Jordan Barrett

Adjunct Professor

Biblical and Theological Studies, B.A. '05

Biola not only taught me through courses and gave me a degree, but it challenged me to be shaped by the Word of God every week.

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

The courses I took challenged me in three key areas: first, they gave me strong foundations in Scripture and theology. This gave a clear place to begin when evaluating books, new ideas, culture, etc. Second, these foundations were broad in focus and helped me see the forest amidst the trees. No undergraduate degree can be comprehensive, but my courses included a healthy breadth that helped prepare me for additional education in Bible and theology. Finally, my courses challenged me to learn how to focus on select details in Scripture and theology. Not only was I exposed and guided through the breadth, but I was given the chance to zoom in on fine points with the help of wise and able professors.

What did you appreciate most about your time at Biola?

There is some truth to the fact that any person can find most of the course information online through podcasts, e-books, sermons, etc. However, education is not only about learning information (although it is not less than this). Even more important is "who" is communicating this information to you. The professors at Biola are some of the best evangelical teachers in the nation. Their teaching skills, mentorship, office hours, etc. were crucial to how I received and digested the course material. In this sense, I am most grateful for the professors and their strong teaching and personal skills.

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

Biola not only taught me through courses and gave me a degree, but it challenged me to be shaped by the Word of God every week. This was done through chapels, conferences, dorm activities, mission trip opportunities, and godly leadership from the highest to lowest level.

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

Considering a specific degree program is a choice, but I also think it is a calling. Thus, I would advise students to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to lead them into a particular degree with conviction. Do not be afraid of what you will do next or whether this program will give you financial stability. Look first at where God is calling you. If he is calling you to ministry, further Bible/theology education, or anything similar, then Biola's Biblical and Theological Studies program will serve you well. You will not only learn, but you will be shaped as a thinker and person who can go out into the world with confidence not in your abilities and knowledge, but in Christ and his work. You will learn that your education prepares you to be a certain kind of person who can imitate Jesus to the world and fellow Christians.