Hilltop Conversations

Hilltop Conversations

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

Episodes

  1. 5D AGO

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. MAR 3

    Hilltop Conversations || Mission Field to Hilltop with Beth Stetler

    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 & CollegePhD in Organizational Leadership from Columbia International University MA in Leadership and Preaching from Trinity Theological SeminaryBeth Stetler Vice President for Finance at God's Bible School & CollegeMEd in Special Education from University of CincinnatiTopics Covered Growing up on the mission field and returning to the U.S. as a teenagerA career in education, including Christian and public schoolsMissions service in Texas and Mexico and a return to GBSCKey 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

    44 min

  7. FEB 17

    Hilltop Conversations || Self-care in Ministry with Richard Miles

    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

    34 min

  8. FEB 3

    Hilltop Conversations || Higher Education with Dr. Aaron Profitt

    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 & CollegePhD in Organizational Leadership from Columbia International UniversityMA in Leadership and Preaching from Trinity Theological Seminary Aaron Profitt Vice President for Academic Affairs at God's Bible School & CollegePhD in Educational Studies, University of CincinnatiMA in English, University of KansasTopics Covered What accreditation really means and why it mattersHow Bible colleges stay accountable and faithful to their missionWhat good leadership looks like in Christian educationTakeaways 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

    33 min

  9. JAN 20

    Hilltop Conversations || Trusting God’s Timing with Sonja Vernon

    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 & CollegePhD in Organizational Leadership from Columbia International UniversityMA in Leadership and Preaching from Trinity Theological SeminarySonja Vernon Vice President for Student Affairs at God's Bible School & CollegeMA in Ministry from God's Bible School & CollegeBachelor of Science in Nursing from Indiana University of PennsylvaniaTopics Covered Discerning and following God's direction over timeA relational approach to leadership in student ministryHow 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 purposeFor parents: Trust the Holy Spirit's work in your child's life and allow God the space to guide and shape themFor 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

    25 min

  10. JAN 6

    Hilltop Conversations || Impostor Phenomenon with Dr. Rob Loper

    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 & CollegePhD in Organizational Leadership from Columbia International UniversityMA in Leadership and Preaching from Trinity Theological SeminaryDr. Robert Loper PhD in Counselor Ed. and SupervisionMA, Licensed Professional CounselorEMDR trained clinicianKey Topics What imposter phenomenon is and where it tends to appearFactors that contribute to self-doubtHow classroom communication shapes student confidenceTakeaways Educators: consistent, clear feedback helps reduce confusionStudents: separate the task from assumptions about your abilityVideo 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

    26 min

  11. 12/15/2025

    Introducing Hilltop Conversations

    Announcing GBSC’s upcoming podcast—Hilltop Conversations! Topics will include leadership, education, and challenges students face.Follow us on major platforms in 2026!

    1 min
  • 11 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Hilltop Conversations
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Hilltop Conversations
  • Show Website
    Hilltop Conversations

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