Hilltop Conversations

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Hilltop Conversations, Dr. Michael Avery joins Dr. Rodney Loper to discuss how our internal view of God's character defines our leadership and personal stabilityAvery reflects on his journey from a small Alabama settlement to the 22-year presidency of God's Bible School & College, sharing how a shift in his perception of God allowed him to lead thorugh institutional crisis and financial transition.Dr. Rodney LoperPresident of God's Bible School & CollegePhD in Organizational Leadership from Columbia International UniversityMA in Leadership and Preaching from Trinity Theological SeminaryDr. Michael AveryCurrent Chancellor of God's Bible School & CollegeFormer President of God's Bible School & College (1995-2017)Honorary Doctorate from Wesley Biblical SeminaryMA from Cincinnati Christian UniversityFounder of Deeper Life Ministries Topics CoveredUnderstanding God's Character: How our internal view of God defines our response to life and ministryThe Power of Strategy: Using clear goals and "laser focus" to lead through institutional transitionsThe Discipline of Consistency: Why daily, steady obedience is more effective than navigating by panicTakeawaysPerception: How you see God is the most important factor in your life and leadershipDirection: Clear goals help unify a team and solve institutional problemsPersistence: Success is found in the discipline of daily consistency, not emotional highsVideo Chapters00:00 Background, College, Alabama12:15 GBS Presidency19:10 Leaving GBS21:45 Perception of God53:56 Final Thoughts

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Hilltop Conversations, Tim Keep shares how his years as a missionary in the Philippines led to the founding of Shepherd’s Global Classroom, a ministry providing free, biblically grounded training for pastors and church leaders around the world.The conversation explores how unmet needs in global ministry can become a calling, why access to theological training matters, and how equipping local leaders strengthens the church far beyond one missionary's presence.Dr. Rodney LoperPresident of God's Bible School & CollegePhD in Organizational Leadership from Columbia International UniversityMA in Leadership and Preaching from Trinity Theological SeminaryTim KeepFounder and President of Shepherds Global ClassroomFounder of Walk With MeTopics CoveredHow unmet needs can become a calling to ministryThe global shortage of trained pastors and leadersEquipping local leaders through accessible training resourcesTakeawaysA calling often develops over time as you respond to real needs God puts in front of youTraining and equipping local leaders is essential for lasting ministry impactProviding resources for leadership training helps strengthen the global church long-termVideo Chapters00:00 Intro & Call to Ministry04:05 Philippians07:21 Shepherds Global Classroom32:42 Advice36:56 Walk with Me

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Hilltop Conversations, Dorcas Hallam shares how her early call to ministry shaped the way she approaches parenting, discipleship, and daily life. She discusses practical discipline, spiritual training in the home, safety boundaries for children, and how seasons of motherhood affect the way ministry is carried out.Dr. Rodney LoperPresident of God's Bible School & CollegePhD in Organizational Leadership from Columbia International UniversityMA in Leadership and Preaching from Trinity Theological SeminaryDorcas HallamBA in World Missions and Intercultural Studies from God's Bible School & College20+ years of inner-city ministryMother of 5 childrenTopics CoveredEarly involvement in kids and teen ministryPractical discipline and Bible routines in the homeContinuing ministry while parenting young childrenTakeawaysFor parents: Kids ministry starts at homeFor ministry workers: Long-term, hands-on ministry mattersFor students: Early service prepares you for future workVideo Chapters00:00 Intro & Ministry15:07 Training Kids19:48 Tips for Moms27:48 Final Thoughts & Advice

Episode SummaryPaul Stetler reflects on his transition from a pastor’s kid in the Midwest to spending 20 years in Public Relations and Advancement at Hobe Sound Bible College. He discusses the pressures of living under campus scrutiny, the importance of maintaining authenticity while traveling for ministry, and how he navigated the devastating loss of his wife, Jacinda. Ultimately, Paul shares how God "reframed" his life, moving him from his long-held dream of pastoring into a fruitful career in full-time evangelism.Dr. Rodney LoperPresident of God's Bible School & CollegePhD in Organizational Leadership from Columbia International UniversityMA in Leadership and Preaching from Trinity Theological SeminaryPaul Stetler20 Years at Hobe Sound Bible College in Recruitment, Public Relations, and AdvancementPursued Graduate Studies in Historical Theology at the University of Manchester (UK) and Educational Leadership at Hobe Sound Bible CollegeBA in Ministerial Studies from Hobe Sound Bible CollegeOrdained Elder in the Bible Methodist Connection of ChurchesTopics CoveredMoving from a small-town pastorate to a large Bible college campus as a teenagerThe challenges and safeguards of traveling in Public Relations for over two decadesHearing God's voice in pivotal moments, even when the answer is "no"Transitioning into evangelism after personal tragedy and the loss of a spouse Key TakeawaysAuthenticity is build on relationship: Hearing God's voice during a crisis requires a pre-existing, daily conversational relationship with HimGod's "No" is a setup for His "Yes": Staying in a role out of obedience can lead to unexpected opportunities like graduate studies abroad or future ministry contactsAccountability is a safeguard: Staying "shoulder-to-shoulder" with others in ministry provides a healthy environment that prevents faking one's spiritual lifeVideo Chapters00:00 Intro & Moving to Hobe Sound06:30 Public Relations for Hobe Sound13:54 Call to Ministry & Working at Hobe Sound27:06 Meeting Jacinda & Evangelism33:36 Final Thoughts

Episode SummaryBeth Stetler shares how growing up on the mission field shaped her life, from navigating reverse culture shock to years in education and missions work in Texas and Mexico. She reflects on losing her husband during COVID, the role Scripture played in steadying her through grief, and the unexpected path that led her back to the Hilltop to serve in a role she never planned.Dr. Rodney LoperPresident of God's Bible School & CollegePhD in Organizational Leadership from Columbia International University MA in Leadership and Preaching from Trinity Theological SeminaryBeth StetlerVice President for Finance at God's Bible School & CollegeMEd in Special Education from University of CincinnatiTopics CoveredGrowing up on the mission field and returning to the U.S. as a teenagerA career in education, including Christian and public schoolsMissions service in Texas and Mexico and a return to GBSCKey TakeawaysFor missionary kids, returning to U.S. schools can feel unfamiliar, even when it’s “home.”Cultural differences don’t always disappear once the move is over.Learning to adapt early often carries into later seasons of life and work.Video Chapters00:00 Intro, College Years, Meeting Steve13:21 Moving to Bedford, IN15:10 Preparing for Mexico22:04 Back to the States, Covid27:59 Keeping the Joy of the Lord33:21 Returning to GBS41:45 Final Thoughts

Episode SummaryRichard Miles reflects on decades of ministry, counseling, and leadership to explore the importance of self-care for pastors, students, families, and leaders. Drawing from personal experience, he discusses burnout, rest, realistic expectations, anxiety, technology overload, and the necessity of meaningful relationships. The conversation emphasizes intentional renewal, healthy boundaries, being fully present with others, and sustaining spiritual, emotional, and mental health while serving faithfully.Dr. Rodney LoperPresident of God’s Bible School & CollegePhD in Organizational Leadership from Columbia International UniversityMA in Leadership and Preaching from Trinity Theological Seminary Richard MilesAdministrative Faculty, Vice President for Spiritual LifeMA in Counseling, Liberty UniversityBRE in Bible and Christian Ministry, God’s Bible School & CollegeTopics CoveredBurnout, rest, and sustainable rhythms in ministry and leadershipAnxiety, mental health, and the impact of technology on our mindsHealthy relationships, communication, and feeling valued in family, church, and workTakeawaysGive yourself permission to be imperfect, set realistic expectations, and focus on learning and growth over pressure to perform.Sustainable ministry requires intentional rest, honest self-awareness, and rhythms that renew your spiritual and emotional health.Strong relationships are built on listening, presence, shared mission, and helping others feel valued and understood.Video Chapters00:00 Intro04:24 Burnout14:27 Anxiety19:44 Technology Guidelines24:48 Final Thoughts and Advice

Episode SummaryIn this episode, Dr. Aaron Profitt explains what accreditation means for a Bible college and why it matters. He discusses how accreditation provides accountability, protects a school’s mission, and strengthens ministry-focused education, along with practical insights on leadership and decision-making in Christian higher education.Dr. Rodney LoperPresident of God’s Bible School & CollegePhD in Organizational Leadership from Columbia International UniversityMA in Leadership and Preaching from Trinity Theological Seminary Aaron ProfittVice President for Academic Affairs at God's Bible School & CollegePhD in Educational Studies, University of CincinnatiMA in English, University of KansasTopics CoveredWhat accreditation really means and why it mattersHow Bible colleges stay accountable and faithful to their missionWhat good leadership looks like in Christian educationTakeawaysFor students: Accreditation helps ensure your degree is respected and your education is taken seriously.For parents & families: Accreditation provides outside oversight and accountability you can trust.For ministry leaders & supporters: Accreditation helps protect the college’s mission and long-term faithfulness.Video Chapters00:00 Intro01:30 Why Accreditation Matters08:11 Degree Change for Ohio11:42 Competency Based Education14:05 Blue-Collar vs White-Collar18:31 Leadership in Education27:52 Final Thoughts and Advice

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Hilltop Conversations, President Rodney Loper sits down with Sonia Vernon to discuss discerning God’s direction, trusting His timing, and how God uses both expected and unexpected experiences to shape our lives.Dr. Rodney LoperPresident of God's Bible School & CollegePhD in Organizational Leadership from Columbia International UniversityMA in Leadership and Preaching from Trinity Theological SeminarySonja VernonVice President for Student Affairs at God's Bible School & CollegeMA in Ministry from God's Bible School & CollegeBachelor of Science in Nursing from Indiana University of PennsylvaniaTopics CoveredDiscerning and following God's direction over timeA relational approach to leadership in student ministryHow experience serves as preparation for future responsibility TakeawaysFor leaders: Stay connected to the people you serve, remember that leadership is about people rather than tasks, and remain grounded in your purposeFor parents: Trust the Holy Spirit's work in your child's life and allow God the space to guide and shape themFor students: Walk with daily and focus on faithfully doing what God has place before you, rather than pursuing positions or titlesVideo Chapters00:00 Intro01:45 From Nursing to God's Call06:30 Discerning God's Will10:04 Lessons Throughout Sonja's Life21:25 Final Thoughts and Advice

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Hilltop Conversations, President Rodney Loper talks with Dr. Rob Loper about impostor phenomenon—how early experiences can shape it and what healthy formation looks like for students and educators.Dr. Rodney LoperPresident of God's Bible School & CollegePhD in Organizational Leadership from Columbia International UniversityMA in Leadership and Preaching from Trinity Theological SeminaryDr. Robert LoperPhD in Counselor Ed. and SupervisionMA, Licensed Professional CounselorEMDR trained clinicianKey TopicsWhat imposter phenomenon is and where it tends to appearFactors that contribute to self-doubtHow classroom communication shapes student confidenceTakeawaysEducators: consistent, clear feedback helps reduce confusionStudents: separate the task from assumptions about your abilityVideo Chapters00:00 Intro01:00 Impostor Phenomenon Described09:07 Real-World Examples20:25 Fears and Changing Perspectives22:28 Final Thoughts and Advice

Announcing GBSC’s upcoming podcast—Hilltop Conversations! Topics will include leadership, education, and challenges students face.Follow us on major platforms in 2026!