Hilltop Conversations

Episode Summary

In this episode, Charlotte Frederick shares her journey of faith, ministry, and God’s provision throughout her life.

From her early exposure to children’s ministry to her years serving alongside her husband at God’s Bible School and College, Charlotte reflects on how God faithfully guided each step—even through uncertainty and sacrifice.

She highlights the eternal impact of investing in children’s spiritual lives, the importance of simple, trusting faith, and the ways God provides—sometimes in deeply personal and unexpected ways.

Her story is both a testimony of God’s faithfulness and a call to trust Him fully in every season of life and ministry.

Dr. Rodney Loper

• President of God's Bible School & College
• PhD in Organizational Leadership from Columbia International University
• MA in Leadership and Preaching from Trinity Theological Seminary

Charlotte Frederick

• 45+ years in Children's Ministry
• MA in Church Leadership from Cincinnati Christian

Topics Covered

• Charlotte's journey into children's ministry and life at GBSC
• Trusting God's provision through seasons of sacrifice and uncertainty
• The importance and lasting impact of child evangelism

Takeaways

• God provides what's needed, when it's needed
• Faith grows though real-life situations
• Reaching children early changes long-term outcomes

Video Chapters

00:00 Background, College, Meeting Dave

09:50 Working for GBS

22:00 Child Evangelism

29:47 Final Thoughts

Episode Summary

In this episode of Hilltop Conversations, Dr. Michael Avery joins Dr. Rodney Loper to discuss how our internal view of God's character defines our leadership and personal stability

Avery reflects on his journey from a small Alabama settlement to the 22-year presidency of God's Bible School & College, sharing how a shift in his perception of God allowed him to lead thorugh institutional crisis and financial transition.

Dr. Rodney Loper

• President of God's Bible School & College
• PhD in Organizational Leadership from Columbia International University
• MA in Leadership and Preaching from Trinity Theological Seminary

Dr. Michael Avery

• Current Chancellor of God's Bible School & College
• Former President of God's Bible School & College (1995-2017)
• Honorary Doctorate from Wesley Biblical Seminary
• MA from Cincinnati Christian University
• Founder of Deeper Life Ministries

Topics Covered

• Understanding God's Character: How our internal view of God defines our response to life and ministry
• The Power of Strategy: Using clear goals and "laser focus" to lead through institutional transitions
• The Discipline of Consistency: Why daily, steady obedience is more effective than navigating by panic

Takeaways

• Perception: How you see God is the most important factor in your life and leadership
• Direction: Clear goals help unify a team and solve institutional problems
• Persistence: Success is found in the discipline of daily consistency, not emotional highs

Video Chapters

00:00 Background, College, Alabama

12:15 GBS Presidency

19:10 Leaving GBS

21:45 Perception of God

53:56 Final Thoughts

Episode Summary

In this episode of Hilltop Conversations, Tim Keep shares how his years as a missionary in the Philippines led to the founding of Shepherd’s Global Classroom, a ministry providing free, biblically grounded training for pastors and church leaders around the world.

The conversation explores how unmet needs in global ministry can become a calling, why access to theological training matters, and how equipping local leaders strengthens the church far beyond one missionary's presence.

Dr. Rodney Loper

• President of God's Bible School & College
• PhD in Organizational Leadership from Columbia International University
• MA in Leadership and Preaching from Trinity Theological Seminary

Tim Keep

• Founder and President of Shepherds Global Classroom
• Founder of Walk With Me

Topics Covered

• How unmet needs can become a calling to ministry
• The global shortage of trained pastors and leaders
• Equipping local leaders through accessible training resources

Takeaways

• A calling often develops over time as you respond to real needs God puts in front of you
• Training and equipping local leaders is essential for lasting ministry impact
• Providing resources for leadership training helps strengthen the global church long-term

Video Chapters

00:00 Intro & Call to Ministry

04:05 Philippians

07:21 Shepherds Global Classroom

32:42 Advice

36:56 Walk with Me

Episode Summary

In this episode of Hilltop Conversations, Dorcas Hallam shares how her early call to ministry shaped the way she approaches parenting, discipleship, and daily life.

She discusses practical discipline, spiritual training in the home, safety boundaries for children, and how seasons of motherhood affect the way ministry is carried out.

Dr. Rodney Loper

• President of God's Bible School & College
• PhD in Organizational Leadership from Columbia International University
• MA in Leadership and Preaching from Trinity Theological Seminary

Dorcas Hallam

• BA in World Missions and Intercultural Studies from God's Bible School & College
• 20+ years of inner-city ministry
• Mother of 5 children

Topics Covered

• Early involvement in kids and teen ministry
• Practical discipline and Bible routines in the home
• Continuing ministry while parenting young children

Takeaways

• For parents: Kids ministry starts at home
• For ministry workers: Long-term, hands-on ministry matters
• For students: Early service prepares you for future work

Video Chapters

00:00 Intro & Ministry

15:07 Training Kids

19:48 Tips for Moms

27:48 Final Thoughts & Advice

Episode Summary

Paul Stetler reflects on his transition from a pastor’s kid in the Midwest to spending 20 years in Public Relations and Advancement at Hobe Sound Bible College. He discusses the pressures of living under campus scrutiny, the importance of maintaining authenticity while traveling for ministry, and how he navigated the devastating loss of his wife, Jacinda. 

Ultimately, Paul shares how God "reframed" his life, moving him from his long-held dream of pastoring into a fruitful career in full-time evangelism.

Dr. Rodney Loper

• President of God's Bible School & College
• PhD in Organizational Leadership from Columbia International University
• MA in Leadership and Preaching from Trinity Theological Seminary

Paul Stetler

• 20 Years at Hobe Sound Bible College in Recruitment, Public Relations, and Advancement
• Pursued Graduate Studies in Historical Theology at the University of Manchester (UK) and Educational Leadership at Hobe Sound Bible College
• BA in Ministerial Studies from Hobe Sound Bible College
• Ordained Elder in the Bible Methodist Connection of Churches

Topics Covered

• Moving from a small-town pastorate to a large Bible college campus as a teenager
• The challenges and safeguards of traveling in Public Relations for over two decades
• Hearing God's voice in pivotal moments, even when the answer is "no"
• Transitioning into evangelism after personal tragedy and the loss of a spouse

Key Takeaways

• Authenticity is build on relationship: Hearing God's voice during a crisis requires a pre-existing, daily conversational relationship with Him
• God's "No" is a setup for His "Yes": Staying in a role out of obedience can lead to unexpected opportunities like graduate studies abroad or future ministry contacts
• Accountability is a safeguard: Staying "shoulder-to-shoulder" with others in ministry provides a healthy environment that prevents faking one's spiritual life

Video Chapters

00:00 Intro & Moving to Hobe Sound

06:30 Public Relations for Hobe Sound

13:54 Call to Ministry & Working at Hobe Sound

27:06 Meeting Jacinda & Evangelism

33:36 Final Thoughts

Episode Summary

Beth Stetler shares how growing up on the mission field shaped her life, from navigating reverse culture shock to years in education and missions work in Texas and Mexico. 

She reflects on losing her husband during COVID, the role Scripture played in steadying her through grief, and the unexpected path that led her back to the Hilltop to serve in a role she never planned.

Dr. Rodney Loper

• President of God's Bible School & College
• PhD in Organizational Leadership from Columbia International University
• MA in Leadership and Preaching from Trinity Theological Seminary

Beth Stetler

• Vice President for Finance at God's Bible School & College
• MEd in Special Education from University of Cincinnati

Topics Covered

• Growing up on the mission field and returning to the U.S. as a teenager
• A career in education, including Christian and public schools
• Missions service in Texas and Mexico and a return to GBSC

Key Takeaways

• For missionary kids, returning to U.S. schools can feel unfamiliar, even when it’s “home.”
• Cultural differences don’t always disappear once the move is over.
• Learning to adapt early often carries into later seasons of life and work.

Video Chapters

00:00 Intro, College Years, Meeting Steve

13:21 Moving to Bedford, IN

15:10 Preparing for Mexico

22:04 Back to the States, Covid

27:59 Keeping the Joy of the Lord

33:21 Returning to GBS

41:45 Final Thoughts

Episode Summary

Richard Miles reflects on decades of ministry, counseling, and leadership to explore the importance of self-care for pastors, students, families, and leaders. 

Drawing from personal experience, he discusses burnout, rest, realistic expectations, anxiety, technology overload, and the necessity of meaningful relationships. 

The conversation emphasizes intentional renewal, healthy boundaries, being fully present with others, and sustaining spiritual, emotional, and mental health while serving faithfully.

Dr. Rodney Loper

• President of God’s Bible School & College

• PhD in Organizational Leadership from Columbia International University

• MA in Leadership and Preaching from Trinity Theological Seminary 

Richard Miles

• Administrative Faculty, Vice President for Spiritual Life

• MA in Counseling, Liberty University

• BRE in Bible and Christian Ministry, God’s Bible School & College

Topics Covered

• Burnout, rest, and sustainable rhythms in ministry and leadership

• Anxiety, mental health, and the impact of technology on our minds

• Healthy relationships, communication, and feeling valued in family, church, and work

Takeaways

• Give yourself permission to be imperfect, set realistic expectations, and focus on learning and growth over pressure to perform.

• Sustainable ministry requires intentional rest, honest self-awareness, and rhythms that renew your spiritual and emotional health.

• Strong relationships are built on listening, presence, shared mission, and helping others feel valued and understood.

Video Chapters

00:00 Intro

04:24 Burnout

14:27 Anxiety

19:44 Technology Guidelines

24:48 Final Thoughts and Advice

Episode Summary

In this episode, Dr. Aaron Profitt explains what accreditation means for a Bible college and why it matters. He discusses how accreditation provides accountability, protects a school’s mission, and strengthens ministry-focused education, along with practical insights on leadership and decision-making in Christian higher education.

Dr. Rodney Loper

• President of God’s Bible School & College

• PhD in Organizational Leadership from Columbia International University

• MA in Leadership and Preaching from Trinity Theological Seminary 

Aaron Profitt

• Vice President for Academic Affairs at God's Bible School & College

• PhD in Educational Studies, University of Cincinnati

• MA in English, University of Kansas

Topics Covered

• What accreditation really means and why it matters

• How Bible colleges stay accountable and faithful to their mission

• What good leadership looks like in Christian education

Takeaways

• For students: Accreditation helps ensure your degree is respected and your education is taken seriously.
• For parents & families: Accreditation provides outside oversight and accountability you can trust.
• For ministry leaders & supporters: Accreditation helps protect the college’s mission and long-term faithfulness.

Video Chapters

00:00 Intro

01:30 Why Accreditation Matters

08:11 Degree Change for Ohio

11:42 Competency Based Education

14:05 Blue-Collar vs White-Collar

18:31 Leadership in Education

27:52 Final Thoughts and Advice

Episode Summary

In this episode of Hilltop Conversations, President Rodney Loper sits down with Sonia Vernon to discuss discerning God’s direction, trusting His timing, and how God uses both expected and unexpected experiences to shape our lives.

Dr. Rodney Loper

• President of God's Bible School & College
• PhD in Organizational Leadership from Columbia International University
• MA in Leadership and Preaching from Trinity Theological Seminary

Sonja Vernon

• Vice President for Student Affairs at God's Bible School & College
• MA in Ministry from God's Bible School & College
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Topics Covered

• Discerning and following God's direction over time
• A relational approach to leadership in student ministry
• How experience serves as preparation for future responsibility

Takeaways

• For leaders: Stay connected to the people you serve, remember that leadership is about people rather than tasks, and remain grounded in your purpose
• For parents: Trust the Holy Spirit's work in your child's life and allow God the space to guide and shape them
• For students: Walk with daily and focus on faithfully doing what God has place before you, rather than pursuing positions or titles

Video Chapters

00:00 Intro

01:45 From Nursing to God's Call

06:30 Discerning God's Will

10:04 Lessons Throughout Sonja's Life

21:25 Final Thoughts and Advice

Episode Summary

In this episode of Hilltop Conversations, President Rodney Loper talks with Dr. Rob Loper about impostor phenomenon—how early experiences can shape it and what healthy formation looks like for students and educators.

Dr. Rodney Loper

• President of God's Bible School & College
• PhD in Organizational Leadership from Columbia International University
• MA in Leadership and Preaching from Trinity Theological Seminary

Dr. Robert Loper

• PhD in Counselor Ed. and Supervision
• MA, Licensed Professional Counselor
• EMDR trained clinician

Key Topics

• What imposter phenomenon is and where it tends to appear
• Factors that contribute to self-doubt
• How classroom communication shapes student confidence

Takeaways

• Educators: consistent, clear feedback helps reduce confusion
• Students: separate the task from assumptions about your ability

Video Chapters

00:00 Intro

01:00 Impostor Phenomenon Described

09:07 Real-World Examples

20:25 Fears and Changing Perspectives

22:28 Final Thoughts and Advice