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 (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirk-brothers-8b590827), the president of Heritage Christian University (https://www.hcu.edu/), 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, Kirk also shares insights into how one should lead for God — not themselves — how to set goals for a Christian educational institution, and how to view youth and family ministry.  Join us as we discuss:   [8:10] The relationship between youth and family ministry [14:12] The importance of defining leadership terms [21:49] What Christian higher education should strive for Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Lead Like the Lord: Lessons in Leadership from Jesus (https://www.hcu.edu/product/lead-like-the-lord-by-w-kirk-brothers/) In Christ’s Image: A Guide to Youth and Family Ministry (https://www.hcu.edu/product/in-christs-image-a-guide-to-youth-and-family-ministry-edited-by-w-kirk-brothers/) Ministry Matters podcast (https://www.ministrymatters.com/) To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/biblical-higher-ed-talk/id1703844686), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6OcZt5RwEr0gmhgPeGWSFQ?si=465ee623cf424281), or our website (https://www.abhe.org/), or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Young Leaders in Biblical Higher Education can feel pressured to advance their institution’s goals as swiftly as possible. Our guest, David Dockery (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dadockery/), President of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (https://swbts.edu/), 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 align with your institution’s mission.  Carrying out this mission is more difficult than ever, with growing economic and cultural challenges threatening campuses, but Dockery has suggestions for how faith-based nonprofit schools should move forward into the future. Join us as we discuss:  [2:08] The importance of recognizing one’s own leadership gaps [14:35] The pitfalls of rushing change in a new leadership position [20:37] How the business model of biblical higher education must adapt Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: IACE (https://iace.education/) To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/biblical-higher-ed-talk/id1703844686), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6OcZt5RwEr0gmhgPeGWSFQ?si=465ee623cf424281), or our website (https://www.abhe.org/), or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Sexual exploitation on college campuses is a pervasive issue that demands both awareness and action.  Christen Price (https://www.linkedin.com/in/christen-price-1a5a7623/), Senior Legal Counsel at the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (https://endsexualexploitation.org/), 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 explores the role of institutions in addressing these issues while inspiring listeners with stories of hope and resilience. Tune in to learn how faith, justice, and advocacy converge to combat exploitation and protect vulnerable student populations. Join us as we discuss: [8:50] Defining sexual exploitation and confronting enablers [17:52] Statistics on exploitation and the impact of pornography use [24:42] Keeping a positive mindset while fighting the good fight Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: National Center for Sexual Exploitation Resources (https://endsexualexploitation.org/resources/) International Justice Mission (https://www.ijm.org/) Rights4Girls (https://rights4girls.org/) Unwanted: How Sexual Brokenness Reveals Our Way to Healing (https://www.amazon.com/-/es/Unwanted-Sexual-Brokenness-Reveals-Healing/dp/1631466720) To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/biblical-higher-ed-talk/id1703844686), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6OcZt5RwEr0gmhgPeGWSFQ?si=465ee623cf424281), or our website (https://www.abhe.org/), or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Adam Porcella (https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-j-porcella-ed-d-bb469a40/), Senior Vice President and Provost at Cairn University (https://cairn.edu/), 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 fostering a community of faithful scholars who inspire and mentor students. Join us as we discuss: [2:28] How institutional leaders can directly impact the student experience  [8:21] Conclusions from a qualitative study on mission-fit faculty hiring [17:22] The need for professors to love their students and be good mentors [24:03] Who should have oversight in hiring and developing new faculty To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/biblical-higher-ed-talk/id1703844686), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6OcZt5RwEr0gmhgPeGWSFQ?si=465ee623cf424281), or our website (https://www.abhe.org/), or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Jessica Lugo (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-lugo-dmin-mdiv-mba-7ba72671/), Executive Director for the Association of Hispanic Theological Education (https://aeth.info/en/) (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 key trends in the Hispanic population, strategies for empowering new leaders, and the role of education in the spiritual growth of Hispanic communities. Join us as we discuss: [8:08] The rising Hispanic population and dispelling its monolithic label [13:47] How AETH is helping institutions that are serving Hispanic students  [23:09] Going beyond the minimum threshold for HSI-certification Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: U.S. Department of Education: Hispanic-Serving Institutions (https://sites.ed.gov/hispanic-initiative/hispanic-serving-institutions-hsis/) Register for ABHE’s 78th Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida here (https://www.abhe.org/annual-meeting/)!  To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/biblical-higher-ed-talk/id1703844686), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6OcZt5RwEr0gmhgPeGWSFQ?si=465ee623cf424281), or our website (https://www.abhe.org/), or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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 (https://welch.edu/team/matthew-pinson/), President of Welch College (https://welch.edu/), shares his perspective as an exceptional long-term leader who has served for over 20 years. He reflects on the challenges of presidential longevity, the shifting landscape of higher ed leadership, and the key lessons he’s learned along the way.  From hiring and faculty relations to balancing institutional change with stability, Matt offers wisdom for current and aspiring leaders navigating today’s fast-changing environment. Join us as we discuss: [10:41] Realistic leadership expectations and adopting an evolutionary mindset [20:56] People management and dealing with hiring pressures [25:30] Family and the work-life balance in higher ed leadership To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/biblical-higher-ed-talk/id1703844686), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6OcZt5RwEr0gmhgPeGWSFQ?si=465ee623cf424281), or our website (https://www.abhe.org/), or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What does it really take to lead a Christian university in today’s complex educational landscape?  John Mark Yeats (https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-mark-yeats-35070093/), President of Corban University (https://www.corban.edu/), 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 holistic growth — academic, spiritual, and personal.  Tune in for a heartfelt discussion about leadership, service, and the transformative power of Christ-centered education. Join us as we discuss: [7:19] Formational experiences and seeking out learning opportunities [12:31] Why a Christian college presidency is a team sport [19:53] Finding the joy in investing in your school’s constituents To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/biblical-higher-ed-talk/id1703844686), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6OcZt5RwEr0gmhgPeGWSFQ?si=465ee623cf424281), or our website (https://www.abhe.org/), or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Jeff Spear (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-spear-4911a02/), Principal Founder of CFO Colleague (https://cfocolleague.com/), 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, sustainable budgeting, and local church partnerships in overcoming these hurdles. Jeff’s insights are a must-listen for leaders navigating the complexities of institutional sustainability. Join us as we discuss: [5:34] Influencing factors in the epidemic of school closings [12:16] Schools failing to deliver on their value proposition [22:02] Pivoting strategies to align with students’ expectations [27:15] Three actionable steps for schools with financial woes Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Sign up for the CFO Colleague newsletter here (https://cfocolleague.com/insights/)! To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/biblical-higher-ed-talk/id1703844686), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6OcZt5RwEr0gmhgPeGWSFQ?si=465ee623cf424281), or our website (https://www.abhe.org/), or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In the second part of our interview with Mark Barnes (https://www.linkedin.com/in/revmarkbarnes/?originalSubdomain=uk), Principal Product Manager at Logos Bible Software (https://www.logos.com/), 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 contextual relevance in theological education. Join us to explore how mentorship, creative approaches, and cutting-edge technology are transforming theological education across the globe. Join us as we discuss: [6:44] The leading challenges in global theological education [11:48] Why cultural context is important in overcoming language barriers [16:16] How Logos is working to be a resource to the majority world [23:38] AI and enhancing international learning experiences Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Logos Bible Software (https://www.logos.com/) To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/biblical-higher-ed-talk/id1703844686), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6OcZt5RwEr0gmhgPeGWSFQ?si=465ee623cf424281), or our website (https://www.abhe.org/), or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

AI is transforming the way ministry leaders and educators approach their work, but it comes with opportunities and challenges. In this episode, Mark Barnes (https://www.linkedin.com/in/revmarkbarnes/?originalSubdomain=uk), Principal Product Manager at Logos Bible Software (https://www.logos.com/), 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 insights, and administrative efficiency. With decades of experience bridging technology and ministry, Mark offers practical advice for navigating ethical concerns and embracing innovation without compromising faith. Don't miss this thought-provoking discussion on the future of biblical higher education. Join us as we discuss: [9:59] The use of AI tools in theological education and ministry [17:11] Ethical and moral issues related to the use of AI [21:20] How Logos is implementing AI into their software platform Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Logos Bible Software (https://www.logos.com/) Logos Smart Search (https://support.logos.com/hc/en-us/articles/23526184005261-What-is-Smart-Search) To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/biblical-higher-ed-talk/id1703844686), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6OcZt5RwEr0gmhgPeGWSFQ?si=465ee623cf424281), or our website (https://www.abhe.org/), or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.