Biola UniversityTorrey Memorial Bible Conference 2024: Wholehearted
- October 9-11, 2024
- Chase Gymnasium
- Hosted By: Spiritual Development
Cost and Admission
This event is free to attend.
Jesus replied: ‘“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:37-40)
As the spring Missions Conference is Biola’s proclamation of the Great Commission, the fall Torrey Conference is our propagation of the Great Commandment. The Bible instructs us toward wholehearted discipleship as the path toward healing, joy, rest, and thriving (Psalm 1, 103:1-5, 119:1-16; Matthew 11:28-30). Through the call of the Great Commandment, we will seek how to love God with all of who we are, even the parts of us that seem confusing, disorienting, or even in tension with the way of Christ.
Wholehearted obedience and character take time and intentionality, something that is increasingly fractured and lost in our fast-paced, social-media-driven world that forefronts status, image, and immediate gratification. This is not a new phenomenon. The ancient ways of the Bible have timelessly addressed our souls’ and society’s deepest questions with wisdom to inform every aspect of our lives.
This year, Torrey Conference will address areas of our wholehearted discipleship that might be difficult to discuss in our fractured world. How can we address same-sex attraction from a historic Christian perspective? How might we walk through grief that disorients our faith? How can we discuss societal concerns like the Israel-Palestine conflict and others that bring emotional reactions rather than civil conversation?
Authentic and ardent commitment to God and others takes a wholehearted faith that submits to a long obedience in the same direction. And so, we plead with the psalmist in Psalm 86:11: Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.
Questions?
Contact Chapel Programs at:
(562) 777-4041
chapel@biola.edu
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
All Main Sessions and Breakouts are for 1 conference credit unless otherwise noted.
Please note there are only 4 credits offered on Wednesday.
| Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 9:30–11:00 a.m. | Main Session 1 — TBD (1 Credit) Musical Worship led by |
Chase Gymnasium, Ethel Lee Aud and Calvary Chapel |
| 11:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. | Lunch Outside
| Fluor Fountain & locations around campus (Caf closed) |
| 1:30-2:30 p.m. | Breakout A (1 Credit) Locations and topics on the Breakout tab | Various locations |
| 3–4:00 p.m. | Breakout B (Repeated from Session A) (1 Credit) Locations and topics on the Breakout tab |
Various locations |
| 4-7:00 p.m. | Dinner on your own
| |
| 7:00–8:30 p.m. | Main Session 2 — TBD (1 Credit) Musical Worship led by |
Chase Gymnasium, Ethel Lee Aud and Calvary Chapel |
| 8:40–10:30 p.m. | Sola Soul (NO CREDIT) Sponsored by the Office of Campus Engagement Artist: |
Ethel Lee Auditorium |
Thursday, October 9, 2025
| Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 9:30–11:00 a.m. | Main Session 3 — TBD (1 Credit) Musical Worship led by |
Chase Gymnasium Overflow sites if needed |
| 11 a.m.–1 p.m. | Lunch on your own
|
Various |
| 1:30–4 p.m. | Main Session 4 — TBD (2 credits)
|
Chase Gymnasium |
| 4-7 p.m. | Dinner on your own
| Various |
| 4-6 p.m. | Puppy Patch | SUB Lawn |
| 7-9:30 p.m. | Main Session 5 — Worship through Story and Song (2 credits) sTorrey Slam — Hear personal stories of Childlike discipleship from the Biola community interspersed with responsive original musical compositions. Featuring: Musical Worship led by |
Chase Gymnasium |
Friday, October 10, 2025
| Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 9:30–11:30 a.m. | Reflection and Response (2 credits) Facilitator: Mike Ahn Reflection and Response: Join us as we process what God has been doing in the conference and consider ways we might participate with him moving forward. |
Ethel Lee Auditorium |
Keynote Speakers
Rebecca McLaughlin
Rebecca McLaughlin holds a Ph.D. in Renaissance Literature from Cambridge University and a theology degree from Oak Hill College in London. She is the author of Confronting Christianity:12 Hard Questions for the World's Largest Religion (2019), which was named book of the year by Christianity Today, and of 10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about Christianity (2021), The Secular Creed: Engaging 5 Contemporary Claims (2021), Is Christmas Unbelievable? Four Questions Everyone Should Ask About the World's Most Famous Story (2021), Jesus Through the Eyes of Women: How the First Female Disciples Help Us Know and Love the Lord (2022), No Greater Love: A Biblical Vision for Friendship (2023), and Does the Bible Affirm Same-Sex Relationships? (2024). She lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts with her husband, Bryan, and their three children, and their wider church family.
Rachel Gilson
Rachel Gilson (M.Div., Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary) serves on the leadership team for theological development and culture for Cru, and is the author of Born Again This Way: Coming Out, Coming to Faith and What Comes Next (The Good Book Company, 2020) as well as Parenting Without Panic in an LGBT Affirming World: Discipling our Kids with Jesus’ Truth and Love (The Good Book Company, 2024). She is pursuing a Ph.D. in public theology at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Trip Lee
Trip Lee is an author, teacher, hip-hop artist, and thought leader. In his first book, The Good Life, Lee points to the abundant life available only in Christ – a life beyond anything the world can offer. As a hip-hop artist, Lee’s music has received critical acclaim. He’s won a Stellar award and been nominated for several Dove Awards. Trip’s deepest desire in his writing, teaching, and performing is to declare the goodness and glory of Jesus Christ.
Artists
One Voice Worship
One Voice Worship is an evolving group of diverse songwriters, artists and musicians from different ethnicities, backgrounds and cultures united by a common mission: to love God and to love people. For more, check out their website.
Breakout Speakers
Dr. Janelle Aijian
Dr. Janelle Aijan hails from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. She earned her doctoral degree in Philosophy from Baylor University, focusing on the religious epistemology of Blaise Pascal. Her current research involves the role of skepticism in the life of faith and acedia, or spiritual despondency. Aijian's favorite texts to teach are The Brothers Karamazov, Moby Dick, The Republic and the Gospel of John. She is married to another Biola professor, Phillip Aijian, and they have two kids, Evelyn (7) and Malcolm (9) as well as two cats.
Kimberly Edwards
Kimberly Edwards has served campus communities with student success initiatives and college access services for over a decade. Driving persistence and retention efforts for historically underrepresented groups is at the heart of her work. For six years, Kimberly served as the Assistant Director and then Director of the Office of Undergraduate Education at the University of Texas at Dallas. In her time there, she managed the Undergraduate Success Scholars (USS) program and Transfer Research Initiative. Both programs, by design, engaged historically underrepresented students in an academic community and fostered belonging. Before UT Dallas, Kimberly worked in college access at the University of Missouri - St. Louis (UMSL) for six years. In her time at UMSL, Kimberly contributed to efforts that served youth with STEM-focused enrichment programming. Kimberly has found purpose in fostering welcoming environments where all students experience the support necessary to succeed. Serving as the SEID Director at Biola University has been a dream. Providing Christ- Centered educational experiences that support students success, intercultural development, and a sense of belonging has given Kimberly joy and purpose.
Robert Shin
Robert Shin is a Doctoral Intern Therapist at the Biola Counseling Center. He received his bachelor's degree in Psychology at California State University, Long Beach and is currently completing his doctoral training at Rosemead School of Psychology. He is passionate about the integration of Christian spirituality and psychology. His current research interest is on the relationship between technology and psychosocial health.
Chad Miller
Chad Miller is the Director of Pastoral Care & Student-Led Ministry. He served as a pastor locally for 12 years before coming to Biola in 2012. He teaches Spiritual Formation, offers pastoral care and advises Biola's Student Missionary Union. Chad has been married to Beth since 2002. Around Biola, he answers to his name, or to one of two nicknames, “Mad Chiller” or “Chad-the-Dad.”
Dr. Shane Enete
Dr. Shane Enete, associate professor of finance at Biola University, leads several academic programs at the Crowell School of Business where students are trained in the art and science of personal financial planning. He is the author of the recently published book, Whole Heart Finances: A Jesus-centered guide to managing your money with joy. Prior to working as a professor, Enete was an investment research professional for 10 years for large institutional asset managers where he obtained the following professional designations and academic degrees: CFA, CFP®, CAIA, Cert-CFC, M.S. in Mathematical Finance, and a Ph.D. in Personal Financial Planning. His research interests include the theology of financial planning, faith-driven investing, and behavioral finance. Enete is married to Tammy, and is father to Sage and Silas. He enjoys any activity near the beach, or in the water, including surfing, swimming, beach volleyball, and triathlons.
Dr. Joshua Smith
"Dr. Joshua Damu (dah-moo) Smith is a literary scholar, pastor, saxophonist and writer-director. He is an English professor in the Torrey Honors College and is currently conducting research for a book comparing Harriet Beecher Stowe with Quentin Tarantino. He is also currently in post production for his first short film titled Decaf. As the senior pastor at Zoe Center, a local church in Whittier, CA, he provides spiritual leadership for hundreds of parishoners each week, both in-person and online. With all of his responsibilities, he finds quiet moments to read comic books and spend time with his wife, Marsee, and sons, Josué and Angelo. "
Dr. Donna Thoennes
Dr. Donna Thoennes has been teaching at Biola in the Torrey Honors College for 24 years, both full and part time. She has been married to Erik for 35 years, has four grown children (Sam is at Biola!), two sweet golden retrievers, loves hiking, gardening, pickleball, and skiing among Giant Sequoias. She is beyond grateful to be saved by God's overwhelming grace and honored to write and speak on discipleship, church life, parenting, and marriage.
Chris Hilken
Chris Hilken is a husband, father of 5, and the lead pastor of College Ave Church in San Diego. He is also a professor of systematic theology and apologetics. He is passionate about teaching the Word of God so that we can know, love, and follow the real Jesus.
Dr. Ben Shin
Dr. Benjamin C. Shin has served in the ministry as a pastor, parachurch leader and professor for more than 20 years. He is a graduate of UCLA, Talbot School of Theology and Dallas Theological Seminary. He enjoys reading, music, sports (especially the UCLA Bruins) and spending time with people. His vision and passion includes mentoring leaders, rebuilding churches and teaching the Word of God. He is married to his bride, Jen, and has two wonderful boys. He currently serves as Associate Professor of Christian Ministry & Leadership and Director of the Asian-American Ministry track for the Doctor of Ministry at Talbot School of Theology in La Mirada, Calif.
Terry Gee
Professor Terry Gee teaches undergraduate physics and engineering courses for the School of Science, Technology and Health at Biola University. Before becoming an instructor at Biola, he graduated with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from UCLA, with a concentration in manufacturing and design. He started out his career as a product engineer for Northrop Grumman working in design and test for space applications. He later transitioned to full time pastoral ministry, where he oversaw worship ministries, adult education and college ministries over the course of 10 years. During that time, he completed his Master of Divinity from Talbot School of Theology. He enjoys teaching and working with students and has a heart for their development as disciples of Jesus and for their faith to be lived out fully in their future vocations. He also enjoys family life with his wife and three children.
Margaret Yu
Margaret Yu has been the primary caregiver for her 2 elderly parents since 2023. Prior to this, she served as the National Director of Epic Movement, the Asian American ministry of Cru where she had served for over 35 years. Her campus experiences span the globe from Milwaukee to Berkeley, to East Asia to Uzbekistan or to Los Angeles where she currently resides. Margaret loves college students. Her passion is to see God form many culturally competent leaders for the kingdom of God. Margaret’s interests include mentorship or leadership development, talking shop about the NBA, and being at the beach. She is also an avid Michigan Wolverines fan as that is her alma mater. Margaret also hold a Master's Degree in Global Leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary. You can follow Margaret on Facebook, Twitter: @CCCEpicMargaret or on her blog at http://margaretyu.blogspot.com... margaretyu.com Instagram: @epicmyu
Panel Participants
Tim Muehlhoff
Tim Muehlhoff is a professor of communication at Biola University where he teaches classes in conflict resolution, rhetoric, gender, engaging diverse perspectives, and apologetics. He is the co-director of Biola’s Winsome Conviction project—which seeks to reintroduce civility into our public disagreements—and co-host of the Winsome Conviction Podcast.
He has written extensively on conflict resolution with his latest book entitled, End the Stalemate: Moving from Cancel Culture to Meaningful Conversations (co-written with Sean McDowell). In addition, Tim teaches verbal and physical self-defense at local domestic violence shelters in Orange County, CA.
He’s married to his wife Noreen and is the proud father of three adult sons and one daughter-in-law.
Simon Greer
Simon Greer has been involved in social change work for the past 30 years. He is the creator of Courageous Conversations, a program and toolkit focused on crossing lines of difference to solve pressing problems. He can be found on the ground seeking to bridge the gaps between conservatives and progressives, secular and evangelical college students, and corrections officers and the formerly incarcerated.
Saad Solimon
Saad M. Soliman, the Executive Vice President of Government Affairs and Criminal Justice at Patient Sortal, is a National Reentry Systems Subject Matter Expert. He is the CEO of Soliman Consulting LLC, as well as the founder of a 501c3 nonprofit agency dedicated to providing comprehensive social services, workforce development, vocational training, and supportive transitional housing. Mr. Soliman has a passion for and expertise in building bridges that will allow for the liberation of the justice-involved community and reimagining a world where accountability and justice meet healthy communities and families are made whole.
Please note: Breakouts are held Wednesday only.
Rebecca McLaughlin — Is Christianity Misogynistic?: Jesus Through the Eyes of Women
- Breakout A: 1:30–2:30 p.m. at Chase Gymnasium
- Breakout B: 3–4 p.m. at Crowell Lansing
- Description: Many people think of Christianity as being bad for women. But actually, the opposite is true. Come and hear more about Jesus’s impact on women in the Gospels and in the last 2000 years.
Rachel Gilson — The Gospel and Transgender Identities
- Breakout A: 1:30–2:30 p.m. at BUS 109
- Breakout B: 3–4 p.m. at Chase Gymnasium
- Description: Come consider how to understand transgender identities from a Christian theological perspective and missional posture.
Dr. Janelle Aijian, Kimberly Edwards, Chad Miller, Robert Shin — No Filter: A Panel Discussion on Sex, Porn and Healthy Boundaries
- Breakout A: 1:30–2:30 p.m. at Andrews Banquet Room
- Breakout B: 3–4 p.m. at Andrews Banquet Room
- Description: How do we navigate the challenging topics of sex, pornography, masturbation, and boundaries in relationships as Christians? Bring your questions, and we’ll explore these challenging topics and the shame often associated with them. Our panelists will delve into these topics and embrace wholehearted discipleship and a redemptive approach to sexuality in our walk with God.
Dr. Shane Enete — Whole Heart Finances: Practical Financial Habits that Draw Your Heart Closer to the Love of Jesus
- Breakout A: 1:30–2:30 p.m. at Marsh 4
- Breakout B: 3–4 p.m. at Ethel Lee Auditorium
- Description: We worry about money too much. Since money is a matter of our hearts, worrying over money is often a sign that you have a fractured heart when it comes to your finances. This workshop will teach you a few practical financial habits that will guide you towards the heart of Jesus when it comes to money and possessions.
Dr. Joshua Smith — The Hidden Blessings of Difficult People
- Breakout A: 1:30–2:30 p.m. at Crowell Lansing
- Breakout B: 3–4 p.m. at Mayers Auditorium
- Description: Any meaningful engagement with the world necessarily results in encounters with difficult people. The Scripture is not silent about the wisdom and benefits of engaging testy relationships with Christ-centeredness. Learn how to sustain a wholehearted posture while relating to half-hearted people.
Dr. Donna Thoennes — Chosen for Friendship
- Breakout A: 1:30–2:30 p.m. at Calvary Chapel
- Breakout B: 3–4 p.m. at BUS 103
- Description: In John 15:12-17, Jesus stuns his disciples by calling them friends and commands them to love one another. His plan for us is to love his church wholeheartedly and bear fruit for his name.
Chris Hilken — If God is good, why does he allow evil and suffering?
- Breakout A: 1:30–2:30 p.m. at BUS 103
- Breakout B: 3–4 p.m. at Calvary Chapel
- Description: The most powerful question that a Christian must face is the problem of evil and suffering in our world. Though it is phrased many different ways, it calls one core Christian doctrine into question: the goodness of God. How can we live as disciples in a dying and broken world? How can we engage the pain in a Biblical way that upholds the character of God while dealing with the very real truth of gratuitous suffering all around us?
Dr. Ben Shin — Bitter or Better? Healing from Church Wounds
- Breakout A: 1:30–2:30 p.m. at Ethel Lee Auditorium
- Breakout B: 3–4 p.m. at Marsh 4
- Description: Have you ever been deeply hurt by the church? My guess is that you have! In light of this, you have 2 choices to make in response-to be bitter or to be better. This breakout session will explore one person's journey of hurt by the church and how God used this to make him better.
Terry Gee — Discerning Your Calling and Vocation
- Breakout A: 1:30–2:30 p.m. at Lim 42
- Breakout B: 3–4 p.m. at Lim 42
- Description: Discerning God's will and purpose for your life is a challenge many Christians wrestle with. How has God made you and what has he called you to do with your life as a follower of Jesus? How do you think through direction in life and God's desires for you when you're at a crossroads? How do we use our lives to the utmost and not waste our lives as wholehearted disciples of Christ? This workshop will delve into questions of discerning God's purpose and calling at various seasons of life, and will direct our hearts towards God and the Scriptures as we seek to use our short lives for his purposes and the works he created for us to do.
Margaret Yu — Wholeheartedly Loving our Families
- Breakout A: 1:30–2:30 p.m. at Mayers
- Breakout B: 3–4 p.m. at BUS 109
- Description: How do we love our family when times are challenging for us or we are so busy? How do we love our families when they can press our buttons and hurt us like no other people can? These are some of the questions that we will explore together in discovering God's invitation to follow him wholeheartedly in loving our families. Join us and bless us with your story of love for your family.
One Voice Worship — Wholehearted Worship
- Breakout A: 1:30–2:30 p.m. at Kim Dining Room
- Breakout B: 3–4 p.m. at Kim Dining Room
- Description: Join this year's Torrey Conference worship leaders for a panel discussion about how to become more wholehearted disciples through worship.
| Experiential Sites | Description | Location & Time |
|---|---|---|
Process Space |
Calvary Chapel will be open to go and reflect on what the Lord is speaking to you about this week. This will be an open space for personal prayer and reflection. |
Location: Calvary Times: Thurs - 8 a.m. - 11 p.m. |
| SUB Worship | There will be continuous worship in the sub led by students throughout the days of conference. Please come and worship with us! |
Location: SUB middle level Times: Wed/Thurs - 7 a.m. - 11 p.m. (except during Torrey Conf sessions) Fri - 7 a.m. - 9 a.m. |
| Bible Writing |
Join us in this Torrey Conference tradition of handwriting the Word. This year, we will write out 1 and 2 Corinthians. |
Location: Fireplace Pavilion Times: Wed/Thurs (11 a.m.- 1 p.m., 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.) |
| Fountain Crafts | Come find a place for rest and artistic expression during the conference. There will be painting, bracelet/necklace making and more by the Fluor Fountain on Wednesday and Thursday. |
Location: Fountain Tables Times: Wed/Thurs (11 a.m.- 1 p.m., 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.) |
| Puppy Patch | Who doesn’t love puppies? | Location: SUB Lawn Times: Thursday (4 p.m. - 6 p.m.) |
| TC Resource Table (and merch) | Come learn about various resources offered at Biola to help your mental, spiritual, and relational health thrive. We will also be selling limited edition Torrey Conference t-shirts and provide opportunities to sign up for Love La Mirada. |
Location: Fireplace Pavilion Courtyard Times: Wed/Thurs (11 a.m.- 1 p.m., 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.) |
| Singer Songwriter Showcase | Join us as we showcase some of Biola’s very own artists/musicians. This is a time to relax, celebrate music, and encourage our fellow students. There will also be refreshments! | Location: Bardwell patio Times: Wed (4 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.) |
Resources
Rebecca McLaughlin:
Confronting Christianity (2020 Beautiful Orthodoxy Book of the Year by Christianity Today)
Does the Bible Affirm Same-Sex Relationships? (recently released on May 1, 2024)
Rachel Gilson:
Parenting Without Panic in an LGBT-Affirming World (recently released on Sept 1, 2024)
One Voice Worship:
Trip Lee:
Winsome Conviction Project:
End the Stalemate: Move Past Cancel Culture to Meaningful Conversations (Sean McDowell and Tim Muehlhoff)
Winsome Conviction: Disagreeing Without Dividing the Church (Tim Muehlhoff and Rick Langer)
Biola Resources
The Dwelling aims to be a caring and supportive community where students who identify as LGBTQ or experience same-sex attraction (SSA) can journey together, reconciling their faith and life circumstances as they grow in discipleship to Christ.
- The Biola Counseling Center has groups that are starting this fall to process various parts of our wholehearted discipleship: sex, race, grief, porn, and church hurt. Find a group to process with!
Drop-in Consultation is available for free at the Health Center for brief, problem-solving conversations. Check the website for details.
- Pastoral Care is always available for students who want to talk about any issue in our discipleship process toward wholehearted obedience.
Drop-in Pastoral Care will be available during the conference on Wednesday and Thursday from 11am-1pm and 4-7pm in the Student Services building across from the gym.
The Torrey Memorial Bible Conference is a three-day conference beginning Wednesday morning, October 8 in Chase Gymnasium with overflow in various locations as needed around campus.
There will be 4 credit opportunities offered on Wednesday, 5 credit opportunities offered on Thursday and a 2-credit opportunity to process the themes more deeply through prayer and reflection on Friday morning.
All Main Sessions and Breakouts are for 1 conference credit unless otherwise noted.
Full-time students (12+ units) are required to fulfill 5 conference credits, but are invited to attend the entire conference!
Part-time students (9-11 units) are required to fulfill 3 conference credits, but are invited to attend the entire conference!
Students taking 8 units or less are encouraged, but not required to attend.
If you accumulate more than the required conference credits, the additional credits will count towards your spiritual development (chapel) requirement for this semester.
BIG THANK YOU to our amazing Event Services and University Video staff who are never fully appreciated for the amazing work they do to enhance this conference experience.
Thanks to Leon Darley and the Bon Appetit team for making the opening lunch possible.
We’re so grateful for the tremendous Torrey Conference volunteers who have put in countless hours to make it all happen. You’re the best!
Shout out to our phenomenal Torrey Conference Interns: You are so gracious and talented and such a joy to work with.
