Faculty | Master of Arts (Spiritual Formation)
As a Talbot School of Theology student, you’ll study under top-notch scholars who aren’t just widely published and highly respected in the academic community — they’re also actively engaged in passionate, heartfelt ministry. In addition to the following faculty members who will teach many of your concentration-specific courses, you will also have the opportunity to take courses with a wide range of Talbot professors from other areas of specialization.
Kyle Strobel
- Director, Institute for Spiritual Formation
- Associate Professor of Spiritual Theology
- Ph.D., University of Aberdeen
- M.A., Talbot School of Theology (N.T.)
- M.A., Talbot School of Theology (Philosophy)
- B.A., Judson University
Kyle Strobel (Ph.D. University of Aberdeen) is a systematic theologian who teaches spiritual theology for Talbot’s Institute for Spiritual Formation and Spiritual Formation Focus programs. His areas of interest include systematic theology, Jonathan Edwards, spiritual formation and prayer. He writes both popular and academic books and articles, and is on the preaching team at Redeemer Church, La...
David Merrill
- Assistant Professor of Spiritual Theology
- Ph.D., Durham University, U.K.
- Th.M., Talbot School of Theology
- M.Div. Talbot School of Theology
- B.A., Trinity International University
David Merrill and his wife first joined the Biola community in 2006 when Merrill began as a Master of Divinity student and his wife took on an administration role at Talbot’s Institute for Spiritual Formation. During his time as a student, Merrill immersed himself in the academic and communal life of the campus taking on roles varying from adjunct faculty, staff spiritual director, and resident...
Courses
- Introduction to Spiritual Theology and Formation
- Personal Foundations for Spiritual Formation
- Spiritual Formation, Vocation, and the Disciplines
Berry Bishop
- Associate Director of Institute for Spiritual Formation and Marriage and Family Therapy
- Assistant Professor of Marriage and Family Therapy
- PsyD., Azusa Pacific University
- M.A., Azusa Pacific University
- M.A., Talbot School of Theology
- B.A., California State University, Chico
- Additional studies performed at Butte College, Chico
Berry Bishop is the Associate Director of the Institute of Spiritual Formation and Marriage and Family Therapy programs at Talbot School of Theology. Bishop graduated from Talbot with a Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation and Soul Care, and then obtained her doctorate in psychology from Azusa Pacific University. Her primary research interest is in the area of trauma and spiritual direction....
John Coe
- Professor of Spiritual Theology
- Ph.D., University of California, Irvine
- M.A., University of California, Irvine
- M.A., Western Kentucky University
- M.A., Talbot School of Theology
- B.A., Biola University
Coe is a specialist in the philosophical and theological foundation of the integration of faith and learning. His research focuses on understanding the nature of spiritual and psychological health, the history of spirituality, the work of the Holy Spirit in personal change and the interface between psychology, spirituality and philosophy. A particular interest is in exploring approaches to...