Hilltop Conversations

Hilltop Conversations
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Religion & Spirituality
  • Updated Biweekly

Topics will include leadership, education, and challenges students face.

  1. 4d ago

    Hilltop Conversations || Surrendering to God’s Call & Connecting with Teens with Cameron Going

    Episode Summary Cameron Going joins President Rodney Loper on this episode of Hilltop Conversations to discuss attending public high school, navigating college, surrendering his career to God, and connecting with youth. Cameron currently serves as assistant pastor at Bethel Holiness Church and previously served for three years as youth pastor at Beavertown God's Missionary Church. Dr. Rodney Loper President of God's Bible School & CollegePhD in Organizational Leadership from Columbia International UniversityMA in Leadership and Preaching from Trinity Theological Seminary Cameron Going Current Assistant Pastor at Bethel Holiness ChurchFormer Youth Pastor at Beavertown God’s Missionary Church (3 years)2022 GBSC Graduate Topics Covered Attending public schoolSurrendering his career to GodConnecting with teensListening to the still, small voice Video Chapters 00:00 Intro & High School Years 12:27 Attending College 25:00 Connecting with Teens 32:26 Final Thoughts

    34 min

  2. Jun 9

    Hilltop Conversations || From Bible College to Insurance with Nathan Dahler

    Episode Summary Nathan Dahler shares his unexpected career path—from growing up in a pastor’s home, to Bible college, to the funeral industry, campus recruitment, and ultimately building a successful insurance agency from the ground up. Along the way, he reflects on how God’s provision and guidance showed up in each transition—even when the next step didn’t make sense at the time. The conversation also breaks down how insurance actually works, why rates have changed in recent years, and what people often misunderstand about coverage. Through real stories—from major claims to missed opportunities with life insurance—Nathan offers a practical look at protecting what matters and caring for people in difficult moments. Dr. Rodney Loper President of God's Bible School & CollegePhD in Organizational Leadership from Columbia International UniversityMA in Leadership and Preaching from Trinity Theological Seminary Nathan Dahler Owner/Agent of Shelter Insurance AgencyEnrollment Director for GBSC (2014-2018)Funeral Director Topics Covered Nathan’s journey from Bible college to funeral service to insuranceHow insurance works (and why rates have increased)Common coverage gaps and real-life claim stories Takeaways God’s provision often becomes clear only in hindsight, especially through unexpected career pathsInsurance isn’t about small inconveniences—it’s designed to protect against major, life-altering lossHaving the right coverage (especially life insurance and liability) can make a significant difference for families Video Chapters 00:00 Background, College, Funeral Business 07:14 Working at GBS 10:39 Shelter Insurance 21:49 Explaining Insurance 26:26 Life Insurance 27:44 Insurance Claims 31:37 Final Thoughts

    38 min

  3. May 26

    Hilltop Conversations || Hearing God’s Voice & Staying Encouraged in Ministry with Jared Henry

    Episode Summary In this episode of Hilltop Conversations, Jared Henry shares his journey of surrendering to his calling as a pastor, hearing God’s voice during change, navigating a health crisis, and staying encouraged in ministry. Henry is also the president of the Holiness Partnership whose goal is to resource the church to be faithful and fruitful. Dr. Rodney Loper President of God’s Bible School & CollegePhD in Organizational Leadership from Columbia International UniversityMA in Leadership and Preaching from Trinity Theological Seminary Jared Henry Lead Pastor at Mackey Church of the NazarenePresident of the Holiness PartnershipTopics Covered Surrendering to the call of GodHearing God's voice during changeNavigating a health crisisStaying encouraged while in ministryTakeaways For pastors: It's easy to fall into a rut in ministryFor layworkers: Be a Barnabas to your pastorVideo Chapters 00:00 Growing up in a Pastor's Home15:19 Transitioning to a new church21:28 Advice to pastors24:13 Mackey, Indiana27:10 The Holiness Partnership34:36 Ending Advice

    46 min

  4. May 12

    Hilltop Conversations || God's Provision & Child Evangelism with Charlotte Frederick

    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 & CollegePhD in Organizational Leadership from Columbia International UniversityMA in Leadership and Preaching from Trinity Theological Seminary Charlotte Frederick 45+ years in Children's MinistryMA in Church Leadership from Cincinnati Christian Topics Covered Charlotte's journey into children's ministry and life at GBSCTrusting God's provision through seasons of sacrifice and uncertaintyThe importance and lasting impact of child evangelism Takeaways God provides what's needed, when it's neededFaith grows though real-life situationsReaching 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

    36 min

  5. Apr 28

    Hilltop Conversations || Perception of God with Dr. Michael Avery

    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 & CollegePhD in Organizational Leadership from Columbia International UniversityMA in Leadership and Preaching from Trinity Theological Seminary Dr. Michael Avery Current Chancellor of God's Bible School & CollegeFormer President of God's Bible School & College (1995-2017)Honorary Doctorate from Wesley Biblical SeminaryMA from Cincinnati Christian UniversityFounder of Deeper Life Ministries Topics Covered Understanding God's Character: How our internal view of God defines our response to life and ministryThe Power of Strategy: Using clear goals and "laser focus" to lead through institutional transitionsThe 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 leadershipDirection: Clear goals help unify a team and solve institutional problemsPersistence: 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

    55 min

  6. Apr 14

    Hilltop Conversations || Equipping the Global Church with Tim Keep

    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 & CollegePhD in Organizational Leadership from Columbia International UniversityMA in Leadership and Preaching from Trinity Theological SeminaryTim Keep Founder and President of Shepherds Global ClassroomFounder of Walk With Me Topics Covered How unmet needs can become a calling to ministryThe global shortage of trained pastors and leadersEquipping local leaders through accessible training resources Takeaways A calling often develops over time as you respond to real needs God puts in front of youTraining and equipping local leaders is essential for lasting ministry impactProviding resources for leadership training helps strengthen the global church long-termVideo Chapters 00:00 Intro & Call to Ministry 04:05 Philippians 07:21 Shepherds Global Classroom 32:42 Advice 36:56 Walk with Me

    42 min

  7. Mar 31

    Hilltop Conversations || Kids Ministry & Parenting with Dorcas Hallam

    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 & CollegePhD in Organizational Leadership from Columbia International UniversityMA in Leadership and Preaching from Trinity Theological SeminaryDorcas Hallam BA in World Missions and Intercultural Studies from God's Bible School & College20+ years of inner-city ministryMother of 5 children Topics Covered Early involvement in kids and teen ministryPractical discipline and Bible routines in the homeContinuing ministry while parenting young children Takeaways For parents: Kids ministry starts at homeFor ministry workers: Long-term, hands-on ministry mattersFor 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

    30 min

  8. Mar 17

    Hilltop Conversations || Life as a PR Rep: God's Perfect Plan with Paul Stetler

    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 & CollegePhD in Organizational Leadership from Columbia International UniversityMA in Leadership and Preaching from Trinity Theological SeminaryPaul Stetler 20 Years at Hobe Sound Bible College in Recruitment, Public Relations, and AdvancementPursued Graduate Studies in Historical Theology at the University of Manchester (UK) and Educational Leadership at Hobe Sound Bible CollegeBA in Ministerial Studies from Hobe Sound Bible CollegeOrdained Elder in the Bible Methodist Connection of ChurchesTopics Covered Moving from a small-town pastorate to a large Bible college campus as a teenagerThe challenges and safeguards of traveling in Public Relations for over two decadesHearing 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 HimGod'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 contactsAccountability is a safeguard: Staying "shoulder-to-shoulder" with others in ministry provides a healthy environment that prevents faking one's spiritual lifeVideo 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

    37 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Topics will include leadership, education, and challenges students face.

Information

  • Creator
    Hilltop Conversations
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Hilltop Conversations
  • Show Website
    Hilltop Conversations

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