In this episode of College Conversations host Jeff Sherrod sits with Laurie Kagay, VP of Marketing and Enrollment, and students Olivia Beaverson and Mark Olivera. Together, they tackle the anxieties surrounding mandatory international mission trips for students and their parents. They discuss the challenges and rewards of international trips.  The conversation highlights the initial apprehension from both students and parents, focusing on safety concerns and the unknown.  The episode differentiates between highly facilitated trips and more independent immersion experiences, emphasizing the valuable learning and personal growth fostered by the latter, despite the increased challenges and anxieties.  Practical advice is offered for addressing parental concerns, focusing on the biblical basis for missions and the supportive team environment provided.  The episode concludes with encouragement for prospective students to embrace the challenges, learn from mistakes, and participate in God's global work.

The Institute for GOD has been accepted as a member of the NCCAA and will launch Men’s Soccer and Women’s Volleyball in Fall 2025. Learn how this partnership supports the Institute’s mission to develop Christ-centered student-athletes.

A professor from The Institute for GOD reflects on how years of working in CASE youth programs equipped him to help local leaders in El Salvador engage students who are often tired, discouraged, or disconnected from learning—and how activity-based learning made the gospel message stick.

This episode of College Conversations explores the vital role of mentorship in college success. Two student guests, Ethan and Maddie, join hosts Jeff Sherrod and Gregg Garner to share their experiences with the Institute's mentorship program, highlighting the challenges and rewards of intentional mentoring relationships. Despite initial apprehension and personality differences, both students ultimately found their mentors invaluable sources of support, guidance, and friendship. The episode also explains the program's structure, including mentor selection, matching processes, and strategies for addressing mismatches. The discussion emphasizes the importance of holistic student development, the benefits of formal mentorship programs over informal relationships, and the program's commitment to supporting students in finding the right mentor fit. Finally, the speakers offer practical advice for students seeking to maximize their mentorship experiences.

This podcast episode features a Q&A session with prospective students and families visiting the Institute for GOD. President Garner and Academic Dean Jeff Sherrod sit with current students Anthem Bloyer and Julian Carrion to address questions about campus life, academics, internships, and the Institute's unique approach to faith-based education. Key topics include: student life outside of campus, the importance of pre-college internships for ministry experience, the structure and workload of freshman classes (including a focus on Exodus), the Institute's integrated professional development (ProDev) program, the school's founding vision emphasizing strong biblical literacy, and how to discern God's calling regarding college choice. The episode highlights the Institute's commitment to providing a supportive community, practical skills training, and debt-free graduation with immediate job placement opportunities.

In this blog post, Professor Reese shares how a simple book club at The Institute grew into something much more—a space for connection, deep conversation, and spiritual reflection. When a summer immersion trip to El Salvador presented a unique opportunity, he brought the concept abroad, using a Spanish-language book to foster language growth and community. Through literature, students engaged in meaningful dialogue, explored biblical themes, and built relationships across cultures.

In this episode of College Conversations, host Jeff Sherrod, along with Gregg Garner and students Kaiden Lindholm and Emma Lyons, delve into the concept of "situationships" among Gen Z. They explore the nuances of these ambiguous relationships that lack clear definitions and commitments, discussing their prevalence and implications in both secular and Christian contexts. The conversation highlights the challenges of vulnerability, the impact of social media, and the importance of open communication in navigating relationships. Ultimately, the episode encourages listeners to reflect on their own experiences and the dynamics of modern dating

In this episode of College Conversations, host Jeff Sherrod, along with president Gregg Garner, engages with students Melanie Flores and Justice Garner to discuss the importance of fostering strong relationships between faculty and students. They share personal experiences highlighting how these connections have positively impacted their academic and personal growth. The conversation emphasizes the role of faculty in providing support, accountability, and mentorship, which are crucial for student success. Listeners will gain insights into how intentional relationships can enhance the college experience and contribute to a supportive learning environment.

In this episode of College Conversations, host Jeff Sherrod is joined by Gregg Garner and student guests Julian Carrion and Rebecca Castellanos to discuss the intersection of mental health and faith on college campuses. They explore the stigma surrounding therapy, particularly within Hispanic communities, and how it contrasts with the acceptance of spiritual guidance from pastors. The conversation delves into the challenges students face regarding mental health and the importance of accountability and support from friends and faith. Tune in for an insightful discussion on whether therapy and prayer can coexist in the journey of healing and personal growth.

National Decision Day, celebrated on May 1, is when college-bound seniors officially commit to their chosen school, marking a major life milestone. This blog encourages students to celebrate the day with purpose—through personal reflection, social media, and community support—while highlighting the spiritual significance of the decision. The Institute for GOD invites students to mark the occasion with faith, community, and intentional steps toward who they're becoming, not just where they're going.

This College Conversations episode explores why many young people, especially Gen Z women, are leaving the church. Based on Barna Group research, students Elijah Lovelace and Brooke Vavold discuss issues like feeling unseen, gender inequality, the "Church Too" movement, and church culture. The episode stresses the importance of authentic community and mentorship to reverse the trend of disaffiliation.

In College Conversations, Jeff Sherrod, Benjamin Reese, and Gregg Garner discuss therapy’s growing role in Christian culture. Once rarely mentioned in churches, therapy is now widely accepted. They explore its benefits, potential downsides like dependency, and whether therapists resemble modern-day priests. Reese questions this comparison, citing differences in marketing and confidentiality.

The discussion covers therapy’s rise post-COVID-19, its impact on Gen Z, and the need for discernment, biblical education, and trusted advisors. They also examine social media’s influence, therapist qualifications, and the importance of measurable outcomes and holistic health.

Gregg Garner, Jeff Sherrod, and Laurie Kagay, all professors at The Institute for GOD, discuss the point of awareness media — both the consumption of it and the creation of it. If we are made in the image of God, and God sees and hears the suffering of people and thus responds, what should his people do, especially when we are now aware of more than ever before?

In this episode of College Conversations, host Jeff Sherrod welcomes Professor Benjamin Reese and Gregg Garner, president of The Institute for God, for a thought-provoking dialogue on faith deconstruction. Together, they explore the challenges, benefits, and spiritual implications of deconstructing religious beliefs. The conversation also features the story of Lindsay Holifield, whose faith journey—highlighted in Christianity Today—led her through deconversion, exploration of Judaism, and ultimately, a return to Christianity. With insights from books like Rob Bell’s Velvet Elvis and Donald Miller’s Blue Like Jazz, this episode sheds light on how doubt can lead to growth.

The Institute for GOD President’s and Dean’s Lists are announced for the Fall 2023 semester.

This blog summarizes the insights shared by three alumni and professors about the ProDev program. Their advice highlights how ProDev goes beyond traditional work-study, offering a transformative experience that combines personal growth, professional development, and meaningful work.

In this testimony, Olivia reflects on her transformative immersion experience in India, where she witnessed how God's Word brings hope and change to lives. Through teaching, fellowship, and encountering profound challenges, she shares stories of faith, growth, and the tangible impact of God's love and provision.

In a life of ministry, teachers, pastors, and facilitators make choices every day on what type of behavior is permissible and what is not. What should guide our efforts? How do you implement the grace of God, while not losing control of the program you’re a part of? What does discipline teach to a student or individual within your group?

In this episode, Jeff, Gregg and Ben explore the significance of “the college years.” Are they solely for learning? Should students rush into work? Should they be free from concerns of career and financial stability, or challenged to figure it all out now? Tune into the discussion based on biblical principles.

In this episode of College Conversations, Jeff Sherrod, Gregg Garner, and Laurie Kagay discuss the concept of calling and its relationship to occupation, exploring whether calling is an internal discovery of one's passions or an external directive from God. They emphasize the importance of understanding calling through a biblical lens, highlighting the communal aspect of calling rather than solely individual pursuits.