Episode Summary

Richard 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 Loper

• President of God’s Bible School & College

• PhD in Organizational Leadership from Columbia International University

• MA in Leadership and Preaching from Trinity Theological Seminary

Richard Miles

• Administrative Faculty, Vice President for Spiritual Life

• MA in Counseling, Liberty University

• BRE in Bible and Christian Ministry, God’s Bible School & College

Topics Covered

• Burnout, rest, and sustainable rhythms in ministry and leadership

• Anxiety, mental health, and the impact of technology on our minds

• Healthy relationships, communication, and feeling valued in family, church, and work

Takeaways

• Give 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 Chapters

00:00 Intro

04:24 Burnout

14:27 Anxiety

19:44 Technology Guidelines

24:48 Final Thoughts and Advice

Episode Summary

In 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 Loper

• President of God’s Bible School & College

• PhD in Organizational Leadership from Columbia International University

• MA in Leadership and Preaching from Trinity Theological Seminary

Aaron Profitt

• Vice President for Academic Affairs at God's Bible School & College

• PhD in Educational Studies, University of Cincinnati

• MA in English, University of Kansas

Topics Covered

• What accreditation really means and why it matters

• How Bible colleges stay accountable and faithful to their mission

• What good leadership looks like in Christian education

Takeaways

• For 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 Chapters

00:00 Intro

01:30 Why Accreditation Matters

08:11 Degree Change for Ohio

11:42 Competency Based Education

14:05 Blue-Collar vs White-Collar

18:31 Leadership in Education

27:52 Final Thoughts and Advice

Episode Summary

In 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 Loper

• President of God’s Bible School & College
• PhD in Organizational Leadership from Columbia International University
• MA in Leadership and Preaching from Trinity Theological Seminary

Sonja Vernon

• Vice President for Student Affairs at God's Bible School & College
• MA in Ministry from God’s Bible School & College
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Topics Covered

• Discerning and following God’s direction over time
• A relational approach to leadership in student ministry
• How experience serves as preparation for future responsibility

Takeaways

• For leaders: Stay connected to the people you serve, remember that leadership is about people rather than tasks, and remain grounded in your purpose.
• For parents: Trust the Holy Spirit’s work in your child’s life and allow God the space to guide and shape them.
• For students: Walk with Jesus daily and focus on faithfully doing what God has placed before you, rather than pursuing positions or titles.

Video Chapters

00:00 Intro

01:45 From Nursing to God's Call

06:30 Discerning God's Will

10:04 Lessons Throughout Sonja's Life

21:25 Final Thoughts and Advice