“A university,” observes philosopher David Williams, “can have brilliant academic and Student Affairs programs, but it is quite rare for there to be much communication between these aspects of the university.” So as our conversation about Christian colleges continues, I wanted to devote an episode to bridging the gaps separating academics, student development, and campus ministries — what’s sometimes called the “cord of three strands” (or “three-legged stool”). Helping us out this week are campus pastor Laurel Bunker and student life dean Leah Fulton.

In addition to our central theme, our conversations turned to the relationship between Christian colleges and their neighboring communities and the experiences of students of color and first-generation students at Christian colleges.

Further reading:

• David Williams, “Pietism and Faith-Learning Integration in the Evangelical University,” in The Pietist Vision of Christian Higher Education: Forming Whole and Holy Persons, ed. Christopher Gehrz (IVP Academic, 2015)
• Laurel Bunker, “Blessed Are the Peacemakers,” The Baptist Pietist Clarion, April 2015