Biblical Higher Ed Talk

ABHE
  • 5.0 (10)
  • Marketing
  • Updated Weekly

Your mission in biblical higher ed is all about changing lives for Christ.     As you train the next generation of leaders, you need ideas and strategies tailored to help them flourish.   On Biblical Higher Ed Talk, we dive into just that to equip you with insights and knowledge that empowers you and your institution to flourish.    We’ll engage leaders and practitioners in biblical higher education and beyond, tapping their wisdom for navigating the complexities you face in higher education and hearing them share how you can take your institution from its current state to its future potential.   Embark on a journey with us into finding the next steps to help you lead more effectively, expand your impact, and deepen your faith. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  1. 4d ago

    Rethinking Ministry Preparation: Where the Classroom Meets the Church

    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. ___ 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 ___ 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 ___ 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.

    Rethinking Ministry Preparation: Where the Classroom Meets the Church

  2. Sep 22

    Firm Center, Soft Edges: Leading Christian Higher Education with Conviction

    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. ___ 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 ___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 ___ 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.

    Firm Center, Soft Edges: Leading Christian Higher Education with Conviction

  3. Sep 15

    Finishing Well: A Lifetime of Faithful Leadership

    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. ___ 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 ___ 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 ___ 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.

    Finishing Well: A Lifetime of Faithful Leadership

  4. Sep 8

    What’s Ahead in Season 8.

    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. ___ 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.  ___ 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.

    What’s Ahead in Season 8.

  5. Sep 1

    Summer Series 2026 - Jason Ballard

    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 ___ 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. ___ 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 ___ 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 ___ 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.

    Summer Series 2026 - Jason Ballard

  6. Aug 18

    Summer Series 2026 - Bill McCarthy

    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 ___ 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. ___ 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 ___ 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 ___ 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.

    Summer Series 2026 - Bill McCarthy

  7. Aug 4

    Summer Series 2026 - Eric Brandt

    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 ___ 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. ___ 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 ___ 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 ___ 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.

    Summer Series 2026 - Eric Brandt

  8. Jul 21

    Summer Series 2026 - Dondi Costin

    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 ___ 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. ___ 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. ___  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. ___ 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.

    Summer Series 2026 - Dondi Costin
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Your mission in biblical higher ed is all about changing lives for Christ.     As you train the next generation of leaders, you need ideas and strategies tailored to help them flourish.   On Biblical Higher Ed Talk, we dive into just that to equip you with insights and knowledge that empowers you and your institution to flourish.    We’ll engage leaders and practitioners in biblical higher education and beyond, tapping their wisdom for navigating the complexities you face in higher education and hearing them share how you can take your institution from its current state to its future potential.   Embark on a journey with us into finding the next steps to help you lead more effectively, expand your impact, and deepen your faith. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    ABHE
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    138
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Carol Dibble
  • Show Website
    Biblical Higher Ed Talk

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