Biblical Higher Ed Talk

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...

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...