College Conversations The Institute for G.O.D.

It’s campus visit season. Jeff and Laurie discuss the parts of a college visit you don’t want to leave campus without, especially if you’re looking for a biblically based Christian community. Don’t miss these 7 pro tips!

In this episode, Gregg, Jeff, and Laurie discuss the sentiment that Christian kids should go to secular colleges so that they can be a “light in the darkness.” Yes, this is a common idea. We explore the biblical basis and how it’s working out.

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.

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.

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.

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.