Highest Potential with Steve Pettit

Latest Episodes:

Discussing Warren and Jean Cook’s Retirement During AlumniLIVE! Apr 21, 2021

Show notes

We have a special podcast for you today for a couple of reasons. The first reason is that we published this episode as a video podcast during AlumniLIVE! which is an online gathering for alumni of Bob Jones University.

We thought it would be fun to bring you into my office to give you a behind the scenes look at how we record Highest Potential.

The second reason this is a special podcast is because I’m joined by two longtime music faculty members who will be retiring at the end of this semester. Warren and Jean Cook have been at BJU since 1984 and have had a tremendous impact on many, many students here at BJU. I wanted to share their stories with you today.

A Museum & Gallery Update with Erin Jones Apr 14, 2021

Show notes

The Museum and Gallery has always been an important part of Bob Jones University. As an initiative of Dr. Bob Jones Jr., M&G has grown exponentially over the course of its history.

In 1998, Erin Jones became the director of the M&G. Erin has worked hard to make M&G more accessible and educational to the surrounding community and is currently overseeing an exciting transition. Erin joins me in my office to discuss M&G’s mission, its current status and its future plans.

Understanding the Danger of the Equality Act Mar 31, 2021

Show notes

Soon, the U.S. Senate will begin debating a bill that would have far reaching consequences for Bob Jones University and other religious institutions. That bill – known as the Equality Act – forbids discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) and contains no exemptions for religious organizations to exercise their beliefs.

To better grasp the impact the Equality Act could have on BJU, I talked with Greg Baylor of Alliance Defending Freedom where he serves as the director of the Center for Religious Schools and Senior Counsel for Government Affairs.

Greg provides us with great information on the basics of the Equality Act, how it will affect the Religious Freedom Restoration Act and what we can do to prevent this danger piece of legislation from becoming law.

How BJU Put On “A Tale of Two Cities” Mar 24, 2021

Show notes

The Concert, Opera and Drama Series has always been an integral part of the student experience at Bob Jones University. Every year, BJU invites guest artists who join our students to put on high-quality plays, musicals and operas.

This year, we had the exciting opportunity to perform “A Tale of Two Cities: The Musical.” I invited Dr. Darren Lawson – the Dean of the School of Fine Arts and Communication – to come to my office to explain how the production came together, what hurdles were overcome and what performances we can look forward to in the future.

Get to Know the New Bruins Baseball Coach and Team Mar 16, 2021

Show notes

It’s always an exciting time when the Bob Jones University Bruins are able to add another sport to the program. This year, the Bruins are celebrating the inaugural season of the new baseball team. I invited their coach, Brent Casteel, to join me in my office to discuss his journey to BJU, his coaching philosophy and the current team. God has truly blessed this endeavor and we’re excited to see how He uses this new team to grow young men for His glory.

I also chat with our co-host, Sarah Rumpf, about an exciting event that’s happening on campus this week – Bruin Daze!

BJUgrass Takes You Behind the Scenes of Their New Album Mar 03, 2021

Show notes

In today’s episode, I invited my bluegrass band, BJUgrass, to my office to discuss how we came together and how we pulled together our first album—Wherever You Are.

Before that conversation, I talk with our student co-host, Sarah Rumpf, about how the student body responded to the Bible Conference messages and offering.

Be sure to check out the album on Spotify, Apple Music or wherever you prefer to listen to your music. Those are also the same places you can listen to all the episodes of this podcast. I hope you’ll subscribe so that you never miss an episode!

Dr. Pettit Catches Up with Bible Conference Speakers Feb 24, 2021

Show notes

Bob Jones University just finished an amazing week of Bible Conference. God used our theme of “Sanctify Them” from John 17:17 to work in my life and the lives of our students. Each service was livestreamed and recorded so that you can benefit from them now.

Not only that, but God allowed us to meet our goal of raising $200,000 for the Hope Christian Health Center in the Ivory Coast. In a previous episode, I talked to Dr. Bernard Kadio about how this money will meet both physical and spiritual needs in that country.

Additionally, we had the opportunity to honor Dr. Les Ollila with the Lifetime in Leadership Award. Dr. Ollila has been a good friend and mentor for many years and God has used him to mold the next generation of leaders.

In today’s episode, I talk with Dr. Sam Horn, Dr. Rand Hummel and Will Galkin about the Bible Conference theme and about their ministries. Hope you enjoy our conversations!

Dr. Les Ollila: A Leader of Leaders Feb 18, 2021

Show notes

Dr. Les Ollila is a longtime friend and one of my most important mentors. Dr. Ollila is also a leader of leaders.

Recently, it dawned on me that many of the leaders of the Christian colleges and seminaries that Bob Jones University has close relationships with were greatly influenced by the ministry of Dr. Ollila. In order to properly recognize his impact, we decided to award Dr. Ollila with the Lifetime in Leadership Award during the 2021 Bible Conference.

In today’s episode, I sit down in my office with Dr. Ollila to discuss his life story and how God burdened him to train the next generation of leaders.

Be sure to take the opportunity to watch the award presentation live on Thursday, February 18th at 7 p.m. or watch the replay when you have the time later.

Bible Conference Fundraiser Meeting Needs in Ivory Coast Feb 11, 2021

Show notes

This year’s Bob Jones University Bible Conference is approaching quickly! I’m excited to welcome several godly preachers to speak on the topic of “Sanctify Them” from John 17:17. This annual event is always the highlight of the semester and I encourage you to join us via livestream.

I’m also very excited about this year’s Bible Conference fundraiser. The student body has thrown their support behind our effort to raise $200,000 for the Hope Christian Health Center in the Ivory Coast.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Dr. Bernard Kadio who has dedicated much of his life to the success of the Hope Christian Health Center. He shares the amazing story of how God led him to BJU and how this fundraising project will change the lives of many people and spread the hope of the Gospel to those in need. Additionally, I chat with Carson Aaron – a student at BJU – about how students are working hard to reach our lofty goal.

Please pray that God works mightily in the lives of our students and please pray about how you can help us raise money for the Hope Christian Health Center!

National Champion Bruins Volleyball Players Discuss Student-Athlete Experience Nov 23, 2020

Show notes

The Bob Jones University Bruins women’s volleyball team secured their third consecutive NCCAA DII National Championship last week. The Bruins beat Dallas Christian College in a five-set thriller.

To celebrate this accomplishment, I invited two of the key players from that team—Victoria Glaze and Brittany Annand—to my office to talk about not only their volleyball experience, but also their educational experience at BJU.