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.

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 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.

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.

In this College Conversations episode, Jeff Sherrod, Gregg Garner, and Laurie Kagay explore burnout, its causes, and its impact, particularly in Christian ministry. They share strategies for recognizing and addressing it, emphasizing reliance on the Lord, sharing burdens, and seeking help to maintain mental and emotional health.

Jeff Sherrod, Gregg Garner, and Laurie Kagay discuss the role of questions in a Christian community. As in, where do academic freedom, intellectual honesty, and how do they work in a Christian setting? Some people view questions as a negative thing regarding faith, but as professors, these guests highly favor asking questions. Think through what kinds of questions you answer, and how to get better at it.

In this episode of College Conversations, host Jeff Sherrod is joined by Gregg Garner and Benjamin Reese. They engage about the impact of media usage for young people, and what power it has to inform one’s values. Media is not bad, but does have an impact on your spirituality. Gregg, Ben and Jeff discuss the evolution of media and the need for colleges to incorporate better media literacy into their curriculum.

This podcast features two Institute alum, Matthew Parker and Stephen Carver, who are both employed in the construction industry while also working as pastors and development workers. Joined by hosts Gregg Garner and Jeff Sherrod, the four discuss changing job opportunities for graduates of Christian colleges, focusing on non-traditional ministry roles.

Join Institute for God professors Jeff Sherrod, Laurie Kagay and headmaster Gregg Garner as they explore the issue of loneliness among college students, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. They emphasize the importance of feeling seen and heard, integrating into community, and recognizing cultural values to combat isolation.

This podcast focuses on the differences between small and large colleges, particularly in the context of Bible colleges and Christian higher education. President Gregg Garner, Laurie Kagay, and Jeff Sherrod, explore how school size impacts factors such as facilities, faculty, student-faculty relationships, and the overall college experience.

Gregg Garner, Jeffrey Sherrod, and Institute Professor and historian Shaun Galford discuss the importance of prioritizing biblical education, emphasizing the need for understanding beyond symbols and procedures. They highlight the role of the community in educating the next generation and stress the significance of passing down faith and values, drawing on historical lessons.

Join Institute for God Professors Jeff Sherrod, Laurie Kagay, and Gregg Garner as they explore the "summer melt" phenomenon where students accepted to college do not show up in the fall.

Join Institute for God professors Jeff Sherrod, Laurie Kagay and headmaster Gregg Garner as they discusses with Institute student; Jacob Oliveira his summer internship mission trip to Uganda, emphasizing intentional planning and transformative impact on one's relationship with God.

Gregg Garner, Jeff Sherrod and Laurie Kagay from College Conversations interview Institute students; Genesis Garner and Erin Gammill. They reflect on previous mission trips as well as share hopes for upcoming trips.

Gregg Garner, Jeff Sherrod, Laurie Kagay, and Benjamin Reese from College Conversations discuss the challenges and criticisms surrounding short-term missions in America, focusing on issues such as the lack of lasting impact and the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes. They emphasize the importance of expertise, financial integrity, and a holistic approach to measuring success in mission work.