Biola UniversityTorrey Memorial Bible Conference 2026
- October 7-9, 2026
- Chase Gymnasium
- Hosted By: Spiritual Development
Cost and Admission
This event is free to attend.
Undone: His Resurrection Changes Everything
How did a ragtag group of fishermen, tax collectors, and outcasts turn the ancient world upside down? How did a movement born in the aftermath of a public, shameful execution empower its followers to boldly proclaim the dignity and humanity of a heavenly kingdom? Why did men and women who faced imprisonment, persecution, and death speak even louder when silence would have been safer and more comfortable?
They were undone by Jesus’ resurrection. Because He undid death. He undid fear. He undid the powers of this world. His resurrection undid what the disciples thought they knew, and remade them into something they could never have become on their own.
We see the evidence of life change throughout Acts. Peter, the man who denied Jesus three times in fear of a servant girl (Matthew 26:69-75), stands in front of thousands boldly proclaiming the gospel (Acts 2:24). The early church gathers not around grief, but around a deep belief in the resurrection and its power and grace (Acts 4:33). And the most feared enemy of the fledgling movement encounters Jesus on his way to Damascus, and can only ask: Who are you, Lord? (Acts 9:5). Paul is undone by Jesus, and he never recovers.
What do you do with a man who walked out of His own grave? You can dismiss it, debate it, or be undone by it. But you cannot ignore it. Together, at the 91st annual Torrey Memorial Bible Conference, we will explore what it means to live in light of the resurrection.
His resurrection changes everything. Including you.
Questions?
Contact Spiritual Development at:
(562) 777-4041
spiritual.developent@biola.edu
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
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 a.m. | Main Session 1 (1 Credit) Speaker: Gavin Ortlund, Ph.D., President, Truth Unites |
Chase Gymnasium and overflow |
| 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. | Lunch Outside
| Metzger Lawn (Caf closed) |
| 1:30-2:30 p.m. | Breakout A (1 Credit) Locations and topics on the Breakout tab | Various locations |
| 3–4 p.m. | Breakout B (Repeated from Session A) (1 Credit) Locations and topics on the Breakout tab |
Various locations |
| 4-7 p.m. | Dinner on your own
| Various |
| 7:00–8:30 p.m. | Main Session 2 (1 Credit) Speaker: Jackie Hill Perry |
Chase Gymnasium and overflow |
Thursday, October 8, 2026
| Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 9:30–11 a.m. | Main Session 3 (1 Credit) Speaker: Jackie Hill Perry |
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 (2 credits) Every Moment Holy Live Experience Led by Doug McKelvey & various artists |
Chase Gymnasium |
| 4-6 p.m. | Experiential Sites Open (see tab for details) | |
| 4-7 p.m. | Dinner on your own
| Various |
| 7-9:30 p.m. | Main Session 5 — Worship through Story and Song (2 credits) sTorrey Slam — Hear personal stories of UnDone discipleship from the Biola community interspersed with responsive original musical compositions by Michael Fausett while Molly Pederson Fausett creates a piece of art inspired by the stories. Featuring:
Musical Worship led by Isaac Escamilla |
Chase Gymnasium |
Friday, October 9, 2026
| Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 9:30–11:30 a.m. | Session 6 (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 |
*Pastoral care and support will be provided as needed. Schedule an appointment online or come to Student Services Wednesday and Thursday, 9 am- 4 pm for availability.
Keynote Speakers
Gavin Ortlund, Ph.D.
Dr. Gavin Ortlund is the President of Truth Unites and Theologian-in-Residence at Immanuel Nashville. Gavin is a fellow of The Keller Center of Cultural Apologetics, The Center for Baptist Renewal, Credo, and a member of the St. Basil Fellowship of The Center for Pastor Theologians. Gavin has a Ph.D. in historical theology from Fuller Theological Seminary and an M.Div. from Covenant Theological Seminary. Gavin runs the YouTube channel Truth Unites and has authored numerous academic articles and nine books, including Why God Makes Sense in a World That Doesn’t. He and his wife Esther have five children.
Jackie Hill Perry
Jackie Hill Perry is an author, Bible teacher, and artist known for communicating biblical truth with clarity, conviction, and authenticity. Through teaching, writing, and music, she encourages people to think deeply about God, faith, identity, and culture through the lens of Scripture.
She is the author of several books, including Gay Girl Good God, Holier Than Thou, and Upon Waking, to name a few. Her latest album, Blameless, reflects her heart to create music that points listeners to the holiness, grace, and glory of God.
At home, Jackie is the wife of Preston Perry and mommy to Eden, Autumn, Sage, and August.
Every Moment Holy
Every Moment Holy Live is a 2-hour, multi-artist and author event that weaves songs, liturgies from the EMH books, and personal stories into a shared journey for artists and audience. The event is structured as a continuous narrative arc, intended to carve out a space in which participants might acknowledge the reality of losses, disappointments, and sorrows in their own lives, even while being reawakened and reoriented to the greater story of divine redemption in which our own stories and struggles are set. Blending theological depth with artistic beauty, the Every Moment Holy Live event is created to meet each of us where we are on our pilgrimage toward the eternal city, and to remind us again of who we are, of who God is, and of where this is all going, resulting in a renewal of hope, faith, consolation and encouragement that ultimately finds its best expression in a joy-filled worship.
Doug McKelvey is the author of Every Moment Holy Liturgies.
Artists
Isaac Escamilla
Isaac Escamilla is a worship leader, artist, songwriter, and producer based in Southern California. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music at Biola University and has served in worship ministries across Southern California and beyond. As a worship leader, he is deeply passionate about creating spaces where people can encounter God through thoughtful, diverse, and Christ-centered worship. With a sound shaped by a deep love for jazz, gospel, R&B, and contemporary worship, Isaac draws from a wide palette to create music that's honest, versatile, and deeply rooted in the truth of God's word and a vulnerable reflection of the heart, weaving together the sacred and the soulful.
When not leading worship or making music, Isaac enjoys using his AMC A-List rewards to watch up to 4 movies a week in any format.
Breakout 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.
Scott Moffatt
Scott Moffatt serves as an adjunct history instructor at Biola University, bringing decades of experience as both an educator and a pastor to the classroom. His varied background also includes work as a furniture/cabinetmaker, an occupation that has benefited his ambition to build coffeehouse ministries and various museum-quality Dead Sea Scroll-oriented exhibits.
David Newman
Pastor Dave began preaching at just 18 years old and stepped into his first pastoral role at age 20 at Truth Outreach Missionary Baptist Church in Compton. He later served with The Salvation Army Compton Corps, where he worked as a vocal coach, led youth programs, and developed a deep understanding of nonprofit service while building relationships in the community. He went on to earn his Master’s degree in Christian Ministry and Leadership from Talbot Theological Seminary and began work shortly after graduating at the Union Rescue Mission in downtown LA. Six years ago, while working as a chaplain at URM, Pastor Dave felt called to plant a church in La Mirada, leading to the founding of Neighborhood Life Church, where he continues to serve as lead pastor. When he is not serving the church or investing in the community, you might find Pastor Dave working on his dissertation for his Doctorate, barbecuing, hiking with his wife Bri, or enjoying a great book or documentary.
Jen Smith
Jen Smith has served in ministry for the past 15 years, working with students ranging from junior high through young adulthood. Most recently, she spent four and a half years as the Associate Director of Joshua Wilderness Institute, Hume Lake’s discipleship program for young adults. Jen holds a B.A. in Communication with a minor in Biblical Studies from Biola University and a Master’s in Organizational Leadership from California Baptist University. She also currently resides as the RD in Alpha and an Assistant Director of Housing and Residence Life. She believes discipleship is simply “one beggar showing another where to find bread,” and is passionate about helping people pursue a deep, abiding relationship with Jesus so that they can faithfully serve others without running dry.
Heather Green
Heather Green, LPCC, is a licensed professional clinical counselor passionate about the intersection of faith, psychology, and relationships. Her work is grounded in attachment-based and emotionally focused approaches, helping people understand the deeper emotions and patterns that shape how they relate to themselves, God, and others. Heather is especially passionate about helping people move beyond shame and self-protection toward greater honesty, connection, and freedom. She lives in Southern California with her husband, Spencer, and their three young children, and currently balances part-time counseling with her role as a wife and mom.
Alexandria Arrieta
Alexandria Arrieta is an Assistant Professor of Media, Technology and Communication at Biola University. Her research focuses on viral short-form video platforms like TikTok, the music industry, and emerging technologies. Her scholarship has been published in leading academic journals, and she brings real-world industry experience through work with organizations such as Warner Music Group and the Latin Grammys. She completed her Ph.D. and M.A. at the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism and her B.A. at Stanford University. In addition to her academic work, she is also a worship leader and Christian R&B artist (@Ally Arrieta), offering a unique perspective that bridges research, creativity, and faith.
Patrick Sun
Dr. Patrick Sun teaches in Biola's Biology Department. His teaching focuses on Biology's relationship with the environment through courses like Ecology, Environmental Health, and Marine Biology. His lab focuses on environmental stress and how it influences aging, particularly in marine environments.
Jason Leith
Jason lives to find and share God’ story through beauty. Through his work in Sacred Streets, he merges art and justice by making face-to-face portraits with people who are living in the margins of society. From 2012 to 2024, Jason pastored community of hundreds of artists to grow and serve together at Saddleback Church called Saddleback Visual Arts. The ministry is still transforming community through creativity today. He received a Master in Global Leadership with an emphasis in Art & Theology from Fuller Seminary and a Bachelors in Fine Arts from Biola University. Jason is married to Katherine and they with their two daughters live in Orange County, California. See his work at Sacredstreets.org.
Jason Leith in partnership with the Malcolm Initiative.
Please note: Breakouts are held Wednesday only.
Gavin Ortlund — How to Disagree Without Being a Jerk
- Breakout A: 1:30-2:30 p.m. in Chase Gym
- Breakout B: 3-4 p.m. in Mayers Auditorium
- Description: Our society is losing the ability to disagree well. Whether over politics, religion, or culture, or the more everyday issues of normal life, points of view tend to be held with a polarizing intensity. In this talk, Gavin Ortlund looks to the Scriptures to discover a way in which to disagree with others that leads to greater understanding, peace, and love—and that shows a watching world something of Jesus.
Gavin Ortland is in partnership with the Winsome Conviction Project.
Sean McDowell — A Faith Conversation with Deadpool Creator Rob Liefeld
- Breakout A: 1:30-2:30 p.m. in Ethel Lee Auditorium
- Breakout B: 3-4 p.m. in Ethel Lee Auditorium
- Description: Rob Liefeld is one of the most well-known and influential comic book creators over the past five decades. He famously invented both Deadpool and Cable as well as the Image title Youngblood. And he is also a Christian. What is his journey to faith? How does he aim to live out his faith in the comic book world, and how should Christians think about Hollywood? Join us for a conversation and bring your questions!
Scott Moffatt — The Unchanging, Unstoppable Word of God
- Breakout A: 1:30-2:30 p.m. in the Library Exhibition Space
- Breakout B: 3-4 p.m. in the Library Exhibition Space
- Description: After more than 2,000 years hidden in the caves of Qumran, thousands of biblical fragments were discovered along the rocky western shore of the Dead Sea. Among them was a complete scroll containing the entire Book of Isaiah. This remarkable discovery affirmed the Word of God as reliable and unchanging, making Isaiah’s message of hope truly unstoppable.
David Newman — Undone: A Church Planter's Journey Toward Becoming a Good Neighbor
- Breakout A: 1:30-2:30 p.m. in Crowell Lansing Hall
- Breakout B: 3-4 p.m. in Business 109
- Description: From Luke 10:30-37, lessons learned in the field about Christ undoing assumptions about ministry, mission, and who counts as my neighbor.
Jen Smith — Pouring Out Without Running Dry
- Breakout A: 1:30-2:30 p.m. in Calvary Chapel
- Breakout B: 3-4 p.m. in Business 103
- Description: We often hear in ministry that to serve like Jesus, we must be willing to pour ourselves out like Him. However, it is possible to pour ourselves out in Jesus’ name while forgetting that we are meant to pour out from Him and with Him, not simply from ourselves. Come join us as we explore how the resurrection invites us not only to participate in Jesus’ death through sacrifice, but also in His life through intimacy and abiding—receiving from Him even as we pour ourselves out.
Heather Green — The Empty Chair: A Therapeutic Exercise in Resurrection Hope
- Breakout A: 1:30-2:30 p.m. in Business 103
- Breakout B: 3-4 p.m. in Crowell Lansing Hall
- Description: What if the resurrection doesn’t just change what happens after we die, but changes how we understand ourselves, our relationships, our pain, and our future? Drawing from Scripture, counseling psychology, and the therapeutic “empty chair” exercise, we’ll explore the ways shame, anxiety, fear, grief, and relational wounds can shape the stories we tell ourselves—and how the resurrection invites us into a different story. Through reflection and practical exercises, we’ll consider what it looks like to let Jesus have the final word and live “undone” by the reality that He is alive.
Alexandria Arrieta — Beyond Virality: Creating for Purpose Beyond Engagement
- Breakout A: 1:30-2:30 p.m. in Mayers Auditorium
- Breakout B: 3-4 p.m. in Calvary Chapel
- Description: With the rise of platforms like TikTok and short-form video, online creation has increasingly become oriented around virality, attention and metrics. How do we navigate these platforms as people of faith? This session is focused on what it means to engage in artistic creativity and social media strategy in light of the resurrection and for purpose that extends beyond mere engagement.
Patrick Sun — Are We Undone By Climate Change?
- Breakout A: 1:30-2:30 p.m. in Business 109
- Breakout B: 3-4 p.m. in Kim Dining Room
- Description: How do we fight the temptation of being undone by climate anxiety? We'll explore how the Church navigated previous environmental crises to gain insights into how the modern Church can find opportunities in the current climate discussion. The goal of our time is to deepen our ability to love God and people while talking through ice ages, bubonic plagues, and New Testament food laws.
Jason Leith — Taste and See: The Arts on Mission
- Breakout A: 1:30-2:30 p.m. in Kim Dining Room
- Breakout B: 3-4 p.m. in Chase Gym
- Description: Let’s talk about sharing the good news through the arts. Our culture is built around creativity and this generation is yearning to taste and see the gospel. From Jason’s 15 years of experience leading creative groups in the church and in urban mission, you'll get to see real-life examples of how this intersection can flourish in your church or community.
HRL Panel — TBA
- Breakout A: 1:30-2:30 p.m. in Andrews Banquet Room - Talbot East
- Breakout B: 3-4 p.m. in TBA in Andrews Banquet Room - Talbot East
- Description: Coming Soon.
| Experiential Sites | Description | Location & Time |
|---|---|---|
Merch Table |
Come buy exclusive TC merch, including customizable totebags and patches! We will also be having Every Moment Holy merch after their session on Thursday! | Location: Fireside Pavilion |
| Logo Painting | Unwind and channel your creativity by helping us paint our TC UnDone logo! | Location: Fluor Fountain Times: 11 a.m.-1 p.m., 4-6 p.m. Wed/Thurs |
| Kintsugi Artwork |
Inspired by the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery, we will explore the concept of being undone and transformed by decorating wooden crosses with broken porcelain. |
Location: TBA |
| Malcolm Initiative Bead Project | Biola’s very own Malcolm Initiative will be hosting a prayer bead project. Students and guests will have the opportunity to pray over a bead and add it to a string. The strings will create a wall decoration that will be gifted to a local women’s shelter. |
Location: Fluor Fountain |
| Bible Writing: Acts | This year students will have the opportunity to help us write the book of Acts, verse by verse in any version and any language. The completed book will be bound and displayed alongside other books we have created in years past! |
Location: Fireside Pavilion Times: 11 a.m.-1 p.m., 4-6 p.m. Wed/Thurs |
| Puppy Patch and Bunny Patch | Need cuteness and cuddles in your life? This year we have both puppies AND bunnies to get your cuteness fix! | Location: Sycamore Lawn (puppies) SUB Lawn (bunnies) Times: 4-6 p.m. Thurs |
| Trivia Night | Want a social event that's a little more laid-back? Come to trivia night and test your wits against other teams! Both individuals and groups welcome! | Location: Kim Dining Room Times: 8:30-10 p.m. Wed |
| DJ | Come to our annual DJ night, this year hosted by the renowned DJ Bobbito! | Location: Bardwell Patio Times: 9-10 p.m. Wed |
| Lawn Games | Relax and decompress with cornhole, spikeball, and volleyball on the lawn! | Location: Metzger Lawn Times: 4-6 p.m. Wed, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., 4-6 p.m. Thurs |
| Singer/Songwriter Showcase | Stop by the patio to relax and enjoy some music put on by our talented student musicians! | Location: Bardwell Patio |
| Prayer/Process Space | Participate in various reflection stations as we process through what it looks like to be UNDONE for Christ |
Location: SUB upper level |
| SUB Worship | Join in as we enjoy worship led by our student musicians! |
Location: SUB middle level |
Resources
Biola Resources
- 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.
- Pastoral Care will be available by appointment in the Student Services building across from the gym on Wednesday and Thursday from 9 am - 4 pm.
- The Malcolm Initiative mission is the utilization of the arts to glorify God in worship and witness, lifting up the magnificence of Christ toward the fulfillment of the Great Commission and the advance of the global church.
- The Winsome Conviction Academy was launched from a heartfelt concern for the toxic, polarized and unloving communication climate that is permeating our nation and penetrating the body of Christ. We believe that followers of Christ are obliged to communicate with others in loving ways that preserve human dignity, even as we engage in honest and passionate disagreement. We hope to foster conversations within the church and the broader culture that deepen relationships and enrich lives rather than tear us apart.
Requirements
The Torrey Memorial Bible Conference is a three-day conference beginning Wednesday morning, October 7 in Chase Gymnasium with overflow to Ethel Lee Auditorium as needed.
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 toward your chapel requirement for this semester.
Please contact Chapel Records with any questions.
Acknowledgements
BIG THANK YOU to our amazing Event Services and University Video staff who are never fully appreciated for the amazing work they do to make this conference possible.
Thanks to 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.
Thank you Winsome Conviction Project for partnering with us in bringing Gavin Ortlund.
Thank you to the Malcom Initiative for partnering with us in bringing Jackie Hill Perry to Biola.
We couldn’t do it without you!