College Conversations

College Conversations

By The Institute for G.O.D.Education
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College Conversations episodes

  • S2E28: Hope for Higher Ed in the Midst of Shutdowns

    Jeff Sherrod and Laurie Kagay host Dave Medders, Executive Vice President for The Association for Biblical Higher Education, discusses the role of Christian higher ed in shaping future leaders through discipleship. After a career as a college president, Medders now visits dozens of college campuses annually and speaks on the hope for higher ed. This is a timely podcast as much of the news has covered the failure of higher ed, and specifically a large number of Christian colleges shutting down. In the midst of that, Medders stresses the need for flexibility, spiritual leadership, and listening to God's voice in shaping the future of education.

    38 min
  • S2E27 - Why a Biblical Education Matters in the Construction Field

    This podcast features two Institute alum, Matthew Parker and Stephen Carver, who are both employed in the construction industry while also working as pastors and development workers. Joined by hosts Gregg Garner and Jeff Sherrod, the four discuss changing job opportunities for graduates of Christian colleges, focusing on non-traditional ministry roles. They stress the importance of values and social intelligence gained from a biblical education in preparing for a job, while offering some critique to traditional Bible colleges for focusing too narrowly on academic knowledge. The four highlight the need for holistic development and intentional preparation for various career paths, integrating biblical teachings with practical skills.

    50 min
  • S2E26: Will College Cure My Loneliness?

    The College Conversations podcast explores the issue of loneliness among college students, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Gregg, Jeff, and Laurie emphasize the importance of feeling seen and heard, integrating into community, and recognizing ways of combatting isolation. They discuss the limitations of social media in addressing loneliness and highlight the need for self-awareness and denial of self in becoming effective disciples of Jesus. The importance of finding belonging and community through a shared identity as children of God is stressed, along with the role of Christian colleges in preparing students to help others in various communities. 


    35 min
  • S2E25: What Can a Small School Do that a Large School Can't?

    Gregg, Jeff, and Laurie discuss the impact of school size on student interaction, resources, and facilities. One is not better than the other, what’s important is aligning yourself with a school’s mission and vision, keeping a discerning eye on their ability to fulfill it. What is most important for students is the value of individualized education and holistic development.

    37 min
  • S2E24: Why You Can't Wait to Pursue a Biblical Education

    Gregg Garner, Jeffrey Sherrod, and Institute Professor and historian Shaun Galford discuss the importance of prioritizing biblical education, emphasizing the need for understanding beyond symbols and procedures. They highlight the role of the community in educating the next generation and stress the significance of passing down faith and values, drawing on historical lessons.

    43 min
  • S2E23: What is "Summer Melt" And How Do I...Not?

    In this episode, Jeff Sherrod, Gregg Garner, and Laurie Kagay discuss the phenomenon of summer melt, where accepted students don't show up in the fall. They explore the challenges faced by students during the transition from high school to college, including lack of support and unfamiliar tasks. The speakers suggest practical solutions such as creating media profiles for incoming students and facilitating Zoom meetings between roommates. They also emphasize the importance of communication, family support, and seeking help from college counselors. The episode concludes with an invitation to apply for summer internships and mission experiences abroad.

    26 min
  • S2E21: What I Learned from My Mission Abroad & Why I Want to Go Again!(Student Reflections Part 1)
    This episode of College Conversations focuses on the experiences of students at the Institute for GOD who have traveled abroad on mission trips and internships. The guests include Genesis Garner, who shared about her time teaching dance and ministering to prisoners in Uganda, and Erin Gammill, a senior student who has gone on multiple trips with The Institute.
    The discussion highlights the value of these cross-cultural experiences, not just for the communities served, but for the personal and spiritual growth of the students themselves. Key points include:
    - The importance of giving students opportunities to use their unique gifts and talents in ministry abroad, rather than just focusing on basic needs. This helps them see how their passions can be used to serve.
    - The benefits of traveling with professors and peers, rather than just going alone. This allows for quicker feedback, correction, and growth, as well as the development of deep team bonds.
    - How these experiences abroad profoundly shape the students' perspectives and motivations, even in their everyday lives and careers back home.
    Overall, the episode paints a picture of transformative cross-cultural mission trips that are truly formative for the students involved. This content would be valuable for prospective students considering similar programs, as well as parents and educators interested in the holistic development of young adults.
    For more info, visit instituteforgod.edu
    For more topics, email us at [email protected]
    32 min
  • S2E20: The State of Short Term Missions Are They Worth It?
    This episode of the College Conversations podcast tackles the complex and often controversial topic of short-term missions. The panel, consisting of Institute for GOD faculty Jeff Sherrod, Laurie Kagay, Benjamin Reese, and GOD International Founder and Institute President Gregg Garner, discusses the growing dissatisfaction with short-term missions in the church and the world at large.
    They discuss common criticisms, such as the waning hope of lasting change, the "white savior complex," and the misuse of funds. The conversation also explores the challenges of financial accountability, the temptation for misappropriation of resources, and the need for more qualified and experienced mission leaders.
    However, the panel also emphasizes the potential for short-term missions to be transformative experiences for participants, if done with the right approach and focus. They advocate for a more intentional selection process, where the the seriousness and calling of participants is evaluated by skilled leaders, rather than simply subsidizing trips.
    The discussion also touches on the importance of shifting metrics for success in missions, moving away from simplistic measures like "salvations" and towards more holistic community development outcomes. The panelists highlight examples of their own work, where strategic investments in technology and infrastructure have had a lasting impact on local communities.
    The episode provides a nuanced and insightful exploration of the state of short-term missions, offering valuable perspectives for anyone involved in or considering such endeavors.
    For more information, please visit:
    The Institute for GOD, Nashville's Premier Missions College - www.instituteforgod.edu
    GOD Summer Internship -  godsi.org
    GOD International - godintl.org
    References made in the episode:
    - Savior Barbie
    - No White Saviors
    - HBO documentary "Savior Complex"
    If you have an idea for a College Conversations episode topic, please reach out to us at [email protected]
    51 min
  • S2E19: Summer Abroad: Real-World Test for Tomorrow's Global Leaders

    In this episode of the College Conversations podcast, host Jeff Sherrod sits down with Gregg Garner, president of The Institute for GOD, as well as Benjamin Reese and Laurie Kagay to discuss the importance of mission trips for college students. As a missions college, not soley a college putting on mission trips, they discuss the multidisciplinary nature of missiology, the value of long-term investment in communities, and the transformative impact these experiences can have on students. Guests share insights on what to look for when choosing a missions organization, emphasizing the significance of expert leadership and a focus on people over tasks. This episode provides invaluable guidance for prospective missions trip participants and their parents.


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    To contribute an idea, email [email protected]

    50 min

About College Conversations

From the publisher's feed

Join Gregg. D. Garner, President of The Institute for GOD, as he, fellow professors, and other special guests have conversations about Christian Higher Ed. Together they’ll explore the complexities…