Biblical Higher Ed Talk

Join Philip Dearborn, President of ABHE, for a special summer series created to encourage and support leaders in Christian higher education. Every other week, we’ll revisit some of the most popular conversations from past seasons, with practical insights and meaningful reminders about the importance of Christ-centered education. This episode originally aired Novemeber 2025 ___ Christian colleges o...

Join Philip Dearborn, President of ABHE, for a special summer series created to encourage and support leaders in Christian higher education. Every other week, we’ll revisit some of the most popular conversations from past seasons, with practical insights and meaningful reminders about the importance of Christ-centered education. This episode originally aired November 2025 ___ Religious liberty is...

Join Philip Dearborn, President of ABHE, for a special summer series created to encourage and support leaders in Christian higher education. Every other week, we’ll revisit some of the most popular conversations from past seasons, with practical insights and meaningful reminders about the importance of Christ-centered education. This episode originally aired October 2025 ___ Oswald Chambers' class...

Join Philip Dearborn, President of ABHE, for a special summer series created to encourage and support leaders in Christian higher education. Every other week, we’ll revisit some of the most popular conversations from past seasons, with practical insights and meaningful reminders about the importance of Christ-centered education. This episode originally aired September 2025 ___ Title: Why Children’...

A season finale unlike any before it, this episode turns the microphone inward as ABHE President Philip Dearborn reflects on the state of biblical higher education. With clarity and conviction, he shares what is encouraging, what is challenging, and what is at stake for institutions committed to Christ and the authority of Scripture. From stories across campuses to urgent policy concerns in Washin...

A life that looks steady on the surface can still carry deep, unspoken pain. Alison Byxbe shares a vulnerable and redemptive journey through grief, unexpected diagnoses, and emotional exhaustion, revealing how God met her in the midst of it all. Through the practice of journaling, she discovered not only healing but a deeper intimacy with the Lord, offering a pathway for others to process pain wit...

What does it mean to live out faith in a world where belief can cost everything? Ed Brown , Secretary General of Stefanus Alliance International , brings a global perspective shaped by frontline work with persecuted communities. Through powerful stories and firsthand insight, this conversation explores the tension between religious freedom and gospel witness, revealing both the quiet pressures and...

Most professors in higher education are trained deeply in their disciplines but rarely trained in how to teach through a biblical worldview. That gap shapes how future leaders think, practice, and integrate faith into their fields. Seth Scott , Columbia International University, shares why worldview awareness is essential for Christian higher education and how educators and counselors can begin th...

Dr. Brad Johnson, president of College of the Ozarks , shares how the school’s distinctive work college model shapes students academically, spiritually, and personally. Known by many as “Hard Work U,” the college requires every student to work as part of their education, helping them graduate debt free while building character, responsibility, and a biblical understanding of work. This conversatio...

Enrollment pressures are real. The demographic cliff has arrived, public sentiment toward higher education has shifted, and competition is fierce. Yet in the midst of these challenges, Christian colleges have a powerful opportunity, not to widen the door by diluting mission, but to lean into it with greater clarity and confidence. In this insightful conversation, Keith Ramsdell shares nearly three...

Christian higher education is facing disruption, but the outlook may be stronger than many believe. Drawing on decades of experience serving Christian colleges and universities, ABHE Senior Fellow Dan Campbell explains why faith-based institutions are often outperforming the broader higher education sector. He also shares practical leadership lessons about governance, innovation, and the personal...

Biblical higher education leaders are grappling with a "perfect storm" of unprecedented complexity. They must navigate a confluence of challenges, including demographic shifts, persistent financial pressures, and escalating regulatory demands. In this candid conversation, John Derry reflects on more than five decades in Christian higher education, offering hard earned wisdom on governance, risk ta...

Leadership in biblical higher education demands more than strategic insight. It requires spiritual depth, moral courage, and unwavering fidelity to the authority of Scripture. In this rich and transparent conversation, Dr. David Gyertson reflects on more than five decades of ministry and presidential leadership, offering wisdom forged through failure, perseverance, and deep dependence on Christ. F...

After decades of faithfully serving as Vice President for Advancement at Indiana Wesleyan University , Terry Munday has seen firsthand how generosity, obedience, and relationships shape both institutions and eternal lives. In this compelling conversation, Terry reflects on a calling that led him from public education into Christian higher education fundraising, often requiring personal sacrifice,...

What kind of church will exist for our children and grandchildren? In this thoughtful and forward-looking conversation, Jason Ballard reflects on the health of the church in Canada, the growing leadership pipeline crisis, and why long-term faithfulness matters more than short-term urgency. Drawing from his pastoral experience and national leadership work, Jason challenges listeners to think beyond...

Biblical higher education exists to prepare leaders for the full scope of ministry, including moments when theology meets suffering, loss, and the realities of death. In this episode, Brian Hennan reflects on how his journey from pastoral ministry into hospice care revealed a critical gap in how Christian leaders are trained to guide individuals and families through end of life decisions. Drawing...

What does faithful leadership look like when vision is bold, change is constant, and the stakes are eternal? In this wide-ranging and deeply personal conversation, Bill McCarthy , Chairman of the Board and former CEO of Logos Bible Software , reflects on decades of leadership across technology, business, and ministry partnership. From operationalizing vision to building culture and investing in gl...

What does faithful leadership in theological education look like amid cultural change, secularization, and global realignment? In this insightful conversation, Marvin Oxenham offers a grounded and hopeful perspective on the state of theological education in Europe. Drawing from his leadership with the European Council for Theological Education and his work across multiple global networks, Marvin c...

What does it take to equip leaders, boards, and faculty for the rapidly changing realities of biblical higher education? In this forward-looking conversation, Eric Brandt offers a first look at the ABHE Leadership Academy, a new initiative designed to strengthen institutions from the inside out. Drawing on decades of experience in digital education and faculty development, Eric shares why accessib...

Philip Dearborn shares a brief message of gratitude, vision, and anticipation for what lies ahead. He thanks listeners for being part of Biblical Higher Ed Talk and reflects on the mission of highlighting faithful leadership across biblical and Christian higher education and the church.  Philip also looks ahead to Season 7, previewing upcoming conversations, leadership development initiatives, and...

For Dr. Dondi Costin , President of Liberty University ,  God’s direction led from a timid teenager afraid to speak in public, to a decorated military chaplain, to the presidency of one of the largest Christian universities in the world. His story is a powerful reminder that God’s sovereignty weaves every season, assignment, and relationship into a calling far greater than we imagine. With humilit...

A 200 year old organization does not thrive by accident. Jennifer Holloran shares how the American Bible Society is renewing its mission for a new generation, strengthening Bible engagement in the U.S. and globally, and helping people encounter Scripture in transformative ways. Her leadership journey, combined with fresh insights from the State of the Bible survey, offers a compelling look at how...

🎉 We’re celebrating the 100th episode of Biblical Higher Ed Talk with a powerful conversation on mission, strategy, and the urgent need for clarity in today’s educational landscape. Matt Whitman , creator of The Ten Minute Bible Hour , joins us to reflect on the intersection of biblical fidelity, communication, and creative leadership in an era of cultural reset. From his unique vantage point as...

Historically, many colleges and universities in the United States and Canada have their roots in churches and denominations. But over time, those connections have faded on campuses and in classrooms. What exactly makes a Christian college "Christian" today?. Jesse Rine , Executive Director of T he Center for Academic Faithfulness & Flourishing , is working to provide prospective students and t...

For Kevin Ingram , president of Manhattan Christian College , leadership and discipleship extend onto the football field. In addition to leading a thriving college in the heart of Kansas, Kevin serves as the volunteer chaplain for the Kansas State University Wildcats football team. What began as a simple act of community involvement has grown into a powerful ministry of presence, trust, and discip...