Gregg, Jeff, and Laurie discuss the impact of school size on student interaction, resources, and facilities. One is not better than the other, what’s important is aligning yourself with a school’s mission and vision, keeping a discerning eye on their ability to fulfill it. What is most important for students is the value of individualized education and holistic development.

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.

In this episode, Jeff Sherrod, Gregg Garner, and Laurie Kagay discuss the phenomenon of summer melt, where accepted students don't show up in the fall. They explore the challenges faced by students during the transition from high school to college, including lack of support and unfamiliar tasks. The speakers suggest practical solutions such as creating media profiles for incoming students and facilitating Zoom meetings between roommates. They also emphasize the importance of communication, family support, and seeking help from college counselors. The episode concludes with an invitation to apply for summer internships and mission experiences abroad.

What I Learned from

Summer Internship

(Student Reflections Part 2)

In this episode of the College Conversations podcast, host Jeff Sherrod sits down with Gregg Garner, president of The Institute for GOD, as well as Benjamin Reese and Laurie Kagay to discuss the importance of mission trips for college students. As a missions college, not soley a college putting on mission trips, they discuss the multidisciplinary nature of missiology, the value of long-term investment in communities, and the transformative impact these experiences can have on students. Guests share insights on what to look for when choosing a missions organization, emphasizing the significance of expert leadership and a focus on people over tasks. This episode provides invaluable guidance for prospective missions trip participants and their parents.

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This week's College Conversations podcast covers various topics related to the experiences and culture of Christian colleges and universities, with President Gregg Garner reacting to TikTok videos about Christian and/or Bible colleges (some positive, some negative). Some points to look forward to:

In it, viewers can see an informed reaction to experiences and stereotypes associated with Christian college students, why students seem to get engaged quickly, struggle with academic workload, and feel a strong spiritual calling.

He'll break down the practical reasons for certain rules and policies at Christian colleges, like dorm visitation policies and mandatory chapel attendance.

Overall, President Garner reacts to unique culture and experiences of Christian higher education, touching on the positives and potential challenges students may face. As a Bible college graduate, founder, president, and father of kids attending a Bible college, we hope his reactions help give you an inside view of why things are the way they are, how they aren't always that way, and, sometimes, why things need to adjust.

Send any ideas for future episodes of College Conversations to conversations@instituteforgod.org!