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. (https://flbc.edu/) Wade Mobley (https://www.linkedin.com/in/wade-mobley-663ab7238/), 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 identity, following new innovations in Biblical higher ed, and trying to manage the business side of education creates a lot of tension for presidents and school boards. Wade has suggestions and words of encouragement for new leaders struggling to find their path in our field. Join us as we discuss:  [7:19] How to establish your school’s identity on campus [16:42] Staying open to innovation while not chasing trends [23:26] Encouragement for new leaders struggling with their identity 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.

As Christ-followers, we answer to a higher law. But American biblical higher ed institutions must comply with federal guidelines. Our guest, Andrew Smith (https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-smith-21b12921/), Attorney and Title IX Coordinator at Moody Bible Institute (https://www.moody.edu/), 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 aligns with God’s law. Join us as we discuss:  [6:27] Aligning God’s word with the law and over-and-underutilizing legal resources [17:21] The benefits of fundamental legal training for school employees [22:06] The theological discussion around Title IX and how it might impact your mission Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Andrew.Smith@moody.edu (mailto:Andrew.Smith@moody.edu) 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 concept of separation of church and state makes it seem like teaching the Bible in public schools is impossible. But Bible2School (https://www.bible2school.com/) is doing just that.  CEO Kori Pennypacker (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kori-pennypacker-14061543/) 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 study has had on students.  Join us as we discuss:   [1:58] The laws surrounding teaching religion in public schools [7:34] What the average American youth knows about Christianity [16:57] How to effectively teach the Bible to elementary students Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Bible2School (https://www.bible2school.com/about-bible2school/employment/) koripennypacker@bible2school.com (mailto:koripennypacker@bible2school.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.

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.