The Institute Blog

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

Missions, Student Highlight Laurie Kagay Missions, Student Highlight Laurie Kagay

Institute for GOD Students Set Out for El Salvador Immersion

Students from the Institute for GOD will engage in a six-week cultural immersion in El Salvador, participating in community service projects like youth programming and gardening. The experience fosters cultural exchange and personal growth while supporting GOD Latin America. This post details their preparation, activities, and the educational impact of their trip.

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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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No dorms, just homes for Christian community

Read about the Institute for GOD's unique student housing in Nashville, TN, turning traditional dorm life into a community-centric experience. Students reside in furnished houses, building relationships and acquiring life skills in a faith-based environment. This setup promotes personal and spiritual growth. Check out our blog to understand how we're enhancing student living for better service and fellowship.

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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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