What does it take to equip leaders, boards, and faculty for the rapidly changing realities of biblical higher education? In this forward-looking conversation, Eric Brandt offers a first look at the ABHE Leadership Academy, a new initiative designed to strengthen institutions from the inside out. Drawing on decades of experience in digital education and faculty development, Eric shares why accessible, mission-aligned leadership formation is essential for the future health and flourishing of ABHE institutions.

🎧Tune In to Discover

• Why leadership and faculty development are critical for institutional flourishing

• How the ABHE Leadership Academy expands access beyond conferences.

• What makes micro-courses and effective tool for ongoing formation

• How biblical integration and effective teaching practices are being addressed for faculty

• Why ABHE is investing deeply in leaders at every level.

🎙️ Inside the Episode

02:00 - The evolution of distance and online education and why it matters now.

09:47 - Why leadership and faculty development are essential for institutional health

15:40 - What makes the ABHE Leadership Academy different from past initiatives

21:35 - Addressing biblical integration and effective teaching gaps among faculty

28:03 - What courses are launching first and the long-term vision for 100 micro-courses.

32:02 - Why the Leadership Academy is offered as a member benefit for ABHE institutions

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.

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.

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 preparation

10:24 – Entering the chaplaincy and discovering a calling to serve young adults

13:49 – God’s providence in opening doors to university leadership

19:20 – Leading authentically and surrounding yourself with complementary strengths

26:10 – Why decisive leadership matters in today’s higher education landscape

32:55 – 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.

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 vision

05:39 – Why Bible access is not enough for real discipleship today

12:13 – Leading change in a 200 year old ministry

19:57 – Encouraging trends from the State of the Bible research

24:45 – How ABS is preparing for America’s 250th anniversary

32:44 – A word of encouragement for emerging 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.

🎉 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 students

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.

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 institutions

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.

For Kevin Ingram, president of Manhattan Christian College, leadership and discipleship extend onto the football field. In addition to leading a thriving college in the heart of Kansas, Kevin serves as the volunteer chaplain for the Kansas State University Wildcats football team.

What began as a simple act of community involvement has grown into a powerful ministry of presence, trust, and discipleship among student-athletes and coaches. From praying with players on the sidelines to mentoring future leaders in the classroom, Kevin embodies what it means to serve wherever God opens the door. In this heartfelt conversation, Kevin shares lessons on balancing leadership with service, finding joy in the midst of responsibility, and living authentically as the person God designed you to be. His journey is a reminder that faithful leadership is less about position and more about presence.

🎧 Tune In to Discover

✅How a college president became chaplain for Kansas State University football

✅Why chaplaincy is a ministry of presence, prayer, and trust

✅What game-day ministry looks like behind the scenes of a D1 program

✅How serving in the community strengthens your leadership on campus

✅The importance of being comfortable in who God made you to be

🎙️ Inside the Episode

01:33 - How serving in the community opened doors to chaplaincy

06:07 - Why more organizations are turning to chaplains for spiritual care

09:49 - What a typical game day looks like for a team chaplain

14:52 - The power of presence and divine appointments on the sidelines

16:48 - Why serving outside your institution refuels your calling as a leader

21:12 - Significant ministry moments through K-State football

24:19 - Building trust and relationships in high-pressure environments

28:23 - Kevin’s advice to 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.

Religious liberty is not a political stance but a founding principle essential to a free and flourishing society. In this powerful conversation, Dr. Todd Williams, president of Cairn University, explores why defending religious freedom matters not only for Christian institutions but for the good of all. Drawing from his testimony before the U.S. Religious Liberty Commission, Dr. Williams offers wisdom for leaders seeking to preserve conviction, uphold truth, and prepare the next generation to live faithfully in a changing world.

🎧 Tune In to Discover
✅Why religious liberty is foundational to a free society

✅How removing faith from culture weakens justice and virtue

✅What Christian educators can do to protect institutional autonomy

✅The dangers of open enrollment and mission drift in Christian colleges

✅Three practical ways to strengthen your institution’s religious identity

🎙️ Inside the Episode

02:02 - Why religious liberty is a founding principle, not a policy issue

06:13 - How freedom of faith sustains a just and virtuous society

08:02 - What history teaches when religion is removed from culture

14:56 - Todd’s experience testifying before the Religious Liberty Commission

22:12 - Why worldview and theology can never be separated from education

26:44 - Three ways Christian colleges unknowingly weaken their own liberty

34:28 - A practical first step for every Christian leader

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.