LA MIRADA, CALIF. — The 51 Talbot School of Theology announced a leadership transition and program integration within its Institute for Spiritual Formation (ISF), reflecting a continued commitment to holistic spiritual and ministerial training.

Effective August 15, Dr. Kyle Strobel will assume the role of director of the Institute for Spiritual Formation. Dr. John Coe, who has faithfully served as director of the program for 24 years, will continue as a faculty member, working closely with Strobel to support ISF students. This leadership transition marks a new chapter in the life of ISF, building on a rich legacy of spiritually formative theological education.

“Talbot is unique in its spiritual formation focus, and we are thankful for Dr. Coe’s innovative leadership for 24 years, and thrilled to see Dr. Strobel step into this new role,” dean of Talbot School of Theology Dr. Ed Stetzer explained. “Dr. Strobel’s love for the Puritans, and his theological grounding as a Jonathan Edwards scholar speak to a bright future for biblically grounded spiritual formation.”

As part of this transition, the Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) program will now be housed under the Institute for Spiritual Formation. This integration reflects a shared vision: that the training of both ministers and therapists begins with the formation of the person — emotionally, spiritually and communally.

Talbot’s formation-first approach emphasizes that ministry preparation involves more than academic rigor: it requires training in wisdom and love. Whether preparing future therapists or ministers, ISF prioritizes the formation of the student, focusing on the devotional, communal, and internal dynamics of becoming more like Christ. Rooted in Scripture, these programs emphasize that ministry and care of souls require more than information — they require transformation.

“There can be no doubt that the care of souls is at the heart of the church’s calling,” said Strobel. “And yet, we face a crisis — of pastoral failures, mental health, burnout and sin distorting the church’s witness. Our goal is to recover the care of souls with a biblically-faithful, spiritually-deep, and theologically-rich vision of life in the presence of God.”

Both the ISF and the MFT programs remain distinct in their focus on spiritual formation as central to their curriculum. As Dr. Berry Bishop, co-chair of the programs, originally envisioned for the MFT program, the formation of the therapist is foundational to the care they offer — an emphasis that will continue and deepen in this new chapter.

This transition positions Talbot to further advance its mission of preparing servant leaders who embody the wisdom, love and presence of Christ in every aspect of life and ministry. Learn about the academic opportunities offered by 51’s Institute for Spiritual Formation by visiting the website.

Written by Brenda Velasco, senior director of university communications. For more information, email media.relations@biola.edu.