
The Institute Blog
Thoughts on Jesus, Education, and Life from Faculty, Students & Grads
The Institute for GOD Joins NCCAA for 2025-2026 Athletic Season
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.
S3E2: Therapy vs. Prayer: A Generational Divide in the Hispanic Community?
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.
S3E1 - Gen Z is Leaving the Church — Why Are They Walking Away?
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.
S2E29 - Why Christians Should Ask Better Questions
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.
WECare: Reconnecting Generations through Service
This blog highlights the relaunch of the WECare Program, which connects college students with the elderly and widowed in the community to provide essential support and companionship. Rooted in faith and service, the initiative fosters meaningful connections across generations while addressing the practical and emotional needs of seniors.
Institute Launches Second Year of ProDev: Work-and-Learning for Students
The Institute for GOD is proud to announce its second formal year of the Professional Development program, connecting undergraduate students with workplace opportunities for a debt-free future.
An Open Letter Regarding Cult Allegations
An open letter regarding an online campaign to discredit our college and ministry as a cult.
Understanding your 24-25 Scholarship Offer
A review of our recent “Understanding your Scholarship Offer” webinar for incoming students in 24-25. Whether you’re already accepted or looking into it, this blog will help you understand our financial model to set you up to graduate debt free.
Student Accountability Groups: Building a Lifelong Value
This blog highlights our Accountability Group program, which is part of the Student Life department at the Institute for G.O.D. Undergraduate students are placed in an accountability group where they practice vulnerable, honest conversations.
S2E8 College Conversations Podcast: Will Anyone Hire Me with my Bible Degree? (Summary & Transcript)
In this episode of College Conversations, Jeff Sherrod, President Gregg Garner, and VP of Enrollment and Marketing Laurie Kagay discuss how colleges prepare students for the workforce. They explore the disconnect between graduates' readiness and employers' expectations, highlighting the importance of practical experiences and skills beyond a degree. The podcast also touches on the Institute for GOD's innovative approaches to addressing this issue.
S2E5 College Conversations Podcast Transcript: “Does anyone do Discipleship Like Jesus Anymore?” Part 2 (Transcript)
Gregg, Jeff, and Laurie discuss the topic of discipleship on college campuses and the various programs available. They highlight the misconception that discipleship is solely about one's relationship with God and emphasize the importance of interactions with others, and college as the premier venue for discipleship (even above church). Listen and check out what cooperation is necessary between churches and colleges for discipleship to occur effectively.
For Release: The Institute for GOD Launches “College Conversations” Podcast
The Institute for GOD has launched its first season of “College Conversations” — a podcast for college goers and their parents, facing a very different academic, economic, and social climate than previous generations. Hosted by Gregg Garner and Jeff Sherrod, the show invites interested students and families into discussions that range from the cost of college, the point of college, making friends, studying abroad, mental health, and more. It’s available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
How missions experiences expand my classroom experience
Olivia Lasater, a current student, shares how her classroom experience is influenced and expanded because of her time on the mission field.
Institute Staff attends 76th Annual Conference for ABHE
The Institute staff ventured to Orlando, Florida for the ABHE’s 76th annual conference for its member schools. Take a look at some highlights!
Three Reasons to Consider an Associates Degree
Professor Shaun Galford shares about the educational staple that’s gone out of style and is now making a comeback: the associates degree.
What’s ZeeMee and should I use it?
Maybe you’ve heard of ZeeMee, a new staple in the college admissions process, and a way for students to make friends before they arrive on campus. Here’s our review.
The Institute is an official college partner of ZeeMee
The Institute is an official partner of ZeeMee — providing an app dedicated to helping students find their college community.
Dr. Marty Harris of Latin America Bible Institute speaks in Institute Chapel
Dr. Marty Harris, Ph.D, and President of Latin America Bible Institute in California, was a visiting speaker in our weekly chapel event.
Why You Can’t Grow in Christ Without Community
Growing in Christ isn’t an individual effort, it’s for individuals embedded in healthy communities. Learn why the Bible deals much more with communities than we give it credit for, and why community is essential to the Bible college experience.
Institute for G.O.D. team attends ABHE 75th Annual Meeting
Institute faculty, staff, and board attended the 75th annual Association for Biblical Higher Education alongside other North American Bible colleges.