Biblical Higher Ed Talk

Stepping into the presidency of an institution you already know and love brings unique advantages, but it also changes the weight of leadership. After more than two decades at Johnson University, Dr. Daniel Overdorf reflects on his first two years as president and what he has learned about trust, relationships, communication, and carrying responsibility for an institution whose mission has eternal significance.

Dr. Overdorf shares the realities of moving from colleague to president, including how relationships change when former peers become members of the team you lead. He offers practical wisdom for boards considering internal candidates and for new presidents entering their first days of leadership. Through it all, Daniel returns to a central conviction: Christian higher education must remain clear and unapologetic about its Christ-centered mission, equipping students not simply for careers, but for lives that matter eternally.

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Tune In to Discover
▫️The advantages and challenges of moving from an internal leadership role into the presidency

▫️Why trust and open communication are essential when former peers become people you lead

▫️What boards should consider when choosing between internal and external presidential candidates

▫️Why new presidents should prioritize listening well, listening widely, and acting on what they hear

▫️How mission clarity can become one of Christian higher education’s greatest opportunities

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Inside the Episode

06:35 - The unexpected weight of carrying responsibility for an entire institution

12:39 - Navigating the transition from colleague and peer to president

21:40 - Leadership lessons from Daniel’s first two years in the president’s chair

26:24 - Why new presidents should listen well and listen widely

27:30 - “Clarity is kindness,” and why leaders must clearly communicate mission and direction

29:14 - Turning a listening tour into meaningful changes in institutional communication

33:19 - Why Christian higher education must be clear and overt about its Christ-centered purpose

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To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player.

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The Biblical Higher Ed Talk podcast is brought to you by The Association of Biblical Higher Education and is proud to be part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Preparing the next generation for ministry takes more than a classroom. John Larson, Vice President of Ministry Training and Academic Instruction at Highlands College, believes students need rigorous academic formation alongside hands-on experience in the life and ministry of the local church.

John shares how Highlands College intentionally integrates higher education with Church of the Highlands, creating an environment where students develop both character and competence for ministry. He also explores the college’s decision not to participate in federal Title IV funding, the tensions involved in using active ministry practitioners as instructors, and why Christian higher education has a unique opportunity to equip a generation eager to make a meaningful difference for the Kingdom.

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Tune In to Discover
▫️Why grit may be one of the most important qualities future ministry leaders can develop

▫️How Highlands College integrates classroom learning with practical ministry experience in the local church

▫️Why active ministry practitioners play an important role in preparing students for real-world ministry

▫️How active learning and collaborative learning spaces shape the student experience at Highlands

▫️What gives John hope about a highly missional generation of students entering Christian higher education

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Inside the Episode

03:15 - Why ministry leaders need grit before they graduate

06:24 - Why the local church and Christian college should never be strangers

07:49 - How Highlands College integrates ministry training with Church of the Highlands

18:22 - The value and challenge of putting active ministry practitioners in the classroom

23:11 - Why higher education leaders must become chief learners

25:52 - Inside Highlands College’s active and collaborative learning environment

27:56 - Why Highlands chooses not to participate in federal Title IV funding

32:25 - What a highly missional generation of students could mean for Christian higher education

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To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player.

___

The Biblical Higher Ed Talk podcast is brought to you by The Association of Biblical Higher Education and is proud to be part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Christian higher education is navigating powerful headwinds, but Dr. Barry H. Corey believes the answer is neither retreat nor compromise. As President of Biola University, Dr. Corey reflects on nearly two decades of presidential leadership and the calling, humility, courage, and conviction required to remain faithful through seasons of change.

From resisting the twin dangers of nostalgia and institutional amnesia to preparing students for a world being reshaped by AI, Dr. Corey offers a compelling vision for Christian higher education rooted in a “firm center” and “soft edges.” He challenges leaders to hold tightly to biblical truth while leading with kindness, excellence, and courage, trusting that God’s tailwinds remain stronger than the cultural headwinds.

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Tune In to Discover
▫️Why a clear sense of calling can sustain leaders through both self-doubt and success

▫️How long-term leaders must adapt as their institutions and leadership strengths change

▫️What it means to lead with “thick skin and a tender heart”

▫️Why Christian colleges should prepare students with a firm center, soft edges, and a commitment to excellence

▫️ Why both nostalgia and institutional amnesia can threaten the future of Christian colleges

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Inside the Episode

11:52 - How presidential leadership must evolve over time

16:24 - Why leaders need thick skin, tender hearts, and relationships outside their institutions

18:38 - Trusting God’s “tailwinds” when leadership headwinds grow stronger

21:42 - Firm center, soft edges, and preparing students for a rapidly changing world

23:58 - Thinking theologically about AI, technology, and innovation

28:16 - The dangers of nostalgia and amnesia in Christian higher education

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To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player.

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The Biblical Higher Ed Talk podcast is brought to you by The Association of Biblical Higher Education and is proud to be part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

As David Medders prepares to transition toward retirement after decades of ministry and service to biblical higher education, he reflects on the convictions that have shaped his life, leadership, and calling.

From surrendering his life fully to Christ as a young teenager to serving generations of students, presidents, and institutional leaders, David shares lessons forged through nearly five decades of ministry. He reflects on the future of biblical higher education, the danger of leadership pride, the importance of treating every person with dignity, and why the ultimate goal of Christian education must reach beyond professional preparation to life-transforming encounters with the living God.

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Tune In to Discover
▫️Why surrendering control and trusting the sovereignty of God has shaped David’s approach to leadership

▫️What David believes biblical higher education looks like “on our best day”

▫️How humility protects leaders from the dangers that accompany prestige, privilege, and power

▫️Why the greatest opportunity for biblical higher education is connecting emerging generations with the person of Christ

▫️What finishing well looks like after nearly five decades of ministry and leadership

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Inside the Episode

01:56 - The leadership lesson David wishes he had learned decades earlier

05:18 - The decision to fully surrender his life to Christ and how it changed everything

08:39 - David reflects on his ABHE transition and intentionally handing leadership responsibilities to the next generation

15:14 - Why seeing God call a new generation of leaders gives David hope for biblical higher education

19:21 - “On our best day,” the three qualities that define biblical higher education

26:14 - The greatest opportunity and challenge facing biblical higher education today

29:41 - Why humility and the way leaders treat others reveal the true character of Christian leadership

34:38 - What it means to finish well and the legacy David hopes to leave

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To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player.

___

The Biblical Higher Ed Talk podcast is brought to you by The Association of Biblical Higher Education and is proud to be part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Season 8 of Biblical Higher Ed Talk is here. Philip Dearborn, President of ABHE, offers a quick look ahead through conversations with presidents and thought leaders, along with timely discussions of the challenges and opportunities facing biblical higher education. Through it all, the focus remains the same: practical encouragement for leaders who want to stay kingdom-focused.

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Tune In to Discover
▫️What’s ahead for Season 8 of Biblical Higher Ed Talk

▫️The challenges and opportunities shaping biblical higher education

▫️The leaders and voices joining the conversation this season. 

▫️Why staying Kingdom-focused matters in a changing higher education landscape. 

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To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player.

___

The Biblical Higher Ed Talk podcast is brought to you by The Association of Biblical Higher Education and is proud to be part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Join Philip Dearborn, President of ABHE, for a special summer series created to encourage and support leaders in Christian higher education. Every other week, we’ll revisit some of the most popular conversations from past seasons, with practical insights and meaningful reminders about the importance of Christ-centered education.

This episode originally aired February 2026

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What kind of church will exist for our children and grandchildren? In this thoughtful and forward-looking conversation, Jason Ballard reflects on the health of the church in Canada, the growing leadership pipeline crisis, and why long-term faithfulness matters more than short-term urgency. Drawing from his pastoral experience and national leadership work, Jason challenges listeners to think beyond programs and productivity toward formation, partnership, and generational impact.

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Tune In to Discover

✅The current state of the evangelical church in Canada and what gives reason for hope

✅Key challenges facing churches in an increasingly complex cultural moment

✅Why leadership exhaustion and scarcity threaten the future of the church

✅Practical ways churches can empower and develop young leaders

✅How churches and biblical higher education can work together for long-term impact

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Inside the Episode

01:44 – A realistic and hopeful look at the evangelical church in Canada

06:08 – Cultural pressure, distraction, and the challenges facing today’s church

12:05 – The looming leadership pipeline crisis

15:50 – Why the future of church leadership matters personally and deeply\

20:51 – Creating a culture that empowers and releases young leaders

27:35 – Bringing theological education closer to the life of the local church

32:01 – Healing the divide between the church and the academy

38:40 – Leading with a long-term, generational vision of faithfulness

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To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player.

The Biblical Higher Ed Talk podcast is brought to you by The Association of Biblical Higher Ed and is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network. 

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Join Philip Dearborn, President of ABHE, for a special summer series created to encourage and support leaders in Christian higher education. Every other week, we’ll revisit some of the most popular conversations from past seasons, with practical insights and meaningful reminders about the importance of Christ-centered education.

This episode originally aired February 2026

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What does faithful leadership look like when vision is bold, change is constant, and the stakes are eternal? In this wide-ranging and deeply personal conversation, Bill McCarthy, Chairman of the Board and former CEO of Logos Bible Software, reflects on decades of leadership across technology, business, and ministry partnership. From operationalizing vision to building culture and investing in global evangelism, Bill offers hard-won wisdom for leaders navigating complexity while staying anchored in faith and mission.

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Tune In to Discover

✅The four leadership responsibilities every effective leader must embrace

✅Why turning vision into action is often the hardest leadership challenge

✅How culture shapes long-term organizational health and impact

✅What faith-driven leadership looks like in seasons of rapid change

✅Why investing in the global church remains a defining priority

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Inside the Episode

02:14 – Four core responsibilities every leader must carry

06:48 – Why operationalizing strategy is harder than setting vision

12:21 – Navigating organizational change, chaos, and stability

16:09 – How culture reinforces mission and builds trust

23:05 – Where Bill’s passion for evangelism and global ministry began

26:48 – Scaling Logos to serve the global church

32:06 – A word of encouragement for leaders in biblical higher education

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To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player.

The Biblical Higher Ed Talk podcast is brought to you by The Association of Biblical Higher Ed and is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network. 

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Join Philip Dearborn, President of ABHE, for a special summer series created to encourage and support leaders in Christian higher education. Every other week, we’ll revisit some of the most popular conversations from past seasons, with practical insights and meaningful reminders about the importance of Christ-centered education.

This episode originally aired January 2026

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What does it take to equip leaders, boards, and faculty for the rapidly changing realities of biblical higher education? In this forward-looking conversation, Eric Brandt offers a first look at the ABHE Leadership Academy, a new initiative designed to strengthen institutions from the inside out. Drawing on decades of experience in digital education and faculty development, Eric shares why accessible, mission-aligned leadership formation is essential for the future health and flourishing of ABHE institutions.

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Tune In to Discover

✅Why Leadership and faculty development are critical for institutional flourishing

✅How the ABHE Leadership Academy expands access beyond conferences

✅What makes micro-courses an effective tool for ongoing formation

✅How biblical integration and effective teaching practices are being addressed for faculty 

✅Why ABHE is investing deeply in leaders at every level

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Inside the Episode

02:00 – The evolution of distance and online education and why it matters now

09:47 – Why leadership and faculty development are essential for institutional health

15:40 – What makes the ABHE Leadership Academy different from past initiatives

21:35 – Addressing biblical integration and effective teaching gaps among faculty

28:03 – What courses are launching first and the long-term vision for 100 micro-courses

32:02 – Why the Leadership Academy is offered as a member benefit for ABHE institutions

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To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player.

The Biblical Higher Ed Talk podcast is brought to you by The Association of Biblical Higher Ed and is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network. 

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Join Philip Dearborn, President of ABHE, for a special summer series created to encourage and support leaders in Christian higher education. Every other week, we’ll revisit some of the most popular conversations from past seasons, with practical insights and meaningful reminders about the importance of Christ-centered education.

This episode originally aired December 2025

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For Dr. Dondi Costin, President of Liberty University,  God’s direction led from a timid teenager afraid to speak in public, to a decorated military chaplain, to the presidency of one of the largest Christian universities in the world. His story is a powerful reminder that God’s sovereignty weaves every season, assignment, and relationship into a calling far greater than we imagine. With humility and clarity, Dr. Costin reflects on leadership, obedience, identity, and the future of Christian higher education.

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Tune in to discover

✅How God redirected a young Air Force cadet into ministry and chaplaincy.

✅Why authentic leadership begins with self awareness and Spirit shaped character.
✅How Liberty University’s early innovation shaped distance learning nationwide.
✅What younger leaders need to understand about calling, initiative, and humility.
✅Why leaning into Christian identity is essential for the future of biblical higher education.

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 Inside the Episode:

04:49 – How Liberty University shaped his early ministry preparation

10:24 – Entering the chaplaincy and discovering a calling to serve young adults

13:49 – God’s providence in opening doors to university leadership

19:20 – Leading authentically and surrounding yourself with complementary strengths

26:10 – Why decisive leadership matters in today’s higher education landscape

32:55 – Two core leadership principles for young leaders.

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To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player.

The Biblical Higher Ed Talk podcast is brought to you by The Association of Biblical Higher Ed and is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network. 

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Join Philip Dearborn, President of ABHE, for a special summer series created to encourage and support leaders in Christian higher education. Every other week, we’ll revisit some of the most popular conversations from past seasons, with practical insights and meaningful reminders about the importance of Christ-centered education.

This episode originally aired Novemeber 2025

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Christian colleges often do a great job preparing students for ministry roles, but many still lack a robust vision for discipling students headed into the marketplace. Jesse Rine, Executive Director of The Center for Faithful Business, is working to change that by equipping institutions to cultivate biblically grounded, mission-driven business leaders.

Drawing from his own transition from real estate into theological education, Jesse shares how Christian colleges can bridge the gap between faith and work. From rethinking success to building kingdom-centered partnerships, this conversation offers a compelling framework for any institution seeking to develop the next generation of faithful business leaders.

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Tune In to Discover
▫️Why Christian higher ed must do more to disciple future business leaders

▫️How spiritual formation intersects with career preparation

▫️Common obstacles to launching faith-work initiatives on campus

▫️The role of partnerships and networks in expanding marketplace ministry

▫️A vision for long-term culture change in Christian institutions

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Inside the Episode

09:10 – Helping business-minded students see their work as a calling

13:47 – Why business education is a critical discipleship opportunity

18:05 – The need for long-term investment to shift campus culture

23:20 – Examples of integration across institutions and networks

27:40 – What success looks like when launching a new initiative

30:56 – Encouragement for presidents and leaders starting small

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To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player.

___

The Biblical Higher Ed Talk podcast is brought to you by The Association of Biblical Higher Education and is proud to be part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.