A total of 1,583 undergraduate and graduate students began their collegiate career at Biola University on the first day of classes on Monday, August 29. Together in Chase Gymnasium, Biola President Barry H. Corey, faculty, staff and students celebrated the start of the Fall 2022 semester with Convocation Chapel. Worship leader and songwriter Matt Redman will be a Songwriter in Residence within the School of Fine Arts and Communication this year, and he led worship alongside a choir of 20 current music students.

During his Convocation Chapel sermon, Corey touched on how Paul urged the Philippians to love one another and walk by faith.

“The big idea is for us to abound in our faith, especially coming out of difficult situations, the pandemic being one of them,” said Corey.

As Corey spoke, he addressed students who represent 45 countries and 41 states and U.S. territories.

In his address to the community, Corey talked about the abounding love for both God and other people that Paul emphasizes time and again in the book of Philippians.

“Students, center yourselves on the way Jesus called you to live,” said Corey. “At Biola, we are here to help you think about things first, so that your love abounds more and more in knowledge and wisdom, and you are able to discern what is best.”

Corey concluded his message with a declaration of hope that the Biola community would serve each other in love and selflessness.

“Biola, my prayer is that our love would abound more and more for each other, and you would learn to grow in your love for each other by living into the disciplines of knowledge and wisdom,” said Corey.

As Corey began the year by speaking on Philippians, the Chapel Programs theme for the rest of the academic year, “Abound,” will be taking a deep look at the book of Philippians. During Welcome Week, students had the opportunity to move into their residence halls, attend the Campus Resource Fair, take class tours, meet their orientation leaders and groups and attend the University Welcome. On Saturday night, families were welcome to attend the annual University Communion Service.

Students can view the full chapel schedule and read more about chapel opportunities on campus by visiting the Chapel Schedule. To keep up on more events happening on campus, students can download the Biola mobile app. 

Written by Sarah Dougher, media relations coordinator and administrative assistant to the senior director of university communications. For more information, contact media.relations@biola.edu.