The Institute Blog
Thoughts on Jesus, Education, and Life from Faculty, Students & Grads
College Conversations S2E6: Gen Z’s Summer Playbook - Education + Missions (Transcript)
In a recent College Conversations podcast, Gregg Garner, Laurie Kagay, Mitchell Buchanan, and Amelia Harrison discuss the transformative impact of Students Living a Mission and the Summer Internship programs on college students. They highlight the opportunities for cross-cultural experiences, professional development, and increased enthusiasm for education that these programs offer.
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.
College Conversations Season 2, Episode 1: Biblical Education - Where’s it Headed?
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.
7 Ways The Institute is Helping Third World Students
How The Institute is making Biblical Education possible for students in the developing world.
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!
Announcing the 2023 GOD Summer Internship: An Opportunity for Growth and Service
GOD International announces 2023 Summer Internship dates, locations, and information.
5 Ways that International Travel Can Help you Develop
Why is cross-cultural travel such an important part of the stories and development of so many biblical characters? There seems to be something about cross-cultural travel that provides essential experiences needed for our development as God’s workmen. The cross-cultural travel that has a purpose, like the travel that every student at the Institute will experience as students. Read more to learn about how International travel can help you develop!
“How Did Institute Students Spend Their Summer?”
One of the things we love about our students is their willingness to learn and serve, not only during the academic school year, but even throughout the summer break as well. You rarely get a boring answer when asking them how they spent their summer, which is why we did just that. While it is common for our students to travel abroad, even those who remain in Nashville stay active during the summer serving the local community through various programs that happen on G.O.D.’s campus.
Cell Phones on Mission Trips: Is it Worth it?
There are both pros and cons when it comes to having participants bring cell phones on mission trips. Will it distract them from their mission or does bringing them along for emergency situations make it all worth it? Here are some topics for consideration when discussing cell phones on mission trips…
College Conversations Season 1, Finale: Third World Travel - The Ultimate Learning Experience
In a special episode recorded during a break from filming The Institute’s feature on The College Tour, Gregg Garner, Jeff Sherrod, and Laurie Kagay are joined by show host Alex Boylan. Alex, an avid advocate of higher education, travel, and adventure, shares his perspective on why spending time abroad is an integral part of a student’s education. Tune in to learn about the unparalleled learning opportunities that travel offers and why it's a must for students seeking a well-rounded educational experience.
The Alumni Factor: What Faithful Alumni Says about a Bible College
It’s common for college graduates to feel a connection to their alma mater. While some may simply cheer for their sports teams on t.v. or passively promote the school to potential applicants, others go hardcore when it comes to showing their support for the college from which they graduated. When it comes to choosing a Bible college, consider looking at the school’s alumni…
Can I still serve God without being a Pastor or Missionary?
Lots of people want to serve God, but many don’t feel they necessarily fit with pastoring a congregation or advancing God’s kingdom overseas. Is there still a possibility they can serve God without being a pastor or missionary? Is God happier with them than he is with others who are just a part of the congregation and not in front leading?…
20 Most Useful Websites for College Students
College is all about learning, and if you plan on doing well, one of the first things to learn is how to be efficient. Thankfully, there are some really great websites out there which can save college students loads of time. Keep reading to find some useful websites to aid you in your studies!
7 DONT’s to aid in your journey to Cultural Sensitivity
While there are numerous things that can be done to develop ones cultural sensitivity there are just as many things NOT to do. Keep reading to learn some key things to avoid on your journey toward enriching your cultural awareness
7 DO’s to increase your cultural awareness
Misunderstandings can cause serious conflict, and a huge factor in how we go about understanding people is by the culture we were raised in. Thus, it's common to have misunderstandings when people from different cultural backgrounds interact. Keep reading to learn how to enrich your cultural awareness…
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.
What Lessons I Still Hold Onto from My Internship Over 10 Years Later
G.O.D. International’s Summer Internship is happening this summer, so we are letting people testify to its lasting impact on their lives. Read here about the lessons people have kept with them from their time on internship, even ten years later…