Christian Higher Education Innovation: Faith, Formation, and the Future

Christian higher education innovation is no longer optional—it’s essential.

From shifting enrollment trends to the explosion of AI and growing skepticism around college value, Christian colleges and universities must rethink how they fulfill their mission in today’s world.

In a competitive landscape dominated by larger institutions with deeper pockets, smaller Christian colleges may feel outmatched.

But in reality, their greatest competitive advantage isn’t budget size or national rankings—it’s their unique mission.

When a school is rooted in a clear, compelling purpose that guides everything from classroom instruction to campus culture, it becomes magnetic to students who are seeking more than just a credential.

That’s the heart of mission-fit marketing: aligning your institution’s message, experience, and identity to attract students who are not only likely to enroll, but also to thrive and graduate.

When a prospective student sees your school and thinks, “These are my people, this is where I belong,” you’re no longer just another option—they see your college as the option.

Rather than competing on size, prestige, or athletic programs, schools that lean into their distinctiveness—whether it’s a commitment to discipleship, spiritual formation, hands-on ministry experience, or close-knit community—an offer that is difficult for a mega-university to give: authentic connection and transformational purpose.

In fact, the very limitations that once seemed like disadvantages—smaller class sizes, niche programs, intimate campuses—can become proof points that your institution is exactly what today’s students are searching for.

This is where Christian higher education innovation becomes less about technology for its own sake and more about strategic clarity.

Innovation, when grounded in mission, becomes a tool for elevating your identity, not replacing it.

And that’s precisely what we explore in this powerful conversation.

In this episode of The Higher Ed Marketer podcast, we sat down with Philip Dearborn, President of the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE), to explore what innovation truly means for faith-based institutions.

The result? A rich conversation on how schools can lead—not lag—through spiritual formation, courageous change, and forward-thinking strategies rooted in biblical identity.

Flourishing Through Christian Higher Education Innovation

Too many faith-based institutions are simply trying to keep the lights on.

But according to Philip, the real opportunity lies in flourishing through Christian higher education innovation—starting with a firm grasp of institutional identity.

“Quit trying to be Walmart. You can’t be Walmart. There are too many competitors out there who do it better, faster, cheaper. What is your niche? What are you bringing to the market that nobody else can?”

True innovation doesn’t mean becoming something you’re not.

It means refining who you are and presenting that with clarity and confidence to the students who truly belong at your institution.

For Christian colleges and universities, adopting an innovative mindset starts with redefining what innovation actually means in a mission-driven context.

It’s not about chasing trends or mimicking what larger, well-funded universities are doing.

Rather, it’s about asking: What have we been uniquely called to do—and how can we do it more effectively in a changing world?

Innovation begins by listening well—to students, to faculty, to alumni, and to the broader cultural context.

It requires humility to admit when a method isn’t working, and courage to explore new approaches that better align with your core mission.

This could mean reimagining your academic calendar to better serve adult learners, integrating spiritual formation practices into online learning environments, or restructuring campus life to foster deeper community.

It might mean leveraging AI tools to reduce administrative burden so faculty can spend more time mentoring students.

Or using data insights not just to hit enrollment targets, but to understand how students are truly engaging with your institution’s message and mission.

An innovative mindset also asks, What’s the outcome we want to shape in our students—and what tools, models, or strategies will help us get there more faithfully and more fruitfully?

For faith-based institutions, innovation is not a departure from tradition.

It’s a deeper commitment to it.

It’s a way of stewarding your mission with wisdom, creativity, and purpose—so that the timeless truth of the Gospel continues to transform lives in a rapidly changing world.

Competency-Based Theological Education

Among the most exciting developments in Christian higher education innovation is the growing adoption of competency-based theological education (CBTE).

This model moves away from the rigid 101–401 sequence and instead values real-world, ministry-driven learning.

It allows students to demonstrate what they already know and focus on growing in areas where they need support.

“We’re not going to assume that every learner has to come in at 101… Our job is to identify deficiencies and then fill those in.”

Why it matters:

• It provides affordable, personalized education.
• It honors the lived experience of ministry leaders.
• It aligns beautifully with faith-based institutions’ focus on formation.

And now, AI is helping schools automate parts of the assessment and learning design process.

CBTE is becoming more scalable than ever.

It’s not just a new model; it’s the future of Christian higher education innovation at work.

AI and the Evolution of Online Learning in Christian Higher Education Innovation

The AI revolution is already reshaping classrooms—and that includes virtual ones.

Philip highlights how Christian higher education innovation is showing up in online learning, from interactive tools that mimic real-time conversation to AI-driven content that adapts to students’ needs.

“AI voices are responding with the learner, asking them questions. It adds a whole new dimension to the delivery of online education.”

This allows even small, faith-based institutions to deliver engaging online programs that reflect their mission—while still scaling and reaching new audiences.

And with platforms like Canva and Canvas integrating AI tools, professors can now create quizzes, simulations, and interactive learning content in seconds.

Innovation is more accessible than ever.

Rethinking Tradition with Courage and Discernment

Innovation can’t happen without honest self-evaluation.

Philip makes a powerful distinction between biblical conviction and institutional tradition.

“We theologize our methodology… but don’t canonize your preferences.”

Real Christian higher education innovation demands that we let go of outdated practices that are holding us back.

Not our beliefs, but the rigid methods we’ve wrapped them in.

This is especially important in marketing and communication.

At Caylor Solutions, we often work with colleges stuck in methods from the past—whether it’s their website, CRM strategy, or how they define “audience.”

When we ask schools to reimagine their story, it’s not about compromise.

It’s about stewardship.

It’s about helping the right students see that this is the place where they belong.

Innovation Across Generations and Roles

Christian colleges are in a rare season with multiple generations in leadership and the classroom—Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z.

Each brings strengths, and each can help shape the next wave of Christian higher education innovation.

“Millennials are in a great position to translate between generations… but it takes empathy, humility, and a willingness to listen.”

It also requires leaders to be honest about their own roles.

Not everyone is called to be a president or provost.

Philip reminds us that effective leadership starts with self-awareness.

Leading with Action: Block, Tackle, and Trust

Philip wraps the conversation with a challenge that’s as practical as it is wise.

“Block and tackle. You can talk about strategy and AI all you want—but at some point, you just need to do something. See a need. Fill a need.”

That’s a perfect summary of the spirit of Christian higher education innovation—where theology, community, and practical leadership intersect.

Whether it’s refining your website strategy, adopting new instructional tech, or rethinking enrollment messaging, it’s time to take the next step.

Turn Innovation into Action

Big ideas are only as powerful as their execution.

With Embedded Project Management from Caylor Solutions, we work alongside your team to keep mission-driven marketing initiatives on track and aligned with your enrollment goals.

Paired with our Fractional CMO services, we bring strategy and structure together—so your best ideas actually get implemented.

Let’s talk.

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Images via Midjourney