Updates & Blogs
Thoughts on Jesus, Education, and Life from Staff, Students & Grads
From the Field Philippines: “What we do here is what we do there!”
South East Asia immersion team this summer gets the opportunity to to facilitate Camp Skillz (summer camp) for 28 kids. Hear from Tresa Botzom and her personal experiences getting to witness the replication of a program that started in Nashville get effectively duplicated within the Filipino context.
S2E23: College Conversations Podcast - “What Is ‘Summer Melt’ & How Do I… Not?” (Transcript)
Join Institute for God Professors Jeff Sherrod, Laurie Kagay, and Gregg Garner as they explore the "summer melt" phenomenon where students accepted to college do not show up in the fall.
From the Field India: Walking through Old Delhi
Lily McDaniel reflects on her experience in Old Delhi, and the Bible that she’s learned, and how the two intersect.
From the Field Philippines: Lifting Up The Poor
Hear a testimony from Isaiah Aaseby from the 2024 summer South East Asia immersion team as he reflects on the lessons he’s learning from the Bible and experience in a third-world country. He writes; “It’s humbling to come in contact with the poor, and uncomfortable. The uncomfortability isn’t bad, in fact it can incite us to call on the Lord if we choose to.”
S2E22: College Conversations Podcast - “What I Learned On Mission Abroad & Why I Want To Go Again! - Part Two” (Transcript)
Join Institute for God professors Jeff Sherrod, Laurie Kagay and headmaster Gregg Garner as they discusses with Institute student; Jacob Oliveira his summer internship mission trip to Uganda, emphasizing intentional planning and transformative impact on one's relationship with God.
S2E21: College Conversations Podcast - “What I Learned From My Mission Abroad & Why I Want To Go Again!” (Transcript)
Gregg Garner, Jeff Sherrod and Laurie Kagay from College Conversations interview Institute students; Genesis Garner and Erin Gammill. They reflect on previous mission trips as well as share hopes for upcoming trips.
From the Field El Salvador: Serving Youth
This week in El Salvador; the Institute’s immersion team had the opportunity to do two large events. On Friday they had a youth night full of food, games, and scripture. But on Saturday they were able to put on a one day soccer tournament.
Congratulations to Students Named to 2023-2024 President’s and Dean’s Lists
The Institute for GOD President’s and Dean’s Lists are announced for the 2023-2024 academic year.
From the Field El Salvador: Demosfe Organic Garden Distinctives
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.
Cherishing Connection: My Journey Volunteering at McKendree Village
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Institute for GOD launches Church Matching Scholarship
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.
Understanding your 24-25 Scholarship Offer
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.
S2E15: 7 Pro Tips for a Successful Campus Visit
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!
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.
Student Accountability Groups: Building a Lifelong Value
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.
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.