College Conversations

College Conversations

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

  • S2E18: President Garner Reacts Take 1: Christian College TikToks

    This week's College Conversations podcast covers various topics related to the experiences and culture of Christian colleges and universities, with President Gregg Garner reacting to TikTok videos about Christian and/or Bible colleges (some positive, some negative). Some points to look forward to:


    In it, viewers can see an informed reaction to experiences and stereotypes associated with Christian college students, why students seem to get engaged quickly, struggle with academic workload, and feel a strong spiritual calling.


    He'll break down the practical reasons for certain rules and policies at Christian colleges, like dorm visitation policies and mandatory chapel attendance.


    Overall, President Garner reacts to unique culture and experiences of Christian higher education, touching on the positives and potential challenges students may face. As a Bible college graduate, founder, president, and father of kids attending a Bible college, we hope his reactions help give you an inside view of why things are the way they are, how they aren't always that way, and, sometimes, why things need to adjust.


    Send any ideas for future episodes of College Conversations to [email protected]!

    43 min
  • S2E17: College in the Age of AI
    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. They express mixed feelings about AI in education, emphasizing the importance of maintaining human excellence alongside AI tools. They also touch on the theological implications of humans creating technology in their own image and the potential ethical implications of human-like robots. The conversation highlights the necessity of understanding and critically evaluating the use of AI in academic and practical settings, as well as the need for ethical regulation in the face of unintended consequences, offering a consideration of the “promises and perils” of AI.
    50 min
  • S2E16: Is It Too Late for Me?
    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.
    [00:10] Jeff Sherritt introduces the podcast as a discussion about Christian higher education with guests Gregg Garner and Laurie Kagay. They introduce guest John Edmondson, a teacher at the Academy for GOD and a chef at Nyumba Food Services.
    [01:04] The discussion focuses on the mindset and characteristics of successful adult learners and how schools can support them. They mention that adult learners often have career or family responsibilities and makeup about thirty percent of all undergraduate students.
    [04:03] The conversation shifts to the changing education landscape and the increasing interest in trade careers. They discuss the impact of the gig economy and the need for relevant and up-to-date education.
    [07:07] The speakers discuss the impact of COVID-19 on career choices and the importance of reflection and considering alternative options. They also discuss the challenges and benefits of adult learners in a non-traditional educational setting.
    [14:30] The conversation turns to the importance of faith in pursuing further education and the mindset required for success as an adult learner. They discuss the challenges and rewards of juggling studies with family and work responsibilities.
    [24:01] The speakers discuss how schools can better support adult learners, including accommodating work schedules and communicating clearly about assignments and due dates. They also emphasize the need for humility and openness in the classroom.
    [33:08] John Edmondson shares advice for prospective adult learners considering returning to college, emphasizing the importance of having a calling, family support, and faith in pursuing further education.
    [35:12] Jeff Sherrod concludes the conversation by thanking the audience and encouraging them to like, subscribe, and share the podcast.
    37 min
  • S2E13: What Bible Colleges Miss In Spiritual Formation

    Gregg Garner and Jeff Sherrod discuss with Larry Griffin, President of Mid South Christian College, and Nick Griffin, VP of Strategic Initiatives, the role of Christian colleges in nurturing students' spirituality. While many Christian institutions prioritize spiritual growth as a core objective, they often have a difficult time translating this into practice. The conversation explores why spiritual formation should be a central focus within Christian higher education, obstacles keeping it from happening on campus, and what can be done about it.

    51 min
  • S2E12: Mentorship - Why it Matters Wye Huxford

    In this episode, hosts Jeff Sherrod and Gregg Garner sit down with Laurie Kagay and special guest Wye Huxford to discuss 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. They also discuss common issues faced by college students, along with the integration of faith into education. They reflect on taking risks for their faith and share personal stories of redemption.

    48 min
  • S2E11: Access and Equity: Reshaping Biblical Education Globally

    In this episode, Jeff Sherrod, Gregg Garner, and Laurie Kagay discuss challenges faced by international students in theological education, emphasizing the lack of resources and cultural barriers. They highlight the importance of biblical literacy and critical thinking in studying the Bible and address the need for sustainable transformation and genuine education for leaders and congregations in the developing world. This conversation stresses the importance of a hermeneutic approach to understanding the Bible and the need to avoid indoctrination, as well as the benefits of a global perspective in education - inviting engagement with a certification program on Christian practice.

    51 min
  • S2E10: Discussing Diversity: A Person, Not an Idea

    This episode of College Conversations highlights the importance of authentic diversity in a Christian college community, focusing on individual expression over false unity. 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 emphasizes celebrating individual differences and the transformative power of embracing diversity authentically. Ultimately, they advocate for creating environments that allow individuals to express their unique identities and contribute to the community in a natural and authentic way.

    44 min
  • S2E9: A Look Behind The Scenes with College Administrators

    In this episode of College Conversations, Jeff and Laurie discuss the role of college administration and the pressures they face in serving students and maintaining the college's mission. They share insights into the enrollment and marketing process and discuss the importance of finding mission-fit students.

    22 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…