The Institute Blog
Thoughts on Jesus, Education, and Life from Faculty, Students & Grads
From the Field India: Walking through Old Delhi
Lily McDaniel reflects on her experience in Old Delhi, and the Bible that she’s learned, and how the two intersect.
From the Field Philippines: Lifting Up The Poor
Hear a testimony from Isaiah Aaseby from the 2024 summer South East Asia immersion team as he reflects on the lessons he’s learning from the Bible and experience in a third-world country. He writes; “It’s humbling to come in contact with the poor, and uncomfortable. The uncomfortability isn’t bad, in fact it can incite us to call on the Lord if we choose to.”
S2E22: College Conversations Podcast - “What I Learned On Mission Abroad & Why I Want To Go Again! - Part Two” (Transcript)
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.
S2E20: College Conversations Podcast - “The State of Short Term Missions: Are They Worth It?” (Transcript)
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.
From the Field El Salvador: Serving Youth
This week in El Salvador; the Institute’s immersion team had the opportunity to do two large events. On Friday they had a youth night full of food, games, and scripture. But on Saturday they were able to put on a one day soccer tournament.
Congratulations to Students Named to 2023-2024 President’s and Dean’s Lists
The Institute for GOD President’s and Dean’s Lists are announced for the 2023-2024 academic year.
From the Field El Salvador: Demosfe Organic Garden Distinctives
Jameson Parker, alumni of The Institute for GOD and manager of Hopewell Gardens, presents some distinctives of DEMOSFE, our organic garden in El Salvador, as well as an update on a recent project carried out by our immersion team.
From the Field El Salvador: Focus on the Kids
Sara Giguere, a student at The Institute for GOD, is on her six-week immersion trip in El Salvador. She shares insights from her journey, highlighting the community's shift from dependency to empowerment and detailing the mission's significant impact on local residents and volunteers.
From the Field El Salvador: Week One Update from Lauren Garrison
Lauren Garrison gives a week one update from her Immersion to El Salvador concerning her time so far, and what their plans are for the month. Look forward to more updates like this throughout the month.
S2E14: College Conversations Podcast - “Why Being ‘A Light in the Darkness’ of a Secular College is a Bad Idea” (Transcript)
Laurie Kagay, Jeff Sherrod and Institute for Global Outreach Developments president, Gregg Garner discuss the challenges faced by Christian students in secular colleges, emphasizing the importance of a strong foundation in biblical education. They highlight the need for proper discipleship, Biblical literacy, and integration of faith into all aspects of life to effectively spread the light of Christ.
S2E13: College Conversations Podcast - “What Bible Colleges Miss In Spiritual Formation” (Transcript)
Joined by the Presidents of Mid South Christian College, Larry Griffin and Nick Griffin, Jeff Sherrod and Institute for Global Outreach Developments president; Gregg Garner discuss spiritual formation in students featuring a discussion on spiritual formation at Mid South Christian College. Speakers focus on the challenges of assessing and prioritizing spiritual growth in students.
S2E11: College Conversations Podcast - “Access & Equity: Reshaping Biblical Education Globally” (Transcript)
President Gregg Garner, Jeff Sherrod, and Laurie Kagay highlight the importance of biblical literacy and critical thinking in studying the Bible. They address the need for sustainable transformation and genuine education for leaders and congregations in the developing world.
S2E10: College Conversations Podcast - “Discussing Diversity: A Person, Not An Idea” (Transcript)
Institute President Gregg Garner leads a discussion with Professors Laurie Kagay and Benjamin Reese where they discuss being token representatives of diversity and emphasize the need for genuine diversity rooted in values. They discuss the challenges of navigating different cultural environments and stress the importance of self-awareness in promoting true diversity.
Ministry of Presence: College Students Serve the Elderly
Olivia Lasater writes about her experience serving the elderly through the Institute’s weekly ministry projects.
Institute Students Support Five Nashville Nonprofits through Weekly Service
This fall, the Institute for G.O.D is partnering with 5 local nonprofits, mobilizing students for service and community development every Wednesday after chapel as a part of our Spiritual Emphasis Days.
Scripture Meditation: James 1:22-25
Institute for GOD student Genesis Garner wrote this piece as a part of the ABHE + Reclaim Today Initiative in 2023. Genesis was one of thirty students chosen from across the nation’s Bible schools to participate in a writing and design workshop.
A Prayer for Something New
Institute for G.O.D. student Walt Reynolds wrote this piece as a part of the ABHE + Reclaim Today Initiative in 2023. Walt was one of thirty students chosen from across the nation’s Bible schools to participate in a writing and design workshop.
A Prayer for Friendships
Every human being needs friends. Sometimes it can feel like it’s impossible to genuinely connect with others, whether it’s because of personal insecurities or seemingly impenetrable cliques. But the truth is, God wants people to be close to one another, to be honest with each other and let love be genuine
College Conversations Season 1, Episode 8: Real Talk with Students: What’s Life Actually Like at College? (Transcript)
Jeff Sherrod hosts a candid conversation with three Institute students, each at a unique stage in their college experience. Debbie Castellanos, a freshman, Jacob Olivera, a transfer student with a degree already under his belt, and Lauren Garrison, a senior, share their personal reflections on transitioning into and out of college. This episode offers a diverse perspective on the challenges and triumphs of college life, providing valuable insights for anyone navigating or about to embark on their own academic journey at The Institute.
5 Considerations to Make before Doing a Gap Year
Amelia Harrison took a gap year after high school graduation and has some regrets. Read about her perspective on growing your faith, accountability, travel, and more.