Biola University to acquire Phoenix Seminary, expand its reach across the Southwest

Phoenix Seminary is slated to become part of Biola University, a move that leaders of both institutions say will strengthen their respective missions and legacies.

In a statement published Wednesday, Biola University, a nationally ranked Christian institution in Southern California, announced that its Board of Trustees had unanimously approved a plan to acquire the donated assets of Phoenix Seminary and make it part of the university's Talbot School of Theology.

Once the plan is complete, Phoenix Seminary will become Talbot Seminary Phoenix, serving as an Arizona campus that supplements Biola’s existing Talbot School of Theology at its main campus in California.

Talbot Seminary Phoenix is slated to launch in the fall. The plan for Phoenix Seminary to become part of Biola University has been in the works for several weeks. Biola has seven schools that offer more than 250 bachelor's programs. More than 5,500 students are at Biola's La Mirada campus, online and in distance programs throughout the world. Around 300 students attended Phoenix Seminary.

Biola anticipates that "Talbot Seminary Phoenix will serve as a new regional campus — with local faculty and staff on site — supporting expanded theological education initiatives, underscoring Talbot's investment in the future while staying grounded in its theological roots."

"This decision reflects a shared commitment to preserve and strengthen the legacy of biblically faithful theological education that Phoenix Seminary has cultivated for nearly four decades," said Michael Maples, who served as chair of Biola's Board of Trustees during the acquisition process.

Expressing gratitude for Phoenix Seminary's "longstanding service" to the Church, Maples praised the acquisition as "an opportunity to build upon that foundation for future generations of pastors, ministry leaders and Christian scholars."

Ron Ogan, chairman of the board at Phoenix Seminary, believes the move "reflects God's plan and guidance."

"We are grateful that the seminary's legacy will not only continue but be strengthened with this union," he said. "The board has worked diligently to ensure that faithful theological education not only continues in Phoenix but grows stronger for future generations of pastors and ministry leaders."

The leaders of Biola, Talbot School of Theology and Phoenix Seminary reflected on the impact of their respective institutions and what Biola's acquisition of the Arizona-based institution could mean for the future.

"For over 35 years, Phoenix Seminary has played an integral role in developing men and women in Phoenix for a lifetime of faithful ministry," said Phoenix Seminary Chancellor Darryl DelHousaye, who served as president of the seminary from 1997 to 2019. 

"It's been my privilege to walk alongside hundreds of the students, praying for and equipping them for ministry in the Southwest and beyond," he added. "With graduates serving in every time zone across the globe, God has been faithful to the students that have passed through Phoenix Seminary's doors."

Biola University President Barry Corey offered a similar assessment.

"For more than a century, Biola University has prepared students to be a faithful and influential witness in the world for the cause of Christ," he said. "Through this acquisition, Biola University and Talbot School of Theology seek to honor and carry forward Phoenix Seminary's established legacy while investing in its future for generations to come."

Phoenix Seminary detailed the implications of the acquisition for students at both institutions in a statement published May 18, saying Phoenix Seminary will continue operating during the transition and that "[c]lasses will continue this summer as scheduled, faculty will continue teaching, and students can continue progressing in their degree programs while approvals move forward."

"Our intention is to provide continuity and confidence — not disruption," Phoenix Seminary leaders said. "We also want current students to know that, subject to final approvals, our intention is to see current students complete the degrees they have already begun at tuition rates comparable to what you are paying today."

Phoenix Seminary leaders vowed to help ensure the transition does not create "unnecessary financial hardship or interruption to their preparation for ministry."