Biblical Higher Ed Talk

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 Oct 2023

Be it blind arroganc...

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 seminaries have stepped up to serve as human...

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, as well as mistakes he sees smal...

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 global theological community. David talks a...

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. 

Upholding a school’s identi...

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 Title IX and opinions on how Title IX...

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 mission, and the effects Bible ...

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 answer. 

By examining Christ’s example,...

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 timeframes, and ensure that your actions alig...

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 confront injustice. She also explo...

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 explore practical approaches to ...

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 education.

Learn about...

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. He reflects on the challenges of p...

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 biblical higher education nurtures hol...

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 clear value propositions, sustaina...

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 importance of cultural and co...

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 for sermon preparation, theological ...

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 fidelity and the importance of be...

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 religious freedoms on Capitol Hill.

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