The Institute Blog
Thoughts on Jesus, Education, and Life from Faculty, Students & Grads
Institute Students Provide Tech Empowerment for Seniors at Fifty Forward
Students at the Institute for G.O.D. International volunteers at Fifty Forward in Nashville, providing tech assistance to seniors, enhancing their digital skills and protecting them from scams.
S2E7: College Conversations Podcast - “Distraction Overload: Gen Z Navigating College Life” (Transcript)
In this podcast episode, Jeff Sherrod and Gregg Garner interview Brent Holzklaw and Daniel Ryan Day from Reclaim Today. They discuss the mission of Reclaim Today to help people connect with God in the ordinary moments of everyday life, and how they use research and creative content to engage Gen Z and Millennials in their faith.
College Conversations Podcast S2E5 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.
The Institute for GOD Achieves National Accreditation with the Association for Biblical Higher Education
The Institute for GOD receives national accreditation from the ABHE, the country’s oldest and largest accreditor of Bible colleges.
College Conversations Season 2, Episode 4: “Does Anyone Do Discipleship Like Jesus Anymore” Part 1 (Transcript)
Gregg Garner, Jeff Sherrod, and Laurie Kagay discuss the topic of discipleship on college campuses and highlight the lack of engagement in discipleship among Christians. They explore different definitions and examples of discipleship, emphasizing the importance of interacting with others. The speakers also address the challenges of discipleship in a culture that values self-affirmation and individualism. They suggest that there is a problem with discipleship in churches and a lack of biblical literacy among young people. Overall, they emphasize the importance of making disciples and discuss the potential role of colleges in discipleship.
College Conversations Season 2, Episode 3: “Avoiding Degree Mills: The Importance of Accreditation and Libraries”
This podcast discusses the topic of accreditation in higher education, highlighting its voluntary nature and the benefits it provides to schools. It also explores the pros and cons of accreditation, including financial support and recognition versus the challenges of meeting standards. The conversation then shifts to the evolving role of libraries, emphasizing the need for adaptation to meet the changing needs of students. The importance of providing services and resources, marketing offerings, and supporting academic programs is emphasized. The speakers also discuss the importance of a physical library space and the potential for libraries to preserve students' work.
College Conversations Season 2, Episode 2: “Why College is one of your Most Important Life Decisions” Transcript
President Gregg Garner discusses biblical college education’s current and future relevance with Institute faculty Jeff Sherrod, Benjamin Reese, and Laurie Kagay. They address the challenges and benefits of a faith-based degree, its influence on career paths, and its role in preparing students for a dynamic job market. A crucial conversation for Gen Z students and their parents considering higher education.
Introducing the Certificate of Christian Practice - An Online Bible Program for Global Learners
The Institute is delighted to introduce the "Certificate of Christian Practice," an innovative online Bible program designed to cater to Christians across the globe. This new initiative is a testament to our commitment to providing accessible, high-quality biblical education to a diverse international audience.
Congratulations to our Fall 2023 President’s and Dean’s List
The Institute for GOD President’s and Dean’s Lists are announced for the Fall 2023 semester.
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.
5 Ways Biblically Literate Leaders Help Third World Communities
Developing leaders in Uganda through a Biblical education to be a blessing to their community.
10 Challenges Third World Believers Face in Pursuing a Biblical Education
The challenges of pursuing a biblical education in the developing world and how you can help!
Enhancing Professional Skills with Christian Values: A Recap of November DevTalks
Recap of November’s DevTalk on first impressions and hospitality.
Announcing the 2023 GOD Summer Internship: An Opportunity for Growth and Service
GOD International announces 2023 Summer Internship dates, locations, and information.
Ministry of Presence: College Students Serve the Elderly
Olivia Lasater writes about her experience serving the elderly through the Institute’s weekly ministry projects.
DevTalks Take 1: Owning Your Mistakes and Your Time - Workplace Wisdom
The Institute’s Professional Development (ProDev) program hosts this year’s first “DevTalks” — a Ted Talks style seminar for students to learn practical skills to thrive in the workplace.
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.
The Institute for GOD chosen to be featured on “The College Tour” TV show
The Institute for GOD was chosen to be featured on The College Tour tv show, a unique series highlighting one college or university per episode, airing on Amazon Prime.
College Conversations Season 1, Episode 12: Building Leaders - Is College the Secret? (Transcript)
Benjamin Reese and Jeffrey Sherrod join Institute President Gregg Garner for a vital discussion on cultivating leadership skills in college. This episode examines how traditional college approaches may fall short in nurturing leadership qualities, essential in today's world and job market. The trio delves into the necessary changes colleges must adopt to effectively foster leadership among young people. It's an insightful episode for students, educators, and anyone interested in the evolution of higher education to meet contemporary leadership challenges.
College Conversations Season 1, Episode 10: Professional Development: A New Era - Announcing The Institute’s ProDev Program (Transcript)
Join Gregg Garner, Jeff Sherrod, Benjamin Reese, and Laurie Kagay in an exciting announcement of The Institute's Professional Development (ProDev) program. This episode sheds light on how the ProDev program provides Institute students with a unique Christian workplace environment. Here, students can enhance their occupational skills, graduate debt-free, and step into the professional world with both experience and a job offer in hand. This conversation is key for anyone interested in how faith and professional development can be seamlessly integrated in an educational setting.