institute Blog
Thoughts on Jesus, Education, and Life from Faculty, Students & Grads
From the Field El Salvador: Focus on the Kids
Sara Giguere, a student at The Institute for GOD, is on her six-week immersion trip in El Salvador. She shares insights from her journey, highlighting the community's shift from dependency to empowerment and detailing the mission's significant impact on local residents and volunteers.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ministry of Presence: College Students Serve the Elderly
Olivia Lasater writes about her experience serving the elderly through the Institute’s weekly ministry projects.
Institute Students Support Five Nashville Nonprofits through Weekly Service
This fall, the Institute for G.O.D is partnering with 5 local nonprofits, mobilizing students for service and community development every Wednesday after chapel as a part of our Spiritual Emphasis Days.
Scripture Meditation: James 1:22-25
Institute for GOD student Genesis Garner wrote this piece as a part of the ABHE + Reclaim Today Initiative in 2023. Genesis was one of thirty students chosen from across the nation’s Bible schools to participate in a writing and design workshop.
A Prayer for Something New
Institute for G.O.D. student Walt Reynolds wrote this piece as a part of the ABHE + Reclaim Today Initiative in 2023. Walt was one of thirty students chosen from across the nation’s Bible schools to participate in a writing and design workshop.
A Prayer for Friendships
Every human being needs friends. Sometimes it can feel like it’s impossible to genuinely connect with others, whether it’s because of personal insecurities or seemingly impenetrable cliques. But the truth is, God wants people to be close to one another, to be honest with each other and let love be genuine
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.
5 Considerations to Make before Doing a Gap Year
Amelia Harrison took a gap year after high school graduation and has some regrets. Read about her perspective on growing your faith, accountability, travel, and more.
How missions experiences expand my classroom experience
Olivia Lasater, a current student, shares how her classroom experience is influenced and expanded because of her time on the mission field.
What Lessons I Still Hold Onto from My Internship Over 10 Years Later
G.O.D. International’s Summer Internship is happening this summer, so we are letting people testify to its lasting impact on their lives. Read here about the lessons people have kept with them from their time on internship, even ten years later…
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!
Institute Housing: A Student Reflection
An inside perspective on Institute Student Housing (dorms). Genesis Garner describes them as yet another venue to practice what students are learning in the Bible.
Student POV: Chapel Featuring Public Health
The GOD International public health team recently facilitated our weekly chapel. Student ambassador Liv Lasater gives a recap.
A Day in Quinn’s Life: A Ugandan Undergraduate’s Experience at The Institute for G.O.D.
Quinn Semakula, an Institute online student in Uganda, East Africa, gives readers a picture of a ‘day in her life’ - completing a Bible degree while helping her family and battling sickle-cell anemia.
Student POV: Ministry Projects - Serving the Elderly
Genesis Garner recaps our ministry project time which happens every Wednesday, where college students worship and then go make a difference in Nashville together!