ANCHORED 2026
A Conference for Pastors, Church Leaders and the Community
- May 12-14, 2026
- Ethel Lee Auditorium
- Hosted By: Talbot School of Theology
Cost and Admission
This is a paid event.
| $119.00 | Biola Student/Staff/Faculty/Alumni |
| $169.00 | EARLY BIRD: Individual Registration Early Bird pricing ends on March 14, 2026 |
| $199.00 | REGULAR: Individual Registration Regular Registration available from March 15 – May 5, 2026 |
| $119.00 | For Groups of 5 or more Discount will automatically be applied at checkout. |
Registration includes five meals:
- Two dinners
- One lunch
- Two continental breakfasts
In a cultural moment marked by spiritual fatigue, cultural upheaval and ever-increasing demands on those in ministry, ANCHORED exists to restore and renew. Hosted by Talbot School of Theology, this conference offers something more than strategies — it offers soul-deep strength. Rooted in the promise of Hebrews 6:19, ANCHORED calls pastors, church leaders, alumni and the broader community back to the unshakable hope of the Gospel as the sustaining force for faithful ministry in a disoriented world.
Conference Overview
Join us May 12-14, 2026 on the campus of Biola University for ANCHORED — a conference crafted for those on the frontlines of ministry who need more than just fresh ideas. They need renewed hearts. Unlike many pastoral conferences that focus solely on leadership techniques or ministry trends, ANCHORED uniquely integrates theological depth, psychological insight and spiritual formation, equipping leaders to thrive — not just survive — in today’s complex ministry landscape.
This gathering will confront today’s challenges with biblical conviction and practical wisdom. Whether it's addressing addiction and trauma, navigating cultural complexities in multiethnic churches, defending the integrity of Scripture, or cultivating enduring rhythms of prayer. ANCHORED offers a rare fusion of soul care, scholarship and leadership clarity.
Expect sessions that go beyond the stage — engaging dialogue, theological reflection, relational space for connection and renewal. If you’re longing to lead from a place of depth in a shallow world, ANCHORED is for you.
Questions?
Contact Anchored Conference Team at:
562-903-6021
talbotembedded@biola.edu
Schedule
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 4 p.m. | Check-in and registration begins |
| 5:30 p.m. | Dinner |
| 7 p.m. | Session 1 with Ed Stetzer |
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7:30 a.m. | Check-in and registration begins |
| 8 a.m. | Continental breakfast |
| 9 a.m. | Session 2 with Jeremy Treat |
| 10:15 a.m. | Breakout Session 1 |
| 11:15 a.m. | Breakout Session 2 |
| 12 p.m. | Lunch |
| 1:30 p.m. | Session 3 with Jen Wilkin |
| 2:45 p.m. | Breakout Session 3 |
| 3:30 p.m. | Free time |
| 5:30 p.m. | Dinner |
| 7 p.m. | Session 4 with Sean McDowell |
Thursday, May 14, 2026
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8 a.m. | Continental breakfast |
| 9 a.m. | Session 5 with Chris Brooks |
| 10:15 a.m. | Breakout 4 |
| 11:15 a.m. | Session 6 with Mark Lee |
**Schedule is subject to change.
Breakouts
Full list of breakouts coming soon!
Speakers
Sean McDowell
Sean McDowell is a professor of Apologetics at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University. He has earned two master’s degrees in philosophy and theology and his Ph.D. in Apologetics and Worldview Studies. He is the author, editor or co-author of more than 20 books, including More Than A Carpenter, Chasing Love, End the Stalemate, and The Fate of the Apostles. He is the co-host of the Think Biblically podcast–one of the most popular podcasts on the intersection of faith and culture. Sean has one of the top apologetics YouTube channels. He is an internationally renowned speaker. And he is on the teaching team at his home church in southern California.
Chris Brooks
Chris Brooks is the Senior Pastor at Woodside Bible Church in Metro Detroit. Woodside has fourteen campuses and sees nearly eleven thousand weekly worshippers. He is also the host of the national syndicated radio program, ‘Equipped with Chris Brooks’, which is heard on over 200 stations throughout the U.S. and Canada. Chris is the author of Kingdom Dreaming and Urban Apologetics and is contributing author to A New Kind of Apologetics, Marriage: It’s Foundation Theology and Mission in a Changing World, The Flourishing Pastor and Faith That Lasts: A Father and Son on Cultivating Lifelong Belief. He graduated from Michigan State University with a B.A. in Finance, completed his M.A. in Christian Apologetics at Biola University, and graduated from the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics. He is currently a doctoral candidate at Asbury Theological Seminary where he is studying the Integration of Economics and Theology. He and his wife, Yodit, are the proud parents of Christopher, Zewditu (Zoe), Cameron, Judah, Sophia and Christyana.
Jeremy Treat
Jeremy Treat (PhD, Wheaton College) is Pastor for Preaching and Vision at Reality LA in Los Angeles, California and Professor of Theology at Biola University. He is the author of The Crucified King, Seek First, and The Atonement. He is also the editor of a new version of Athanasius’s On the Incarnation (published by Samuel Morris Publications), designed for lay people in the church. He and his wife Tiffany live in Los Angeles with their four daughters.
Jen Wilkin
Jen Wilkin is an author and Bible teacher from Dallas, Texas. She has organized and led studies for women in home, church and parachurch contexts. An advocate for Bible literacy, her passion is to see others become articulate and committed followers of Christ, with a clear understanding of why they believe what they believe, grounded in the Word of God. You can find her at JenWilkin.net.
Ed Stetzer
Ed Stetzer, Ph.D., is the Dean and Professor of Leadership and Christian Ministry at Talbot School of Theology at Biola University. He also serves as Distinguish Visiting Scholar at Wycliffe Hall at Oxford University, where he teaches twice a year. Stetzer has planted, revitalized and pastored churches; trained pastors and church planters on six continents; earned two master’s degrees and two doctorates; and he has written hundreds of articles and a dozen books. He is Regional Director for Lausanne North America, is the Editor-in-Chief of Outreach Magazine, and regularly writes for news outlets such as USA Today and CNN. His national radio show, Ed Stetzer Live, airs Saturdays on Moody Radio and affiliates. Stetzer serves his local church, Mariners Church, as Scholar in Residence & Teaching Pastor.
Mark Lee
Mark Lee planted VantagePoint Church 18 years ago with a vision of being living proof of a loving God to a lost, looking and letdown world. It has grown from a small group of people meeting in his living room to a church in multiple locations. However, his real passion is to start a multiplying movement of church planters all over North America. Serving as the West Regional Director of church planting for the Send Network, he even has the opportunity to help others do the same.
He’s run over 50 marathons and an ultramarathon. He loves traveling, spending time with his wife and five children, and is a recovering perfectionist. Please pray for him.
Sponsorship
Thank you for considering a partnership with the ANCHORED Conference. Our sponsorship levels are designed to maximize your reach through dedicated exhibitor tables, multi-platform logo placement and premium perks like promotional video features or an intimate reception dinner with the deans.
To be included in the sponsor area and ensure a space, all sponsor commitments must be received by May 7th at 12 p.m. by emailing talbotembedded@biola.edu.
Platinum Sponsorship Package ($5,000)
- 1 sponsor’s table in a prime location for the duration of the event
- Ad space available in the slides during, preshow, breaks at the event and in the lobbies of breakout sessions
- Organization logo on event website
- 30-second promotional video featured once during the event
- One marketing piece included in the conference swag bag or information table
- Reception dinner with dean and associate deans
Gold Sponsorship Package ($2,000)
- 1 sponsor’s table in a prime location for the duration of the event
- Ad space available in the slides during, preshow, breaks at the event and in the lobbies of breakout sessions
- Organization logo on event website
- One marketing piece included in the conference swag bag or information table
Silver Sponsorship Package ($1,000)
- 1 sponsor’s table for the duration of the event
- Organization logo on event website
- Ad space available in the slides during the preshow and breaks in the main session room
Bronze Sponsorship Package ($500)
- Ad space available in the slides during preshow
- Organization logo on event website
FAQs
ANCHORED Overview
What are the dates and locations of ANCHORED 2026?
ANCHORED 2026 will be held at Biola University (13800 Biola Ave., La Mirada, CA, 90639). The conference will begin on Tuesday evening, May 12, 2026, and will conclude on Thursday afternoon, May 14, 2026.
Who is ANCHORED intended for?
Whether you are a full time pastor or serving once a month in kids ministry, if you are a member of the body of Christ, ANCHORED is for you! ANCHORED is intended to equip and encourage those in ministry to serve faithfully wherever they are.
Why are the prices higher than last year’s conference?
We have included all meals into the registration fee so conferees do not need to worry about leaving campus for their meals. All meals will be catered by Bon Appétit.
Registration and Virtual Access
If I need to cancel my registration, what do I do?
Refunds or exchanges are not available; however, registration may be transferred to another name. Simply forward them your confirmation email.
How do I access the sessions?
Once you check in, you’ll receive your conference bag and lanyard. Please keep your lanyard with you, as it serves as your official pass for entry into all sessions.
Will the ANCHORED Sessions be live-streamed?
The main sessions of ANCHORED will be recorded, but neither the sessions nor breakout sessions will be live-streamed for instant access.
Travel and Logistics
What time should I book my arrival and departure?
Registration opens on Tuesday, May 12 at 4 p.m., with dinner at 5 p.m. and the first session beginning at 7 p.m. The last session of the conference will conclude on Thursday, May 14 at 12:30 p.m.
What are the travel and transportation options for ANCHORED 2026?
Whether you’re traveling near or far to attend ANCHORED, we warmly welcome you! Here are a few helpful notes to make your trip smoother:
- Nearby hotels:
- Transportation from nearby airports:
- From Long Beach Airport (LGB): Follow signs to the 405 N freeway. Transition to the 605 N freeway. Exit at Rosecrans Avenue and turn East (Right). Biola is on the left at the intersection of Rosecrans Ave and Biola Ave.
- From John Wayne Airport (SNA): Follow signs to the I-5 N freeway. Transition to the 91 E freeway. Exit at Valley View Street and turn North (Left). Turn right onto Rosecrans Avenue. Biola is on the left at the intersection of Rosecrans Ave and Biola Ave.
- From Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): Follow signs for the 105 E freeway. Transition to the 05 S freeway. Exit at Rosecrans Avenue and turn East (Left). Biola is on the left at the intersection of Rosecrans Ave and Biola Ave.
- For driving:
- Biola’s campus is located in La Mirada, CA. From the I-5, the nearest exits are Rosecrans or Valley View.
Will there be parking on-site?
Yes, Biola University has ample parking. A parking permit will be emailed to all registered participants before the conference. Attendees can enter campus through the guardhouse on La Mirada Boulevard or Biola Avenue.
The Conference Experience
What can I expect each day?
You can refer to the schedule for the full breakdown of the day.
Do I need to preregister for my Breakout Sessions?
Most breakout sessions do not require preregistration—simply choose your preferred session at the scheduled start time.
Exception: Institute of Spiritual Formation (ISF) Developmental Track – Due to the exclusive inclusion of The Journey as a complimentary resource upon completion of all four sessions, preregistration is required for this track. Participants must also commit to attending all four ISF Breakout Sessions. Sign ups for this breakout session will open when conference registration begins on Tuesday evening (5/12/26).
Are meals provided for ANCHORED 2026?
Yes! All meals are included in the registration fee and will be catered by Bon Appétit.
- Tuesday, May 12th: Dinner starting at 5 p.m.
- Wednesday, May 13th: Continental breakfast starting at 8 a.m., lunch and dinner
- Thursday, May 14th: Continental breakfast starting at 8 a.m.
Preparing for Your Arrival
What should I wear?
Southern California is typically sunny and warm in May. Conference attire is casual; you may want to bring a sweater as the temperatures may fluctuate in different rooms.
What should I bring with me?
We recommend bringing a Bible, a reusable water bottle (refill stations are located throughout campus), and an open heart to hear from the Lord!