In conclusion to the “God, Where Are You in Culture?” series, Bob Goff, author of “Love Does,” will speak to the Biola community on Thursday, May 1 about loving others and discovering a Christ-centered identity.

“We’re going to talk about loving people big, and whimsy, and figuring out who God wants you to be,” Goff said in a promo video made by Associated Students.

The Bob Goff: Love & Culture event will be held in Chase Gymnasium and will be open to the public free of charge, while offering chapel credit to Biola students.

The West Angeles Cathedral Singers from the West Angeles Church of God in Christ will be leading worship for the opening and closing of the event, said Mark Nesbitt, Associated Students religious lectures coordinator. A book signing with Goff will also follow directly after the event, Nesbitt said.

Venue change for larger crowds

The event was originally planned to be held in Sutherland Auditorium, but due to the overwhelming response it was relocated to Chase Gym, Nesbitt said.

“I think Facilities [Services] just recognized that it is going to be a popular event, so in order to accommodate all the people that will be attending, we were able to work it out,” Nesbitt said.

In light of the event, concerns about Biola’s lack of event space have resurfaced and sparked conversations about possible solutions.

The issue with space in regard to popular events, such as this one, is more evidence of Biola’s need for an event center, said Laura Igram-Edwards, AS adviser.

“If we had an event center, then we wouldn’t have to create a stage, and that’s where those extra costs come in,” Igram-Edwards said.

The venue change cost an extra $1,775 to cover extra facilities costs, which was approved by the AS Senate at the beginning of April. 

Closing the semester strong

An overall positive response from students confirms that the event will be a good conclusion to the academic year, according to Igram-Edwards.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to do one of our biggest, final, end-of-the-year events. So that’s why we’re excited about it,” she said.

Students seem excited about the event because of the way Goff communicates, Igram-Edwards said.

“His approach and his openness and the way that he communicates to his audience is something that really appeals to Biola students,” Igram-Edwards said.

Students who have read the book are not the only ones excited about hearing Goff speak.

“I’ve been wanting to read his book for a really long time, so I’m excited to see what he has to say,” said Makalie Johnson, junior kinesiology major.

For some, being able to meet Goff in person will serve as motivation to read his work.

“I haven’t read the book yet … I’ll probably read the book after I go and get it signed,” said Emilie Rosenow, a freshman undeclared major.