Biblical Higher Ed Talk

Sexual exploitation on college campuses is a pervasive issue that demands both awareness and action.  Christen Price , Senior Legal Counsel at the National Center on Sexual Exploitation , sheds light on the harsh realities of exploitation and shares how faith-driven communities can make a difference. Christen unpacks the systemic nature of crimes like trafficking and the theological imperative to...

Adam Porcella , Senior Vice President and Provost at Cairn University , shares his insights on how faculty recruitment directly impacts institutional success and mission alignment.  Drawing from his research and leadership experience, Adam outlines strategies for identifying candidates who embody your institution’s faith-based mission while excelling in their academic disciplines.  Tune in as we e...

Jessica Lugo , Executive Director for the Association of Hispanic Theological Education (AETH), joins us to explore how theological education can address the growing needs of the Hispanic church. Jessica shares her journey from seminary student to executive leader, insights on bridging cultural gaps between the church and academy, and the importance of culturally aware leadership in theological ed...

The average tenure of a college president at ABHE institutions is steadily declining, now averaging just 7.2 years — far from the decades-long leadership of past generations. Why is this happening, and what does it mean for the future of biblical higher education? Matt Pinson , President of Welch College , shares his perspective as an exceptional long-term leader who has served for over 20 years....

What does it really take to lead a Christian university in today’s complex educational landscape?  John Mark Yeats , President of Corban University , reflects on his first 18 months as a college president, sharing insights on mentorship, leadership preparation, and the joys of serving in this pivotal role. From his formative years to his unexpected journey to the presidency, he highlights how bibl...

Jeff Spear , Principal Founder of CFO Colleague , shares his expertise on the financial health of biblical higher education. With over 25 years of experience as a CFO for faith-based institutions, Jeff offers a sobering analysis of the current challenges facing Christian colleges, including declining enrollment, financial mismanagement, and the need for strategic pivots. He highlights the role of...

In the second part of our interview with Mark Barnes , Principal Product Manager at Logos Bible Software , we expand on the global landscape of theological education. Mark sheds light on the challenges faced by pastors and ministry workers worldwide, many of whom lack access to formal training. He shares insights into how Logos is equipping these leaders with robust study tools and highlights the...

AI is transforming the way ministry leaders and educators approach their work, but it comes with opportunities and challenges. In this episode, Mark Barnes , Principal Product Manager at Logos Bible Software , joins us to explore the integration of AI in theological education and ministry contexts. Mark shares how institutions and pastors can responsibly leverage AI tools like Logos and ChatGPT fo...

Stephen Nichols , President of Reformation Bible College , talks about how his journey from classroom professor to institutional leader shaped his educational philosophy. He discusses the intentional design of RBC’s curriculum, blending theology and the liberal arts, and how their unique house system fosters community and discipleship. Stephen offers insights into balancing growth with mission fid...

David Hoag , President of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU), joins us to share his vision for the future of Christian higher education. From addressing the challenges of membership growth to fostering leadership and spiritual formation, David explains the three priorities guiding his presidency — strengthening membership, nurturing leadership, and advocating for religiou...

The rise of anxiety and depression among college students has reached alarming levels in biblical higher education. In this episode, we speak with Dr. Ryan Kuehner , Clinical Psychologist and Founder of Truman Counseling Services , about addressing these challenges. Dr. Kuehner explores the top contributors to student mental health struggles, the impact of social media and the pandemic, and the im...

Jason Mitchell , the senior pastor at LCBC (Lives Changed By Christ) Church in Pennsylvania, joins us to discuss the intersection of ministry and biblical higher education. With decades of pastoral experience, Jason reflects on his transformative journey into ministry, including key moments of personal surrender and vocational discovery. He shares the vital role Christian higher education played i...

In today’s higher ed landscape, more and more students are choosing to go to secular colleges and universities. How can educators bridge the gap between Christian K-12 and faith-based higher ed institutions? One word — relationships. By investing in relationships with local or national Christian K-12 institutions, the path is established early on for students to give your university a try. We’ve b...

Transitions in leadership are a critical moment for any organization, and in biblical higher education, they carry unique challenges and opportunities. Bryce Ashlin-Mayo , President of Ambrose University in Calgary, Alberta, joins us to reflect on his journey from pastoral ministry to academia and now to university leadership. Bryce shares how God guided him through unexpected transitions, lessons...

Welcome to the 2024 Biblical Higher Ed Talk Christmas Special! This year, we are joined by several members of Team ABHE to hear all about their Christmas traditions, memories, and what the celebration of Christ’s birth means to them. So grab some hot cocoa and settle in — but don’t take a long winter’s nap just yet because you won’t want to miss this holiday fun! Join us as we discuss:  [2:04] Tea...

Doug Clay , General Superintendent of the General Council of the Assemblies of God , joins the show to discuss the vital role of discipleship in biblical higher education and the broader church community.  Drawing from his journey as a third-generation Pentecostal preacher’s kid to leading a global denomination, Doug shares how defining moments and the local church shaped his ministry. He talks ab...

In this episode, we explore how the work college model is redefining holistic education at Kuyper College in Grand Rapids, MI.  President Patti Harris discusses how integrating learning, work, and service cultivates a student experience rooted in Christian principles that exemplify dignity and respect.  Learn about the unique challenges, intentional practices, and lasting impacts of this model tha...

Many biblical higher ed institutions measure success in several different ways. For Stark College & Seminary , success is reflected in three key areas: building and serving your external network, having diverse leadership, and utilizing a data dashboard. Stark’s president, Tony Celelli , breaks down Stark’s internal processes that help them stay student-oriented and mission-focused. Join us as...

After 30 years behind the pulpit before transitioning to higher ed, President Michael Pawelke of Briercrest College and Seminary shares his experiences from 11 years as a college president. We talk through brand clarification and what it’s like to implement intense transformation in an institution, such as a name change or program reductions. Our conversation also dives into what it means to be a...

From the battlefields in Ukraine to American prisons, chaplains are in high demand. That’s why our guest James Kirkland , the Executive Director of Christian Chaplains & Coaching , believes chaplains will eventually become the preeminent ambassadors of the mission community. In this episode, we dive into the chaplain experience and break down how someone can become mission-fit in response to G...

Taking on a higher ed leadership role when an institution is already in a deficit can be a grim prospect. It’s a challenge that requires an adaptive learner who isn’t afraid of forward momentum. It takes transparency, relationship-building, and honest conversations. That’s why we’re talking to Frank Weller , President of Great Lakes Christian College . Frank shares how his administration leveraged...

The book of Jude is one of the smallest chapters in the New Testament — but it actually packs more punch than you think. We’re talking with Andy Miller , the President of Wesley Biblical Seminary , about this mighty little chapter. He literally wrote a book on it — Contender: Going Deeper in the Book of Jude . In this episode, we explore the book of Jude and how it translates into our current soci...

Michael Lindsay , President of Taylor University , joins the show to share how the principles of grace and truth guide his leadership, especially in the turbulent times facing Christian higher education. Michael tells us why he believes the pandemic elevated expectations for the value proposition of biblical higher ed and how Christian leaders can turn these challenges into opportunities. He also...

Michael Ortiz , the Executive Director of The International Council for Evangelical Theological Education (ICETE), joins the show to discuss current and future developments in global theological education. Michael unpacks the expanding role of non-formal pastoral training programs, connecting formal and non-formal education sectors, and the importance of global partnerships in equipping the next g...

A Chief Financial Officer can sometimes make or break an institution. Therefore, getting to know your CFO’s role and strengthening the lines of communication between a CFO and other team members is critical. We’re talking to Bruce Hoeker , the Executive Director at the Association of Business Administrators of Christian Colleges (ABACC), about the crucial role CFOs play in an organization and how...