Biblical Higher Ed Talk

Season 7: A Word of Thanks and a Vision for the Season Ahead

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 key gatherings, including the ABHE Annual Meeting and spring leadership conferences. With an encouraging pastoral tone, he invites listeners from every context to continue growing as leaders, deepening their walk with the Lord, and engaging the work God is doing across the global biblical higher education community.To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player.The Biblical Higher Ed Talk podcast is brought to you by The Association of Biblical Higher Ed and is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Your Calling is Rarely a Straight Path

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 humility and clarity, Dr. Costin reflects on leadership, obedience, identity, and the future of Christian higher education.🎧 Tune in to discover✅How God redirected a young Air Force cadet into ministry and chaplaincy.✅Why authentic leadership begins with self awareness and Spirit shaped character.✅How Liberty University’s early innovation shaped distance learning nationwide.✅What younger leaders need to understand about calling, initiative, and humility.✅Why leaning into Christian identity is essential for the future of biblical higher education.🎙️ Inside the Episode:04:49 – How Liberty University shaped his early ministry preparation10:24 – Entering the chaplaincy and discovering a calling to serve young adults13:49 – God’s providence in opening doors to university leadership19:20 – Leading authentically and surrounding yourself with complementary strengths26:10 – Why decisive leadership matters in today’s higher education landscape32:55 – Two core leadership principles for young leaders.To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player.The Biblical Higher Ed Talk podcast is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Exploring the Legacy and Future of the American Bible Society

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 God is moving through one of the nation’s oldest ministries.🎧 Tune in to discover✅ Why ABS’s founding vision still shapes its mission today✅ How Bible engagement is growing, especially among younger men✅ What the State of the Bible research reveals about human flourishing✅ How ABS is innovating with digital tools to support churches and individuals✅ Why emerging leaders should take one simple next step in their Bible journey🎙️ Inside the Episode:01:53 – The spiritual legacy behind ABS’s founding vision05:39 – Why Bible access is not enough for real discipleship today12:13 – Leading change in a 200 year old ministry19:57 – Encouraging trends from the State of the Bible research24:45 – How ABS is preparing for America’s 250th anniversary32:44 – A word of encouragement for emerging leadersTo hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player.The Biblical Higher Ed Talk podcast is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Celebrating 100 Episodes - Redefining Value in Biblical Higher Ed

🎉 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 a content creator and seminary grad, Matt offers both encouragement and challenge for leaders navigating what’s next. The conversation calls for greater collaboration, intentional value propositions, and a bold embrace of both shrewdness and spiritual conviction. Whether you're a college president, classroom professor, or ministry leader, this episode invites you to think freshly about your call.📚 Mentioned Resource:Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In by Roger Fisher et al.🎧 Tune in to discover✅Why distinctives aren’t enough and what truly defines a compelling value proposition✅What Christian institutions can learn from marketing and media✅A biblical case for bold, strategic decision-making✅Why collaboration and creativity are non-negotiables for the future✅A vision of revival sparked through biblical higher education🎙️ Inside the Episode: 04:06 – Matt’s journey into podcasting and storytelling 14:32 – Distinctives vs. value propositions in institutional messaging 24:44 – Jesus’ surprising command to be both innocent and shrewd 30:09 – Three challenges facing Christian institutions today 35:48 – How to lead with strategic clarity 44:56 – The power of defining outcomes clearly for studentsTo hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player.The Biblical Higher Ed Talk podcast is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Choosing Conviction Over Compromise in Higher Ed

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 The Center for Academic Faithfulness & Flourishing, is working to provide prospective students and their parents with the information they need to make informed decisions about their college choice.🎧 Tune In to Discover✅ What makes a Christian college "Christian"✅ A vision for long-term culture change in Christian institutionsTo hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player.The Biblical Higher Ed Talk podcast is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.