Abiding in Christ with Community
Mature faith grows as we learn to walk daily with God and others, often by cultivating spiritual rhythms (John 15:1-11). And, all too often, the process of growth also involves failure! There is, however, no condemnation for those of us in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1), and through these moments of faltering we can discover God’s invitation to work out our growth with Him (Philippians 2:12-13). At times, faith involves releasing our spiritual “progress” to Him and resting in His gracious work in us.
Biola is full of resources to support your growth in life-long abiding with Christ and in community, including staff who are here to assist you personally as you discern God’s work in the seasons of your life so that you can cooperate with Him. Our prayer is that during your time at Biola you will engage in encouraging relationships and rhythms of life such as scripture reading, prayer, service, and joining intergenerational church communities. We pray that these rhythms will become foundational habits for your life-long abiding in Christ, that as you abide in His Love you’ll bear good fruit for his kingdom, and that you’ll experience the fullness of the Lord’s joy in the process (John 15:1-11).
What Biola Students Say
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Prayer Requests
most common during Fives chapels are for peace and strength in the midst of stress and difficulty, growth in relationships with others, and growth in intimacy and trust with God
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Spiritual Disciplines
identified as most helpful for their life with God are personal devotional time, bible classes, church engagement, and chapels
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Concerns
that most often bring students to Pastoral Care are a sense of overwhelm, questions of shame and guilt, family relationships, relationships with friends or significant others, and mental or physical health concerns
Campus Resources
What one small step can you take to practice well-being in your life with God?
Learn & Practice Self-Care
- Create a rhythm with God that can carry you through life’s ups and downs.
- Engage Spiritual Development’s prayer resources.
Check out Campus Resources & Events
- Pause for prayer and reflection around campus.
- Check out which chapel opportunity will best support your growth with God.
- Plan your chapel schedule around topics and speakers you’ll learn from.
- Meet with a Career Counselor to continue discerning your vocation.
Build your Community
- Serve through Spiritual Development ministries or the Student Missionary Union.
- Get plugged in to a local church.
Develop your Skills in Classes & Workshops
- Intentionally engage your Bible classes, taking full advantage of prayer projects, reflection papers and learning skills for deeper study of God’s word.
Talk about Your Concerns
- Make an appointment for Pastoral Care to talk and pray with someone.
- Discern God’s voice in your daily life with a Spiritual Director in monthly Spiritual Direction.
Additional Resources from Biola
The Biola Hour
Listen to the Biola Hour, biblically grounded conversations on culturally relevant issues so that we can cultivate our calling to love God and others in our everyday lives.
Christ as Model and Guide for Life in a Pandemic
Hear Dr. David Wang on grief with God in the pandemic.
Let Gratitude Be Your Guide
Join Dr. Danielle Walker in practicing gratitude.
Your Paintings Will Take You Where the Gospel is Not Welcome
Listen to Brian Peterson share his ministry story and how “the homeless” became neighbor and friend.
Discerning the will of God
Todd Pickett shares wisdom on discerning the voice and will of God: Is it Him or is it me?
The Savior Healer
Alex Choi talks about Jesus as savior and healer.
Jesus and the original "God With Us"
Dr. Carmen Imes shares about Jesus and the original “God With Us."
The Truth about Ruth
Hear Jennifer Guerra Aldana on the story of Ruth.
Depression, Anxiety and Cake
Hear Karrie Garcia on life with God in the midst of depression and anxiety.
Ministry in the Middle
Hear from Naima Lett on “Ministry in the Middle."
Past Chapels and Conferences
Search past chapels and conferences to deepen your understanding of living faithfully with God.