Welcome Talbot Seminary Phoenix Students

To the Phoenix Seminary Community,

The mission of preparing faithful, gospel-centered leaders for the church is too important to pause. While seasons of transition can understandably bring questions, they also create opportunities for renewal, stability, and a stronger future. In this spirit, we want to share an important update regarding the future of Phoenix Seminary.

Phoenix Seminary is working toward becoming Talbot Seminary Phoenix, an Arizona location of Talbot School of Theology at Biola University. The governing boards of both institutions have approved this plan, fully empowering the process of seeking the necessary regulatory approvals to finalize it.

The support and approval of both boards reflect a shared conviction that this partnership provides a strong and sustainable path forward for theological education, ministry preparation and gospel witness in Arizona and beyond. As we can now officially begin the approval process with the appropriate regulatory agencies, we are committed to moving through that process carefully, responsibly and transparently.

Importantly, Phoenix Seminary will continue operating during this transition. Classes will continue during Summer 2026 as scheduled, faculty will continue teaching and students can continue progressing in their degree programs while approvals move forward. Throughout this transition, we intend to cultivate continuity and confidence rather than unnecessary disruption.

Current students should know that we intend to help you complete the degrees you have already begun (subject to final approvals), at tuition rates comparable to what you are paying today. We understand the significant investment students have already made in their education and calling, so we are committed to helping ensure that this transition does not create unnecessary financial hardship or interruption to your preparation for ministry.

We also recognize that this transition could create uncertainty for faculty and staff who have invested deeply in the mission of Phoenix Seminary over many years. We are grateful for your faithful service and we are committed to communicating clearly and caring well for those of you who serve this institution and its students every day.

Throughout this transition the principles and convictions that have long animated Phoenix Seminary will continue unabated, even with an administrative change and a new name on the sign. Both Phoenix Seminary and Biola University share a deep theological commitment, a common mission and a vision for preparing pastors who can faithfully serve the church in a rapidly changing culture. Both Phoenix and Biola are conservative evangelical institutions that are joyfully multidenominational, while remaining deeply committed to the inerrancy of Scripture, the centrality of the gospel and the preparation of faithful Christian leaders.

Once Phoenix students are a part of the Talbot family, they will gain access to the broader strength, resources and institutional support of Biola University — all while continuing to study within the Phoenix ministry environment they already know and value. Through greater institutional strength, expanded opportunities for students and faculty, broader access to resources and long-term stability, we intend to honor the distinct mission and legacy of Phoenix Seminary.

Yet we do not intend to simply to preserve the legacy of Phoenix Seminary. We want to see that legacy strengthened and extended into a new season. We are excited to be in the Southwest to serve the Southwest, and we believe that Talbot Seminary Phoenix can become an even greater hub for theological education, church partnership, pastoral formation, counseling, apologetics and gospel witness throughout Arizona and the broader region.

Throughout this process, our focus remains on people. Students, faculty, staff, churches, alumni and ministry partners are central to the goals of this transition:

• Students preparing for ministry
• Faculty shaping future leaders
• Staff serving those students
• Churches seeking faithful pastors
• Alumni carrying forward the mission in their ministries and vocations
• Ministry partners committed to advancing the gospel

In all of this, we recognize that any transition will naturally raise questions, so we are committed to communicating clearly, leading thoughtfully, and caring intentionally at every step of this journey. We want to create a smooth and stable transition for everyone, while remaining faithful to the mission God has entrusted to us.

Even while there are still important steps remaining in the process, we wanted you to hear directly from us about the intended direction. And we will continue communicating regularly as we move forward together.

Finally, we are not confident ultimately because of the strength of our institutions, but because of the faithfulness of our God. The need for gospel-centered theological education and gospel-shaped leadership has never been greater. The church still needs faithful pastors. Communities still need Christian witness. The mission still matters and that mission is too important to put on pause. And because the mission continues, we move forward together with hope.

On Mission,