LA MIRADA, CALIF. — Latinos outnumber whites in Southern California as of 2014. Nearby Biola University looks to prepare Hispanic pastors and Christians who serve this growing Hispanic population. The 37th annual Biola University Hispanic Conference on April 9, 2016 will focus on “A Biblical Worldview: How Christ Changes Everything.” Hosted by Biola’s Talbot School of Theology, the conference will provide an educational training opportunity for pastors and Christian leaders from Spanish-speaking evangelical churches from the greater southern California area.

Conference themes are chosen to address important issues of concern to the church in order to enhance its witness in contemporary culture. According to Biola professor Octavio Esqueda, who helped plan the conference, a believer’s worldview must be biblically rooted and theologically centered for effective ministry.

“Everything is "sacred" because it has the creator God as its origin,” said Esqueda. “We want people to understand that theology is always practical. We all need to interact with this world from a Christian perspective.”

The conference is meant to reflect Biola’s vision to think biblically about everything in hopes of connecting theology and everyday life.

William Taylor, an experienced missiologist and author, is the keynote speaker for the conference. Originally born in Costa Rica, Taylor has lived, studied, and taught in Central America for more than 30 years at the Central American Theological Seminary (SETECA). He is currently working with the Mission Commission of the World Evangelical Alliance and is the founder and President of Taylor Global Consult. Taylor will speak on what a biblical worldview is and how to implement it in one’s life.

Other workshop topics include: How do You Think Biblically About Everything?; The 7 C’s of a Biblical Worldview; Theology for Daily Life; What is the Gospel?; Does Your Lifestyle Match your Beliefs and Values?; Social Issues and a Biblical Worldview; and Ways to Teach Children a Biblical Worldview.

The conference includes corporate worship, two plenary addresses, and 7 repeated workshops. Additionally there will be a children’s educational program with Bible lessons and structured recreation (ages 4-12). Participants can expect to sharpen their skills and knowledge for more effective ministry.

The one-day event, hosted by Biola’s Talbot School of Theology is Saturday, April 9 from 8 to 3 p.m. on Biola’s campus in La Mirada, Calif. Deadline for registration is March 31. For further information about registration, group registration, or ticket pricing, please visit the Biola Hispanic Conference website, here.

For press passes or further information, contact Jenna Loumagne, media relations specialist, at (562) 777-4061 or jenna.loumagne@biola.edu.