Multi-Ethnic Programs
The Department of Multi-Ethnic Programs works to engage students in holistic personal development, racial reconciliation, and the development of an authentic community of diverse believers. For more explanation on these points of emphasis, see below.
Multi-Cultural Relations Board
MCR provides Biola students with the resources for diversity training, multicultural education, ethnic identity development, and spiritual growth within the Christian community.
Multi-Ethnic Clubs
Several clubs exist to develop and promote diversity at Biola, as well as to provide additional community for students of color. While all students are welcome to participate, these clubs are generally intended to support and honor members of a particular ethnic or cultural group. If you see a club that appeals to you, get ready to get involved! If you don’t see a group that matches your interests, you can think about establishing one.
Events & Programs
Special on-campus events take place throughout the year to emphasize and celebrate multi-ethnic diversity, through music, poetry, workshops and conferences, and special chapels.
Holistic Development
Just as Jesus ministered to people in a holistic manner, we seek to develop students to be whole and complete. This includes developing students in their spiritual, mental, emotional and social lives. Personal development also includes enhancing our ethnic identity where we learn about our culture, history, and heritage. As we learn of who we are and are secure in our identity, we also can better connect with others of diverse backgrounds.
Reconciliation
Jesus intentionally crossed the social, cultural, and geographic barriers of His time to expand His kingdom, and "as He walked, so should we" (1 John 2:6). Reconciliation encompasses a wide variety of diversity in contemporary society and seeks to build bridges and bring people from diverse backgrounds into meangingful fellowship. Reconciliation is more than just conflict resolution, it is celebrating and appreciating the diversity that is God's creation.
So, reconciliation is an ongoing process of building a vision of a diverse kingdom, building the skills to interact and relate to diverse communities, and functioning together to impact the world around us.
Authentic Community of Believers
On Pentecost the Holy Spirit descended on people "from every nation under heaven" (Acts 2:5). In heaven there is around the throne a multitude from "every nation, tongue, tribe, and people" (Rev. 5:9). It is by God's design that His body is diverse.
We seek to be intentional about building community among believers from different ethnic backgrounds and cultures. We believe that as we come together, everyone has something to offer and we can learn from one another. The exhortations in Scripture to "bear one another's burdens" and "love one another" should be done across racial, socio-economic, and geographic differences.
