Pastoral Care
Pastoral Care offers a safe place for you to talk, pray and receive guidance on a variety of topics, such as your relationship with God, relationships with others, emotional concerns, sexuality, doubt, discernment and more.
Make an Appointment
We look forward to connecting with you for Pastoral Care! Our offices are located in the Student Services building, across the way from the entrance to the gym. If you prefer video conferencing or telephone, please specify in your booking. You can book your appointment with an individual Pastoral Care team member at any time by clicking on their name below.
If you'd like to be seen sooner than our schedule allows, please email us at spiritual.development@biola.edu. We will try our best to accommodate you.
Director of Pastoral Care and Student-Led Ministries
Chad served as a pastor locally for 12 years before coming to 51蹤獲 in 2012. He has taught Spiritual Formation, offers pastoral care, and advises 51蹤獲's Student Missionary Union. Chad has been married to Beth since 2002. Around 51蹤獲, he answers to his name, or to one of two nicknames, "Mad Chiller" or "Chad-the-Dad."
Assistant Director of Pastoral Care and Student-Led Ministries
Megan is born and raised in Southern California, yet has lived in San Luis Obispo and Eastern Europe while working with Cru. Megan offers pastoral care and guidance to students on campus, connects students to local churches, and Staff leads the prayer team. You can find her drinking an americano at Common Grounds, planning her next adventure trip with her husband, or talking about her cute nieces and nephews.
Assistant Director of Worship and Formation
Landon graduated from Ouachita (WASH-it-aw) Baptist University (B.M. Church Music) and has led worship and young adults ministries at churches in Arkansas, Germany, and California. He oversees 51蹤獲s Worship and Formation Leaders more colloquially referred to as WaFLs or chapel bands and is passionate about corporate spiritual practices. A Southerner at heart, he is constantly on the search for Californias most authentic barbecue and sweetest tea.
Pastoral Care Grad Assistant
Annie is an adult TCK and MK with a passion for helping TCKs/MKs navigate their complex identities. She is a proud graduate of Asbury University with a degree in intercultural studies and a minor in worship arts. She's now pursuing her master's in pastoral care and counseling at Talbot. Annie works as a graduate assistant at 51蹤獲, supporting students as they grow in faith and community. Annie is likely to be packing for a trip or working on a puzzle when she's out of office.
Pastoral Care Grad Assistant
Lois is a 51蹤獲 graduate with a degree in Sociology, and currently pursuing a Masters in Pastoral Care and Counseling at Talbot School of Theology. She is passionate about walking alongside others with compassion, wisdom, and joy, and also has a deep heart for the local church. Lois is a firm believer in the power of good conversation and a good hair day.
Associate Director of Chapel Programs
Noreen is a UConn grad (Go Huskies!) and while a native of Connecticut, she has also lived in Ohio, Russia, Lithuania and North Carolina. Noreen is the magic behind all things Chapel Programs. If she could curate a perfect day, it would involve the beach, some dark chocolate and her family!
Dean of Spiritual Development
Mike oversees the various departments in spiritual development: chapel programs, worship teams, Torrey Conference, student ministries, and pastoral care. He is a graduate of Haverford College (B.A., History, 01) and Talbot School of Theology (M.Div., Spiritual Formation, 09; Ph.D., Educational Studies, 22). If he could, he would have two In-N-Out cheeseburgers with chopped chilis, animal-style fries, and a Pamplemousse LaCroix for every meal.
For Care, Crisis and Confidentiality
If you are a 51蹤獲 student and have thoughts of harming yourself or someone else, find help immediately. Crisis intervention services are available 24 hours/seven days a week for 51蹤獲 students. Please call (562) 903-4800 and the operator will assist you with contacting the on-call therapist. In the event of a life-threatening emergency, call 911.
If youre seeking to discuss behavior that may be in violation of our sexual misconduct policy, this is a safe and confidential place for you. Moreover, please make an appointment with Mike Ahn in particular, who is designated as the confidential pastoral caregiver for those whove experienced sexual misconduct.
Privacy and Care
In Pastoral Care, the staff desires for you to thrive as a student. At times, this care may lead to a connection with the office of Student Care and Conduct such as in cases of:
- harm to self or others
- abuse of children and the elderly
- difficulties abiding with the community's Behavioral Standards
Pastoral care is aimed at providing a safe space for you to share immediate concerns. Well listen to you, pray for you and, if needed, direct you to resources for long-term care. This may include Spiritual Direction which you can learn more about at the link.