Biblical Higher Ed Talk

Leadership care in Christian institutions is moving to the forefront of higher ed culture.According to Michael Martin, President of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA), 94% of their members said leadership issues are having a negative impact on trust in their organizations.That’s why ECFA has developed a new accreditation standard that monitors the well-being and accountability of school leadership. Michael shares how the new standard will affect member institutions and why boards must lean on their collective spiritual gifts to empower their leaders by monitoring their health and integrity.Join us as we discuss:[5:53] ECFA’s mission to elevate trust in Christian organizations[13:08] How ECFA develops new higher ed accreditation standards[26:06] Keeping institutions accountable in leadership careCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:ECFA StandardsBehind the Seal PodcastTo hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

So you want to start your own Christian university?Through creating connections with churches, we can build future leaders by providing them with an avenue of opportunity to learn and grow their faith.Providing a degree of value can accelerate growth for potential ministry leaders and further grow God’s kingdom.With over 30 years of experience in the K–12 sector, Steve Whitaker, the Head of School at The First Academy, decided to answer the call to open a Christian university. Steve was not alone in his journey, and now he wants to help others who feel called to do the same.In this episode, we delve into what it takes to open a Christian university.Join us as we discuss:[7:32] The K-12 to college pipeline[10:46] Building recruitment relationships[21:58] Creating something of valueCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:[email protected] hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Anxiety can feel like it's crashing down on us from all directions.Technology running our lives, deadlines looming overhead, and so much more...Cutting through the noise and pointing anxiety in the direction of God will lessen the burden we too often place on ourselves.Anxiety is not something we have to face alone.Alan Fadling, the founder and President of Unhurried Living, takes us through anxiety acceptance and management in a Christ-centric way.In this episode, we deconstruct and reframe living with anxiety.Join us as we discuss:[9:07] Technological anxiety[17:07] Dependency and surrender[25:09] Anxiety on college campusesCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:A Non Anxious Life by Alan Fadlingwww.unhurriedliving.com To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Leadership and professional experience are two key career aspects that never really leave the horizon.It’s crucial to further enhance leadership skills during ministry preparation and even way beyond. Lacking proper leadership skills can often cause other issues in personal, professional, and organizational relationships.Building proper leaders takes guts.That’s why we’re talking to David Ashcraft, the CEO and President of Global Leadership Network. By hosting summits and providing learning opportunities, David and GLN are preparing the leaders of tomorrow.In this episode, we explore leadership and the necessity of practical experience.Join us as we discuss:[6:48] Ministry preps’ current state[14:09] Why practical experience is essential[15:27] Managing expectations[22:38] The importance of continuing educationCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Team365To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Kindergarten through 12th grade Christian education is seeing a decline in America.Is it simply student enrollment? Is it an education quality issue? Is it due to inflation?There are a variety of factors we can analyze, but it all comes down to remembering our mission: service.We have to embrace the mission of Christ, who served before us, in order to effectively serve the students in our community.With over 50 years of experience, Simon Jeynes, the Executive Director at Christian School Management, brings us up to speed on what's going on in K-12 Christian institutions.In this episode, we delve into the evolving education environment.Join us as we discuss: [4:42] The current state of K-12 education[7:34] Reasons for the decline[10:13] Top three common Christian education mistakes[21:09] Why fewer students are choosing Christian higher edTo hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Artificial intelligence is expanding its footprint in our institutions, workplaces, and personal lives.But how can we, as Christ followers, utilize artificial intelligence in a way that is true to our theology?In an increasingly secular culture, we must learn how faith, behavior, and artificial intelligence all interact.James Spencer, President of Useful to God Ministries, navigates the hard truths about AI, its implementation in a biblical way, and ever-changing curricula in higher education.Join us as we discuss: [4:34] Theology and behavior[14:32] ChatGPT for Christians[20:40] AI creation and curriculum[25:34] Student perspectives in a secular worldCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Serpents and Doves, Christian Politics and the Art of Bearing Witness by James Spencer (Coming February 2024)thejamesspencer.com To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Psalms 34:4 states, “I sought the Lord, and He heard me and delivered me from all my fears.” Entrepreneurial leadership takes faith to overcome obstacles. Trusting that God will be there to answer prayers will allow His will to be done through you. Allowing God to take a front seat in your life will lead you down the right path, and allow others to grow alongside you. Darren Campbell, the CEO at Slingshot and CampusEdu, didn’t believe he could ever attend college until God answered his family's prayers. Darren is all about seasoning some gospel into every conversation. In this episode, we discuss entrepreneurial leadership with faith. Join us as we discuss: - [5:06] Is entrepreneurial leadership different? - [10:52] Engaging fear - [18:03] Three key business principles - [26:00] AI disruptions in higher education Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - CampusEdu - Slingshot To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

How does a biblical institution get founded? It takes curious minds ready to lead, ready to invest, and ready to ask even the toughest questions. It’s about building a legacy and empowering future students to fall further in love with Jesus. Former collegiate football coach, Connor Champion, President at Austin Christian University, took the call to build that legacy. In this episode, we discover what it takes to create a higher education institution. Join us as we discuss: - [6:11] How chaos creates opportunity - [11:57] Building a foundation for a university - [15:28] Rewards and challenges of founding an institution To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Jesus said in Matthew 9:16, “With God, all things are possible”. It is essential to accept the call of the Great Commission to lead others towards His promise. Have you sat down and asked your students if they could comfortably do the same? Teaching others how to share the promise of God is the key to creating more relationships with Christ. Nicole Vallance, the Founder of Connected with Nicole, kicked off our Christ-centered conversation. A passionate advocate for leading people to Christ, Nicole is all about making heaven crowded. In this episode, we discussed the importance of sharing the news of the Lord. Join us as we discuss: - [6:47] Myths to stop believing about the lost - [16:03] Overcoming objections - [24:30] Why it’s okay to not have all the answers - [26:36] Connecting students to Christ Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel - Connected with Nicole To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Honesty is always the best policy. Are you being honest about the capabilities of your institution? The time is now for colleges and universities to start having authentic conversations about institutional capacity. We’re getting the conversation started with Ricardo Azziz, Director at The Center for Higher Ed Mergers & Acquisitions. If you aren’t discussing merging as part of a potential strategic plan, Ricardo is here to help. In this episode, we get real about institutional limitations and expectations. Join us as we discuss: - Public perceptions of higher ed’s value (10:06)- Increasing consumer expectations (15:16)- School mergers and acquisitions (24:02) Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - [email protected] To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What does courageous leadership in higher education look like? It’s about utilizing situational styles. It’s about relying on faith to drive out fear. It’s time to get real about what it means to be courageous in biblical higher education. That’s why I’m joined by Todd Williams, President and CEO at Cairn University, a courageous leader who didn’t always envision himself at the forefront of a higher ed institution. In this episode, we delve into what it means to be a courageous leader. Join us as we discuss: - Different styles of courageous leadership, from positional to situational (5:39) - The “romance” of leadership and why it can quickly burn out (9:36) - A historical example of situational leadership in the face of fear (16:41) To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Bridging the gap between local churches and Bible Colleges is essential to see success for both sides. It’s time to invest in the community around our students and come together towards a common goal – serving God. That’s why we’re talking to Mark Jobe, President of Moody Bible Institute. As a bi-vocational pastor, Mark offers a unique perspective from both sides of the pulpit. In this episode, we talk about the importance of getting your students and staff involved in the local community. Join us as we discuss: - Tension between the academy and the church (8:00) - How we can best serve the local church (13:54) - Ways to connect your institution to surrounding churches (20:49) To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Fundraising is often considered the elephant in the room of Higher Education. But why do we avoid the subject like it's taboo? It’s time to put the fun in fundraising and improve the donor experience. That’s why we’re talking to Brad Layland, CEO at The FOCUS Group. He literally wrote the book on it — Turning Donors into Partners. In this episode, we deconstruct the fundraising dance. Join us as we discuss: - [9:09] How fundraising builds community - [11:07] When fundraising gets awkward - [14:36] Building authentic donor relationships - [21:54] Three fatal mistakes when approaching fundraising Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - The FOCUS Group - Turning Donors into Partners To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Welcome to the ABHE Biblical HigherEd Talk Christmas Special! Get to know your ABHE team through a series of lightning-round questions and a retelling of the Christmas story – an ABHE tradition. In this light-hearted episode, we have some fun by exploring each other's favorite Christmas traditions. From Lisa Beatty, Carol Dibble, Dave Medders, and all of us at the Biblical HigherEd Talk podcast, we wish you Merry Christmas! Join us as we discuss: - Childhood Christmas memories [1:12] - ABHE Christmas favorites [7:25] - The most meaningful aspects of Christmas [21:19] - The Christmas story tradition [28:38] To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

The Lord works in mysterious ways, and we are all a part of His plan. The story of Lisa Beatty is a perfect example of how He has guided those who strive for the advancement of the kingdom. Lisa started her career in music and, after a health crisis, transitioned into the world of accreditation for biblical higher education schools. In this conversation, Lisa pulls back the curtain on her role as the Executive Director of ABHE’s Commission on Accreditation and helps to unpack the many layers of complexity that go into the accreditation process. She also talks to us about her experience transitioning into the role, and what she thinks accreditation will look like in the years to come. Join us as we discuss: - A defining moment in Lisa’s life (01:32) - How the process of accreditation works (07:29) - What accreditation will look like 20 years from now (31:38) Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) - National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity (NACIQI) To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What does it mean to be a follower? In a world obsessed with leadership, being a faithful follower is crucial. Christ faithfully followed through on His Father's call. If Jesus can do it, so can you. That’s why we’re talking to Joanne Jung, Associate Dean of Online Education and Student-Faculty Engagement, Talbot School of Theology - Biola University. With co-author Richard Langer, Jung explores what it means to hear Jesus in a culture obsessed with leadership in their book, The Call to Follow. In this episode, we dive into the essentials of faithful followership. Join us as we discuss: - Society’s obsession with leadership (9:24) - Theological roots of being a follower (13:00) - Demystifying followership stereotypes (20:31) - The rewards of being a follower (24:27) Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - The Call to Follow To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Before 2020, only three percent of American high school graduates participated in gap year programs. But that number doubled during the pandemic as young Christian adults sought answers in their spiritual journey. Josh Beers, President of OneLife, has seen both sides of the high school post-graduate coin as a former enrollment officer. He thinks gap year programs will continue to flourish as a value-add for future students who want to kickstart their life experience. You won’t want to miss this insightful interview as Josh breaks down how gap year programs can elevate young adults and give them a leg up in their college careers. Join us as we discuss: - How the pandemic positively impacted American gap year programs (4:24) - Differentiating gap year outcomes from a traditional freshman year (11:56) - A peek behind the curtain of how gap year programs operate (16:27) To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Have you ever heard the expression “there’s plenty of fish in the sea?” The same can be said when it comes to marketing in higher education. But how do you know when it’s time to get deliberate with your marketing strategy? Grab your fishing pole and find out. We are joined by Bart Caylor, President and founder of Caylor Solutions. With over two decades of experience at Caylor Solutions, Bart knows how to navigate the sea of higher education marketing. In this episode, we delve into the key aspects of crafting a successful marketing strategy. Join us as we discuss: - The “greatest secret” in higher ed marketing (8:02) - Two common key faults in marketing strategies (15:28) - AI and its role in marketing at higher education institutions (21:29) - Three steps to being intentional with your student-centric marketing (26:54) Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast with Bart Caylor and Troy Singer - “This is Marketing” by Seth Godin To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

There are many lessons that biblical higher education schools can learn from the business world to become better and more competitive. The top law schools are always in demand because they deliver a great product that the market wants. What if we thought about biblical higher education that way? What if schools developed a value proposition where they said that their graduates would be the most skilled, most ethical, and the most competent church ministry leaders? We talk to Gina Cox, who started her career as a lawyer before transitioning to biblical higher education. Gina elaborates on the lessons she brought into her role at Highlands College from the business world and why she feels that honesty, adaptability, and agility are paramount to furthering the cause of advancing the kingdom. Join us as we discuss: - Gina’s transition from law into biblical higher education (07:10) - The uniqueness of being a woman in a leadership position in biblical higher education (13:15) - Three lessons from the business world that should be applied to biblical higher education (20:30) To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Having a strong faith and relationship with God are topics that continue to be at the front and center of biblical higher education. Students need to be able to process what is happening around them and then go back to the Word to understand what God’s will truly is. How can they do this? How can Christian institutions prepare them for a better future that is kingdom-focused? Former Second Lady of the United States, Karen Pence, joins us to talk about how people should put the Lord at the core of everything they do. Karen also shares some of the greatest challenges she faced, how she turned insecurities into opportunities, and why she believes students need a biblical worldview. Join us as we discuss: - How Karen navigated insecurities and turned them into a strength (11:32) - Which cause that Karen advocated for had the most impact on her (18:07) - Karen’s advice to the audience on answering God's call (23:08) Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - When It's Your Turn to Serve: Experiencing God's Grace in His Calling for Your Life - Immanuel Christian School To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

There was a time when college and university presidents used to boast lengthy terms of service. But today, most leave the position after five to seven years. Higher ed leaders are burning out. A major contributor to this systemic problem is often a lapse in effective board governance. After faithfully serving in several leadership roles, including as president of three major Christian universities, Dave Gyertson coaches many presidents who question their calling to lead Christian institutions. Dave talks about why boards need to be good stewards of their presidents and monitor their health as well as their performance. Join us as we discuss: - The need for boards to set parameters and guide their presidents (10:45) - The scope of new challenges college presidents face today (14:57) - Why boards need to monitor the president’s health (19:07) Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - ABHE Board Governance Training To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

The seminary education landscape has changed considerably, but its focus has not. The ultimate goal continues to be training church ministry leaders. What has changed is the definition of seminary education. Many students want to go deeper in their theological and biblical knowledge without necessarily a degree or ordination. What will the future hold? How can biblical institutions meet their students where they are and adapt accordingly? After completing an overseas tenure in Haiti, Matt Ayars, President at Wesley Biblical Seminary, talks to us about how seminary education needs to change in order to flourish. Matt elaborates on what he believes the challenges and opportunities are, and why it’s important for seminaries to teach their students how to think theologically. Join us as we discuss: - The focus of seminary education and what has changed (06:13) - The top challenges that seminaries face today and the opportunities (14:04) - What seminaries will look like 20 years from now (23:02) To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Leaders, how many women did you see the last time you looked around a room full of Christian college presidents and provosts? Historically, biblical higher education has been dominated by male leadership. In recent years, many institutions and organizations have made diversity in leadership an intentional focus of their missions. But Jena Dunn, Provost at Stark College and Seminary, believes what women really need are true advocates who will champion the female leaders of tomorrow. Jena unpacks her 15-plus years of higher ed experience as we explore the shortfall of female leadership in Christian colleges and universities. Join us as we discuss: - Why discipleship is the most rewarding leadership experience (5:40) - Walking the road of humility as a female leader (10:52) - The importance of diversity in leadership teams (15:49) Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - ABHE Commission on Accreditation To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

The core ethos of biblical higher ed institutions is grounded in God’s Word, accepting its authority as final. But Dave Medders, Executive Vice President here at the Association for Biblical Higher Education, cautions that the world’s expectations can sometimes cloud that ethos. That’s why leaders must keep their relationship with Christ fresh so as not to let personal successes define their worth and lose sight of their mission. Dave joins the show to talk about what must comprise modern biblical higher education’s ethos and why he believes future institutions will flourish because of it. Join us as we discuss: Why confidence in the authority of God’s Word is critical to our ethos (5:39) What “good” things can erode our core ethos (14:00) Predicting a positive future for biblical higher ed institutions (23:51) To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Be it blind arrogance or a lack of accountability, it can be easy for church and academic leaders to allow pride to consume them and to point fingers when they fall. That’s why Bill Blocker, President of the College of Biblical Studies - Houston, believes the leadership journey should start by understanding that it’s not about you. God doesn’t care how talented you are — only that you’re available to use your gifts to lead and inspire others. Bill shares how Christ called him from the legal industry to help equip others and what leading from the front with humility means to him. Join us as we discuss: Measuring personal success in how you inspire others (6:11) What God cares about more than your abilities (11:43) Stumbling blocks that Christian leaders need to avoid (18:40) To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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