Biblical Higher Ed Talk

ABHE

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. Faithful Living and Dying Well

    3D AGO

    Faithful Living and Dying Well

    Biblical higher education exists to prepare leaders for the full scope of ministry, including moments when theology meets suffering, loss, and the realities of death. In this episode, Brian Hennan reflects on how his journey from pastoral ministry into hospice care revealed a critical gap in how Christian leaders are trained to guide individuals and families through end of life decisions. Drawing from years of hands-on experience, Brian calls Bible colleges and seminaries to more intentionally equip students with a biblical framework for the sanctity of life, pastoral presence, and faithful decision-making from birth to death. 🎧 Tune In to Discover Why end of life care is a discipleship issue, not just a medical one How biblical higher education can better prepare future pastors for death and dying What theological principles should shape end of life decisions How Christian leaders can shepherd families with clarity, humility, and hope 🎙️ Inside the Episode 01:59 – From pastoral burnout to a calling in hospice and end of life education 06:11 – The training gap facing Bible colleges and seminaries 08:35 – Teaching the sanctity of life from birth through death 12:57 – Navigating dementia, suffering, and God’s sovereignty 16:45 – What higher education does well, and where it must grow 18:46 – Pastoral presence, listening well, and avoiding easy answers 21:09 – Stewardship, advance directives, and loving others wisely 25:12 – Re-centering hope on eternity and the promise of resurrection 27:53 – Why humility and collaboration matter in pastoral leadership 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.

    31 min
  2. Leadership That Endures, Vision, Culture, and Faithful Influence

    FEB 3

    Leadership That Endures, Vision, Culture, and Faithful Influence

    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.

    34 min
  3. Leading Theological Education Through a Changing Europe

    JAN 27

    Leading Theological Education Through a Changing Europe

    What does faithful leadership in theological education look like amid cultural change, secularization, and global realignment? In this insightful conversation, Marvin Oxenham offers a grounded and hopeful perspective on the state of theological education in Europe. Drawing from his leadership with the European Council for Theological Education and his work across multiple global networks, Marvin challenges narratives of decline and highlights growth, innovation, and renewed opportunity for the church and academy across Europe. 🎧 Tune In to Discover Why theological education in Europe is not fading but evolving How cultural diversity and migration are reshaping ministry preparation What distributed leadership and bi-vocational ministry mean for training leaders How accreditation and quality assurance function across Europe’s varied systems Why micro-credentials present new opportunities for theological education 🎙️ Inside the Episode 01:50 – The spiritual landscape of Europe today and common misconceptions 05:08 – Surprising growth trends in European theological education 07:17 – Distributed leadership and bi-vocational ministry formation 10:15 – Why “evangelical” was removed from ECTE’s name 13:22 – How accreditation works across Europe’s diverse systems 25:15 – What micro-credentials are and why they matter for theology 35:03 – The greatest threat and opportunity facing theological education in Europe 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.

    39 min
  4. Building Leaders for What’s Next, Inside the ABHE Leadership Academy

    JAN 20

    Building Leaders for What’s Next, Inside the ABHE Leadership Academy

    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 and 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.

    36 min
  5. Your Calling is Rarely a Straight Path

    12/16/2025

    Your Calling is Rarely a Straight Path

    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 proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network.  Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    36 min
  6. Exploring the Legacy and Future of the American Bible Society

    12/09/2025

    Exploring the Legacy and Future of the American Bible Society

    A 200 year old organization does not thrive by accident. Jennifer Holloran shares how the American Bible Society is renewing its mission for a new generation, strengthening Bible engagement in the U.S. and globally, and helping people encounter Scripture in transformative ways. Her leadership journey, combined with fresh insights from the State of the Bible survey, offers a compelling look at how God is moving through one of the nation’s oldest ministries. 🎧 Tune in to discover ✅ Why ABS’s founding vision still shapes its mission today ✅ How Bible engagement is growing, especially among younger men ✅ What the State of the Bible research reveals about human flourishing ✅ How ABS is innovating with digital tools to support churches and individuals ✅ Why emerging leaders should take one simple next step in their Bible journey 🎙️ Inside the Episode: 01:53 – The spiritual legacy behind ABS’s founding vision 05:39 – Why Bible access is not enough for real discipleship today 12:13 – Leading change in a 200 year old ministry 19:57 – Encouraging trends from the State of the Bible research 24:45 – How ABS is preparing for America’s 250th anniversary 32:44 – A word of encouragement for emerging 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 proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network.  Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    36 min
  7. Celebrating 100 Episodes - Redefining Value in Biblical Higher Ed

    12/02/2025

    Celebrating 100 Episodes - Redefining Value in Biblical Higher Ed

    🎉 We’re celebrating the 100th episode of Biblical Higher Ed Talk with a powerful conversation on mission, strategy, and the urgent need for clarity in today’s educational landscape. Matt Whitman, creator of The Ten Minute Bible Hour, joins us to reflect on the intersection of biblical fidelity, communication, and creative leadership in an era of cultural reset. From his unique vantage point as a content creator and seminary grad, Matt offers both encouragement and challenge for leaders navigating what’s next. The conversation calls for greater collaboration, intentional value propositions, and a bold embrace of both shrewdness and spiritual conviction. Whether you're a college president, classroom professor, or ministry leader, this episode invites you to think freshly about your call. 📚 Mentioned Resource: Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In by Roger Fisher et al. 🎧 Tune in to discover ✅Why distinctives aren’t enough and what truly defines a compelling value proposition ✅What Christian institutions can learn from marketing and media ✅A biblical case for bold, strategic decision-making ✅Why collaboration and creativity are non-negotiables for the future ✅A vision of revival sparked through biblical higher education 🎙️ Inside the Episode: 04:06 – Matt’s journey into podcasting and storytelling 14:32 – Distinctives vs. value propositions in institutional messaging 24:44 – Jesus’ surprising command to be both innocent and shrewd 30:09 – Three challenges facing Christian institutions today 35:48 – How to lead with strategic clarity 44:56 – The power of defining outcomes clearly for students 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 proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network.  Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    42 min

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.