Hilltop Conversations

Hilltop Conversations || God's Provision & Child Evangelism with Charlotte Frederick

Episode Summary In this episode, Charlotte Frederick shares her journey of faith, ministry, and God’s provision throughout her life. From her early exposure to children’s ministry to her years serving alongside her husband at God’s Bible School and College, Charlotte reflects on how God faithfully guided each step—even through uncertainty and sacrifice. She highlights the eternal impact of investing in children’s spiritual lives, the importance of simple, trusting faith, and the ways God provides—sometimes in deeply personal and unexpected ways. Her story is both a testimony of God’s faithfulness and a call to trust Him fully in every season of life and ministry. 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 Charlotte Frederick * 45+ years in Children's Ministry * MA in Church Leadership from Cincinnati Christian Topics Covered * Charlotte's journey into children's ministry and life at GBSC * Trusting God's provision through seasons of sacrifice and uncertainty * The importance and lasting impact of child evangelism Takeaways * God provides what's needed, when it's needed * Faith grows though real-life situations * Reaching children early changes long-term outcomes Video Chapters 00:00 Background, College, Meeting Dave 09:50 Working for GBS 22:00 Child Evangelism 29:47 Final Thoughts

Hilltop Conversations || Perception of God with Dr. Michael Avery

Episode Summary In 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 stability Avery 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 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 Dr. Michael Avery * Current Chancellor of God's Bible School & College * Former President of God's Bible School & College (1995-2017) * Honorary Doctorate from Wesley Biblical Seminary * MA from Cincinnati Christian University * Founder of Deeper Life Ministries [livethedeeperlife.org] Topics Covered * Understanding God's Character: How our internal view of God defines our response to life and ministry * The Power of Strategy: Using clear goals and "laser focus" to lead through institutional transitions * The Discipline of Consistency: Why daily, steady obedience is more effective than navigating by panic Takeaways * Perception: How you see God is the most important factor in your life and leadership * Direction: Clear goals help unify a team and solve institutional problems * Persistence: Success is found in the discipline of daily consistency, not emotional highs Video Chapters 00:00 Background, College, Alabama 12:15 GBS Presidency 19:10 Leaving GBS 21:45 Perception of God 53:56 Final Thoughts

Hilltop Conversations || Equipping the Global Church with Tim Keep

Episode Summary In 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 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 Tim Keep * Founder and President of Shepherds Global Classroom [https://shepherdsglobal.org/] * Founder of Walk With Me [walkwithmeseasons.com] Topics Covered * How unmet needs can become a calling to ministry * The global shortage of trained pastors and leaders * Equipping local leaders through accessible training resources Takeaways * A calling often develops over time as you respond to real needs God puts in front of you * Training and equipping local leaders is essential for lasting ministry impact * Providing resources for leadership training helps strengthen the global church long-term Video Chapters 00:00 Intro & Call to Ministry 04:05 Philippians 07:21 Shepherds Global Classroom 32:42 Advice 36:56 Walk with Me

Hilltop Conversations || Kids Ministry & Parenting with Dorcas Hallam

Episode Summary In 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 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 Dorcas Hallam * BA in World Missions and Intercultural Studies from God's Bible School & College * 20+ years of inner-city ministry * Mother of 5 children Topics Covered * Early involvement in kids and teen ministry * Practical discipline and Bible routines in the home * Continuing ministry while parenting young children Takeaways * For parents: Kids ministry starts at home * For ministry workers: Long-term, hands-on ministry matters * For students: Early service prepares you for future work Video Chapters 00:00 Intro & Ministry 15:07 Training Kids 19:48 Tips for Moms 27:48 Final Thoughts & Advice

Hilltop Conversations || Life as a PR Rep: God's Perfect Plan with Paul Stetler

Episode Summary Paul 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 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 Paul Stetler * 20 Years at Hobe Sound Bible College in Recruitment, Public Relations, and Advancement * Pursued Graduate Studies in Historical Theology at the University of Manchester (UK) and Educational Leadership at Hobe Sound Bible College * BA in Ministerial Studies from Hobe Sound Bible College * Ordained Elder in the Bible Methodist Connection of Churches Topics Covered * Moving from a small-town pastorate to a large Bible college campus as a teenager * The challenges and safeguards of traveling in Public Relations for over two decades * Hearing 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 Takeaways * Authenticity is build on relationship: Hearing God's voice during a crisis requires a pre-existing, daily conversational relationship with Him * God'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 contacts * Accountability is a safeguard: Staying "shoulder-to-shoulder" with others in ministry provides a healthy environment that prevents faking one's spiritual life Video Chapters 00:00 Intro & Moving to Hobe Sound 06:30 Public Relations for Hobe Sound 13:54 Call to Ministry & Working at Hobe Sound 27:06 Meeting Jacinda & Evangelism 33:36 Final Thoughts