Updates & Blogs

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

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S2E17 - College in the Age of AI (Transcript)

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.

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S2E16: Is It Too Late for Me? - A Discussion on Adult Learners

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.

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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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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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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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Choosing A College, Living Your Faith Ashley Moore Choosing A College, Living Your Faith Ashley Moore

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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