For this week’s podcast, we thought it’d be fun to have Institute President Gregg Garner react to tiktoks Gen Z are creating about their Christian college experiences. Because he’s reacting live to videos, and some of them don’t even have audio, but words on the screen, this episode is best experienced by watching, not just listening.

Jameson Parker, alumni of The Institute for GOD and manager of Hopewell Gardens, presents some distinctives of DEMOSFE, our organic garden in El Salvador, as well as an update on a recent project carried out by our immersion team.

Wednesdays at the Institute for G.O.D are a highlight for Olivia Beaverson, who serves as a project lead at McKendree Village, an elderly care facility, where they witness the profound impact of compassion, community, and meaningful connection.

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.

This week’s College Conversations podcast revolves around the impact of AI, specifically generative predictive text models like ChatGPT, on education. Institute President Gregg Garner alongside professors Jeffrey Sherrod and Benjamin Reese discuss concerns such as plagiarism, the erosion of critical thinking skills, and the oft-used comparison of AI to calculators.

This podcast discusses the challenges and benefits of adult learners in Christian higher education, including balancing work and family responsibilities. President Gregg Garner emphasizes the value and wisdom adult learners bring to the classroom and the need for professors to be sensitive to their unique experiences. Professors Laurie Kagay and Jeff Sherrod (host) highlight the importance of humility, flexibility, and experiential learning in biblical theology education while getting real-time feedback from adult learner John Edmondson. The conversation also touches on the differences in learning styles between adult and younger students. Overall, the speakers encourage adult learners to have faith and value in their decision to pursue higher education.

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.

The Institute for GOD is pleased to announce the Church Matching Scholarship, launching in Fall 2024. This new program aims to support both incoming and current full-time students dedicated to their biblical studies and ministry preparation.

A review of our recent “Understanding your Scholarship Offer” webinar for incoming students in 24-25. Whether you’re already accepted or looking into it, this blog will help you understand our financial model to set you up to graduate debt free.

It’s campus visit season. Jeff and Laurie discuss the parts of a college visit you don’t want to leave campus without, especially if you’re looking for a biblically based Christian community. Don’t miss these 7 pro tips!

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.

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.

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.

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.

This blog highlights our Accountability Group program, which is part of the Student Life department at the Institute for G.O.D. Undergraduate students are placed in an accountability group where they practice vulnerable, honest conversations.

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.

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.

The conversation between Jeff Sherrod and Laurie Kagay focuses on the challenges of recruiting students who align with the college's mission and values. They discuss the importance of storytelling, communication, and finding students who fit the college community well.

Students at the Institute for G.O.D. International volunteers at Fifty Forward in Nashville, providing tech assistance to seniors, enhancing their digital skills and protecting them from scams.

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.