Andrew Kelley

Pastor and Adjunct Professor

New Testament, M.A. '11

Aside from my church, there is no other institution to which I feel a greater attachment and a greater appreciation.

How did your program at Biola prepare you for your career?

Biola did a very good job preparing for the research and teaching aspects of my career (including research for sermon prep and other church related projects). I acquired several skills necessary to be faithful and persist in answering questions and preparing sermons, lectures, etc.

What did you appreciate most about your time at Biola?

The professors who were not only skilled and knowledgable — they also were men and women of character who loved Jesus and his church. Some of my best experiencing in my entire formal education (including before and after Biola/Talbot) were with professors both inside and outside the classroom. Aside from my church, there is no other institution to which I feel a greater attachment and a greater appreciation.

How did Biola equip you to be a more faithful follower of Jesus Christ?

Example. Professors lead thoughtful lives of integrity. The classes themselves also were set within the frame of faithful christian living. I learned a lot about what it means to be a follower of Christ in that setting — but much of it was also in the informal interactions I had with professors.

What advice would you give to students considering your degree program?

I loved the M.A. in New Testament. When I was in it (a decade ago) it did not focus a great deal on preparation for ministry (which was probably by design). If one were considering ministry, I might not recommend it. Read primary texts. Take lots of Greek. Enjoy your time there and make friends — it is so incredibly brief and irreplaceable.