Christian higher education is facing disruption, but the outlook may be stronger than many believe. Drawing on decades of experience serving Christian colleges and universities, ABHE Senior Fellow Dan Campbell explains why faith-based institutions are often outperforming the broader higher education sector. He also shares practical leadership lessons about governance, innovation, and the personal disciplines leaders need to sustain healthy institutions and faithful service.🎧 Tune In to DiscoverWhy Christian higher education is outperforming many predictions about institutional closuresThe leadership and governance patterns that help faith-based colleges remain strongHow identifying an “economic engine” can sustain mission-driven institutionsLessons learned from leadership mistakes, including the importance of self-careWhy optimism and shrewdness are essential mindsets for Christian higher education leaders🎙️ Inside the Episode03:02 – Why Christian higher education is outperforming the broader higher education industry05:33 – Understanding the real competition for Christian colleges12:23 – Governance challenges and the difficulty of letting go of legacy programs15:15 – A leadership mistake, neglecting self-care and its impact on others20:30 – Safeguards against moral failure through connection and accountability24:45 – Defining professional success through institutional and relational impact29:31 – Leadership turning points and learning to make decisive choices32:31 – Final leadership advice, cultivating optimism and practicing shrewd stewardshipTo 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.

Biblical higher education leaders are grappling with a "perfect storm" of unprecedented complexity. They must navigate a confluence of challenges, including demographic shifts, persistent financial pressures, and escalating regulatory demands. In this candid conversation, John Derry reflects on more than five decades in Christian higher education, offering hard earned wisdom on governance, risk taking, fundraising, and moral leadership. With humility and clarity, he challenges leaders to stay grounded, seek counsel, and remain faithful in both crisis and calling.🎧 Tune In to DiscoverWhy today’s higher education landscape feels like a perfect stormThe three dangerous leadership responses that can sink an institutionLessons learned from delaying difficult personnel decisionsWhy fundraising is essential and how to approach it relationallyPractical safeguards that help leaders avoid moral failure🎙️ Inside the Episode05:01 – The “perfect storm” facing biblical higher education today10:58 – Leadership mistakes and necessary personnel changes14:49 – Fundraising lessons and overcoming reluctance27:27 – Turnaround leadership and building strong teams32:07 – Catalysts for leadership growth and taking calculated risks33:56 – Why wise leaders ask for helpTo 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.

Leadership in biblical higher education demands more than strategic insight. It requires spiritual depth, moral courage, and unwavering fidelity to the authority of Scripture. In this rich and transparent conversation, Dr. David Gyertson reflects on more than five decades of ministry and presidential leadership, offering wisdom forged through failure, perseverance, and deep dependence on Christ. From governance challenges to personal vulnerabilities, this episode calls leaders to anchor their influence in both orthodoxy and spiritual formation.🎧 Tune In to DiscoverWhy biblical orthodoxy must fuel spiritual formation, not replace itThe biggest leadership mistake David made and what it taught himHow to make difficult personnel decisions with courage and compassionPractical safeguards leaders need to prevent moral failureThe role mentors and accountability play in sustaining long term impact🎙️ Inside the Episode00:00 – Celebrating new ABHE Senior Fellows and David’s journey in biblical higher education03:53 – The state of Christian higher education, opportunities and challenges12:12 – Leadership mistakes and the cost of delayed personnel decisions26:55 – Safeguards against moral failure and understanding personal vulnerabilities35:37 – Mentorship, calling, and catalysts for long term leadership impactTo 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.

After decades of faithfully serving as Vice President for Advancement at Indiana Wesleyan University, Terry Munday has seen firsthand how generosity, obedience, and relationships shape both institutions and eternal lives. In this compelling conversation, Terry reflects on a calling that led him from public education into Christian higher education fundraising, often requiring personal sacrifice, long-term trust, and spiritual courage. Through stories marked by humor, heartbreak, and unmistakable miracles, he reveals how fundraising, when rooted in faith, becomes far more than raising money. It becomes ministry.🎧 Tune In to DiscoverHow holy boldness reshapes the way leaders approach the askWhy relationship-driven fundraising requires patience and long-term trustHow stewardship and obedience intersect in Christian higher educationWhat decades of advancement work reveal about ministry, generosity, and eternal impact🎙️ Inside the Episode05:40 – Following God’s call despite a significant financial sacrifice10:01 – Why fundraising is a spiritual discipline, not a transaction17:05 – Sustaining institutional growth through faithful stewardship24:03 – A miraculous story of generosity, salvation, and eternal impact33:50 – Why relationship-based fundraising requires patience and longevity34:18 – The most common mistake colleges make in fundraisingTo 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.

What kind of church will exist for our children and grandchildren? In this thoughtful and forward-looking conversation, Jason Ballard reflects on the health of the church in Canada, the growing leadership pipeline crisis, and why long-term faithfulness matters more than short-term urgency. Drawing from his pastoral experience and national leadership work, Jason challenges listeners to think beyond🎧 Tune In to DiscoverThe current state of the evangelical church in Canada and what gives reason for hopeKey challenges facing churches in an increasingly complex cultural momentWhy leadership exhaustion and scarcity threaten the future of the churchPractical ways churches can empower and develop young leadersHow churches and biblical higher education can work together for long-term impact🎙️ Inside the Episode01:44 – A realistic and hopeful look at the evangelical church in Canada06:08 – Cultural pressure, distraction, and the challenges facing today’s church12:05 – The looming leadership pipeline crisis15:50 – Why the future of church leadership matters personally and deeply\20:51 – Creating a culture that empowers and releases young leaders27:35 – Bringing theological education closer to the life of the local church32:01 – Healing the divide between the church and the academy38:40 – Leading with a long-term, generational vision of faithfulnessTo 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.

Biblical higher education exists to prepare leaders for the full scope of ministry, including moments when theology meets suffering, loss, and the realities of death. In this episode, Brian Hennan reflects on how his journey from pastoral ministry into hospice care revealed a critical gap in how Christian leaders are trained to guide individuals and families through end of life decisions. Drawing from years of hands-on experience, Brian calls Bible colleges and seminaries to more intentionally equip students with a biblical framework for the sanctity of life, pastoral presence, and faithful decision-making from birth to death.🎧 Tune In to DiscoverWhy end of life care is a discipleship issue, not just a medical oneHow biblical higher education can better prepare future pastors for death and dyingWhat theological principles should shape end of life decisionsHow Christian leaders can shepherd families with clarity, humility, and hope🎙️ Inside the Episode01:59 – From pastoral burnout to a calling in hospice and end of life education06:11 – The training gap facing Bible colleges and seminaries08:35 – Teaching the sanctity of life from birth through death12:57 – Navigating dementia, suffering, and God’s sovereignty16:45 – What higher education does well, and where it must grow18:46 – Pastoral presence, listening well, and avoiding easy answers21:09 – Stewardship, advance directives, and loving others wisely25:12 – Re-centering hope on eternity and the promise of resurrection27:53 – Why humility and collaboration matter in pastoral leadershipTo 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.

What does faithful leadership look like when vision is bold, change is constant, and the stakes are eternal? In this wide-ranging and deeply personal conversation, Bill McCarthy, Chairman of the Board and former CEO of Logos Bible Software, reflects on decades of leadership across technology, business, and ministry partnership. From operationalizing vision to building culture and investing in global evangelism, Bill offers hard-won wisdom for leaders navigating complexity while staying anchored in faith and mission.🎧 Tune In to DiscoverThe four leadership responsibilities every effective leader must embraceWhy turning vision into action is often the hardest leadership challengeHow culture shapes long-term organizational health and impactWhat faith-driven leadership looks like in seasons of rapid changeWhy investing in the global church remains a defining priority🎙️ Inside the Episode02:14 – Four core responsibilities every leader must carry06:48 – Why operationalizing strategy is harder than setting vision12:21 – Navigating organizational change, chaos, and stability16:09 – How culture reinforces mission and builds trust23:05 – Where Bill’s passion for evangelism and global ministry began26:48 – Scaling Logos to serve the global church32:06 – A word of encouragement for leaders in biblical higher educationTo 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.

What does faithful leadership in theological education look like amid cultural change, secularization, and global realignment? In this insightful conversation, Marvin Oxenham offers a grounded and hopeful perspective on the state of theological education in Europe. Drawing from his leadership with the European Council for Theological Education and his work across multiple global networks, Marvin challenges narratives of decline and highlights growth, innovation, and renewed opportunity for the church and academy across Europe.🎧 Tune In to DiscoverWhy theological education in Europe is not fading but evolvingHow cultural diversity and migration are reshaping ministry preparationWhat distributed leadership and bi-vocational ministry mean for training leadersHow accreditation and quality assurance function across Europe’s varied systemsWhy micro-credentials present new opportunities for theological education🎙️ Inside the Episode01:50 – The spiritual landscape of Europe today and common misconceptions05:08 – Surprising growth trends in European theological education07:17 – Distributed leadership and bi-vocational ministry formation10:15 – Why “evangelical” was removed from ECTE’s name13:22 – How accreditation works across Europe’s diverse systems25:15 – What micro-credentials are and why they matter for theology35:03 – The greatest threat and opportunity facing theological education in EuropeTo 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.

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 DiscoverWhy 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 formationHow biblical integration and effective teaching practices are being addressed for facultyWhy ABHE is investing deeply in leaders at every level. 🎙️ Inside the Episode02:00 - The evolution of distance and online education and why it matters now.09:47 - Why leadership and faculty development are essential for institutional health15:40 - What makes the ABHE Leadership Academy different from past initiatives21:35 - Addressing biblical integration and effective teaching gaps among faculty28:03 - 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.