A Message from the Director

I love John Ortberg’s book If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat. Would you think with me for a moment about what that might suggest for you as you consider your own growth as a leader?

I know of no better way for you to take your leadership to the next level than the pursuit of a higher education that integrates biblical character development with practical application of organizational best-practices. Our Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership (MOL) at Biola does just that. With a faculty chosen from experienced organizational leaders with high academic achievements, you will be equipped to flourish with the best of the best in your organization, be it ministry, non-profit or for-profit. More importantly, you will be able to lead your organization and your employees through both calm and stormy times, for the glory of God and His Kingdom.

My wife and I have experienced first-hand some of the challenges that accompany the pursuit of higher education, and learned what it means to “step out of the boat” in the process. I found myself waiting for a “good” time to pursue my education, and discovered that God had other plans! The time and place for me to achieve both my undergraduate and graduate degree came while we had a young and growing family. We went from no children to three during this time period! I worked full time, attended classes at night (sometimes four nights a week!) and studied/wrote papers on the weekends. While I would not recommend this regimen to everyone, I say it to encourage you… You can do it! For me, it was a constant challenge of faith that HE would provide the resources, energy and time, and that I just needed to take the first step overboard. Of course, God came through!

Let me challenge you to consider that it may be time to “get out of the boat,” step outside your comfort zone, and pursue a walk in faith to equip yourself to be the best leader you can be. I welcome you to dialog with us regarding the MOL program. We would be thrilled to spend some time getting to know you and learn more about your needs and desires in a graduate program. You surely have questions that need answers; we are here to assist you with those.

Remember, while Peter may have gotten a little wet in the process, he is still the only human to ever walk on water. But he had to take that giant, first step and climb out! Blessings to you as you pursue that first step in a walk of faith!

Dan Prince
Director, MA in Organizational Leadership