Episode Summary

On this episode of Hilltop Conversations, President Rodney Loper talks with Daniel Edwards about his background in music ministry, his involvement in education, his experience as a bivocational pastor, and how COVID affected his ministry.

Daniel currently serves as Chair of the GBSC Board of Directors. He is also a farmer, pastor, and active member of his local school district. Join us for a conversation about ministry, education, and faithfully serving wherever God opens the door.

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

Daniel Edwards

• GBSC Board of Directors Chair, 2026
• Local public school substitute teacher, bus driver, and elected school board member since 2022
• Pastor since 2000

Topics Covered

• Music Ministry
• Bivocational Pastoring
• Being Involved in Your Community
• School Board Member

Video Chapters

00:00 Music Ministry

18:00 Teaching

22:40 Ministry

39:33 Pastoring Post-Covid

43:30 GBSC Board of Directors Chair

47:05 Final Advice

Episode Summary

On this episode of Hilltop Conversations, President Rodney Loper talks with Tom Sproles about his journey into funeral service, from sensing God’s leading to become a funeral director to completing his education and internship and eventually building a funeral home in New Castle.

He also discusses funeral planning, preparing for the financial costs, navigating grief, and the importance of being called to this 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

Tom Sproles

• 36-Year Licensed Funeral Director & Founder of Sproles Family Funeral Home
• Graduate of Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science & Indiana Wesleyan University
• Former Chairman of the Indiana State Board of Funeral and Cemetery Service

Topics Covered

• Entering the Funeral Service Profession
• Funeral Planning and Financial Preparation
• Navigating Grief and Serving Families

Website

• sprolesfamilycares.com

Video Chapters

00:00 Intro & College Life

05:15 Entering the Funeral Service Industry

22:25 Funeral Arrangement Tips

41:56 Final Advice

Episode Summary

President Rodney Loper interviews Janet Church (Sankey) on this episode of Hilltop Conversations. Janet shares how she followed God’s leading through different seasons of life, from marriage and missionary work to becoming a nurse.

Janet Church was married to Leonard Sankey and served as a missionary in Central America for 17 years. She later became a registered nurse, working for 34 years while continuing to support her husband in 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

Janet Church (Sankey)

• Master of Science in Nursing
• Registered Nurse, 1978-2012
• Missionary, 1962-1979

Topics Covered

• Following God's Leading
• Missionary to Central America
• Starting Nursing School

Video Chapters

00:00 Arriving at GBS

14:35 Missionary to Guatemala

30:35 Nursing

43:30 Final Thoughts