Biblical Higher Ed Talk

Religious liberty is not a political stance but a founding principle essential to a free and flourishing society. In this powerful conversation, Dr. Todd Williams , president of Cairn University, explores why defending religious freedom matters not only for Christian institutions but for the good of all. Drawing from his testimony before the U.S. Religious Liberty Commission, Dr. Williams offers w...

Few institutions have the privilege,or the challenge, of helping millions engage with the most influential book in history. As CEO of the Museum of the Bible , Dr. Carlos Campo is leading with purpose, humility, and excellence to make Scripture accessible to all. His journey from Christian higher education leadership to stewarding a world-class museum in the heart of Washington, D.C. reveals what...

Andrew Peterson has spent decades shaping hearts and imaginations through story and song. In this episode, he shares the journey behind his calling as a Christian creative, the impact of Rich Mullins on his spiritual direction, and how he’s stewarding his art today through music, books, and animation. Andrew also reflects on the challenges of leadership, the need for truth-tellers, and the growing...

From a small spark in 1936 to ministry in 56 countries today, BCM International is a testament to how faithfulness multiplies. President Rick Rhoads joins us to share how this global organization is equipping thousands of local leaders to disciple, plant churches, and serve vulnerable children across the world. In this conversation, Rick reflects on the challenges of stewarding leadership across c...

Radical obedience is more than a moment. It's a lifelong posture of trust. In this powerful episode, Dr. Paul and Dr. Carol Alexander reflect on a global life of ministry marked by faith, perseverance, and God's providence. From unexpected callings to remote Samoa to building a graduate program in Ellendale, North Dakota, their story is a compelling reminder that the safest place to be is in the c...

Oswald Chambers' classic devotional My Utmost for His Highest has shaped countless lives for more than a century. With support from the Oswald Chambers Publications Association, a modernized edition is now helping a new generation engage with Chambers’ timeless insights. Macy Halford, the editor behind the rewrite, spent years studying Chambers’ original sermons and notes, which were carefully rec...

Season 6 - Episode 91 Graduate education is fiercely competitive, rapidly evolving, and increasingly flexible. In this episode, Blanton Feaster of Dallas Baptist University shares how he and his team are growing enrollment by adapting delivery methods and creating mission-fit programs that stay true to the ethos of Christian higher ed. Blanton also unpacks DBU’s strategy for integrating faith into...

Season 5 - Episode 3 How can ministries authentically connect younger generations to God in an era shaped by social media, technology, and shifting cultural values? In this episode, Daniel Day, Senior Director of Reclaim Today and New Audience Engagement at Our Daily Bread Ministries, shares how his team is creating fresh approaches to discipleship that meet Gen Z and millennials where they are. F...

How do we shift our view of wellness from diet plans and discipline to discipleship and spiritual alignment? In this episode, April Jones , Founder and CEO of Storehouse Wellness , shares her powerful journey from pharmacy and healthcare leadership into Christ-centered wellness entrepreneurship. Through faith, experience, and innovation, April is helping individuals and institutions approach healt...

How can the church and higher education take children seriously in discipleship? Esther Zimmerman, Program Chair of Undergraduate Ministry Studies at Lancaster Bible College and global advocate for children, joins us to share her journey in children’s ministry and her conviction that investing in kids is one of the most strategic ways to advance the kingdom of God.  We explore why children are oft...

"THANK YOU," from the entire team at Biblical Higher Ed Talk. A special message from Phillip Dearborn. A sneak peek into Season 5 Speakers for ABHE 79th ANNUAL MEETING: A Time to Lead -- February 11-13, 2026. We are approaching 10,000 downloads Biblical Higher Ed Talk is to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network. To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcast...

Leading With Purpose Summer Series Join Philip Dearborn , President of ABHE, for a special summer series designed to strengthen your leadership and renew your sense of mission. Every other week, you’ll hear one of the most-listened-to conversations from past seasons. Each episode offering practical encouragement and a fresh reminder of why Christ-centered higher education matters. This episode ori...

Leading With Purpose Summer Series Join Philip Dearborn , President of ABHE, for a special summer series designed to strengthen your leadership and renew your sense of mission. Every other week, you’ll hear one of the most-listened-to conversations from past seasons. Each episode offering practical encouragement and a fresh reminder of why Christ-centered higher education matters. This episode ori...

Leading With Purpose Summer Series Join Philip Dearborn , President of ABHE, for a special summer series designed to strengthen your leadership and renew your sense of mission. Every other week, you’ll hear one of the most-listened-to conversations from past seasons. Each episode offering practical encouragement and a fresh reminder of why Christ-centered higher education matters. This episode ori...

Leading With Purpose Summer Series Join Philip Dearborn , President of ABHE, for a special summer series designed to strengthen your leadership and renew your sense of mission. Every other week, you’ll hear one of the most-listened-to conversations from past seasons. Each episode offering practical encouragement and a fresh reminder of why Christ-centered higher education matters. This episode ori...

Leading With Purpose Summer Series Join Philip Dearborn , President of ABHE, for a special summer series designed to strengthen your leadership and renew your sense of mission. Every other week, you’ll hear one of the most-listened-to conversations from past seasons. Each episode offering practical encouragement and a fresh reminder of why Christ-centered higher education matters. Originally aired...

Leading With Purpose Summer Series Join Philip Dearborn , President of ABHE, for a special summer series designed to strengthen your leadership and renew your sense of mission. Every other week, you’ll hear one of the most-listened-to conversations from past seasons. Each episode offering practical encouragement and a fresh reminder of why Christ-centered higher education matters. Originally aired...

How does theological education continue its mission amid war? Evan Hunter , Executive VP at ScholarLeaders International , joins us to share his experiences walking alongside seminaries and churches in Ukraine throughout the ongoing conflict. Drawing from more than eight visits to Ukraine since the full-scale invasion, Evan reflects on what theological education looks like in a crisis, how seminar...

Old student recruitment methods are quickly becoming obsolete as we approach the demographic enrollment cliff. In this episode, Bart Caylor , President and Founder of Caylor Solutions , makes a case for refining and expanding recruitment efforts in higher education.  Bart has advice on targeting older demographics, increasing focus on student retention, and raising efficiency through the use of AI...

Accrediting and supporting Christian education in Africa comes with its own set of values and challenges unique to the continent.   Our guest, David Tarus , Executive Director at The Association for Christian Theological Education in Africa (ACTEA), shares the need to center African scholars and voices in their curriculum and why it's essential, not only for African institutions, but for the globa...

Christian educational institutions all serve one Lord, but the way in which they serve their students varies from school to school.  Our guest and President of Free Lutheran Bible College. Wade Mobley , suggests that there isn’t one correct model for Christian colleges to follow. However, it is important to consider your school’s individual identity and purpose when making decisions for its future...

As Christ-followers, we answer to a higher law. But American biblical higher ed institutions must comply with federal guidelines. Our guest, Andrew Smith , Attorney and Title IX Coordinator at Moody Bible Institute , urges campuses to work more closely with their legal team and to train their employees in basic legal understanding. Andrew also has advice on how schools can receive exemptions from...

The concept of separation of church and state makes it seem like teaching the Bible in public schools is impossible. But Bible2School is doing just that.  CEO Kori Pennypacker explains how our freedom of religion ensures that we are able to enact God’s mission at schools nationwide. In our conversation with Kori, we’ll cover how the Bible can be taught to public school students, what motivated her...

Leaders in biblical higher education hear many different theories and terms about leadership, so many that it can be difficult to decide what is the best way to pursue one’s goals. Our guest today, Kirk Brothers , the president of Heritage Christian University , has a suggestion — define spiritual leadership. He discusses how the examples of leadership that Christ can bring us closer to this answe...

Young Leaders in Biblical Higher Education can feel pressured to advance their institution’s goals as swiftly as possible. Our guest, David Dockery , President of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary , is here to share wisdom gained from over forty years in the industry. His advice is to slow down, learn more about the history of your institution, create enactable plans on multi-year timefram...