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

Episode Summary

In 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 Loper

• President of God’s Bible School & College

• MA in Leadership and Preaching from Trinity Theological Seminary

• PhD in Organizational Leadership from Columbia International University

Dr. Robert Loper

• MA, Licensed Professional Counselor

• EMDR trained clinician

• PhD in Counselor Ed. and Supervision

Key Topics

• What impostor phenomenon is and where it tends to appear

• Factors that contribute to self-doubt

• How classroom communication shapes student confidence

Takeaways

• Educators: consistent, clear feedback helps reduce confusion

• Students: separate the task from assumptions about your ability

Video Chapters

00:00 Intro

01:00 Impostor Phenomenon Described

09:07 Real-World Examples

20:25 Fears and Changing Perspectives

22:28 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!