Biola University has announced it will permanently close The Dwelling, a pastoral care ministry created for students who identify as LGBTQ+ or same-sex attracted, at the end of the Spring 2026 semester.
University President Barry Corey shared the decision during a recent appearance on the Think Biblically podcast, explaining that while the ministry was founded to provide spiritual support, growing public controversy and outside scrutiny prompted the university to reconsider its structure. Corey said a new model of care is now being developed to continue supporting these students in a way that is more clearly understood by the broader community.
Founded in 2017, The Dwelling emerged after years of campus debate and was housed under Biola’s Pastoral Care division. The group was designed to help students walk with Christ while navigating questions of sexuality and faith. Despite leadership changes and the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, the ministry became a place of connection and reflection for many students.
Mark Muha, Biola’s vice president of Student Development, emphasized that the closure does not represent a change in the university’s Christian convictions. He said The Dwelling was always intended to offer pastoral guidance consistent with Biola’s faith-based mission, but confusion across websites, news coverage, and social media led to widespread misunderstanding of its purpose.
Muha added that President Corey has asked the President’s Council on Discipleship and Spiritual Formation to recommend a new approach for caring for students who identify as LGBTQ+ and same-sex attracted. The council is expected to present its recommendations later this spring.
Students connected to The Dwelling say the decision has been painful and unsettling. Many describe the ministry as one of the few spaces on campus where they felt safe discussing faith, identity, and personal struggles. Sophomore Julia Silverman said she was shocked by the announcement, noting that the group was her first Christian community where she could speak openly about her experiences.
Another student, Pres Wilson, said the ministry strengthened her spiritual life, while senior Josiah McCracken expressed concern that outside media pressure may have played too large a role in the university’s decision.
With the ministry’s closure approaching, students say they are uncertain about what support will look like moving forward. University leaders maintain that student care remains a priority, and that a new model will soon take shape.
