As Torrey Conference 2025 has come to a close and students have returned to the rhythm of daily life, the question remains: how are we to carry what we’ve learned into the throws of daily life? Beyond the packed sessions and moments of worship, the conference invited us to pause and dwell on what it means to approach God with childlike faith. The theme “Childlike” emphasizes the reality that Christ has called us to slow down, rediscover humility, cultivate wonder, and simplistically align our lives to the way of the Lord.
With its range of speakers, breakout sessions, and worship formats, the conference can feel overwhelming in retrospect. It is, however, a vital opportunity for reflection, inviting the Biola community to grow in unity and spiritual depth. Conferences like Torrey inevitably spark a variety of reactions and takeaways, but it is often in these differences of opinions that true discussion becomes the most productive.
Many students expressed gratitude for the time of rest and renewal. Junior business major and Hope Hall resident advisor Elinor Johns shared that she was “very grateful for this conference, and that we have this opportunity to pause and reflect, and take the time to see where we’re at in relation to the Lord.”
Senior design major Karla Fuentes echoed that sense of peace, describing it as “a time of dwelling in the Lord, resting in him, and surrendering everything to him,” illustrating the beauty that intentional time with God produces.
Sophomore sociology major Emma Imes reflected on the theme’s practical impact, extending its ideas beyond the conference itself and into life. “I learned that listening is the first step to loving,” said Imes. Her words captured one of the core invitations of the conference: to slow down, to hear, and to love others as Christ does.
Junior CMA entertainment business major Karlie Deckard echoed similar sentiments. “I enjoyed seeing students worship and seeing how this break from classes was beneficial for students,” said Dekard. Her reflection highlights the conference’s role in fostering a communal rest and renewal, in prompting pause from academic demands, and acting as a sacred rhythm of rest that reorients students toward God and one another.
“[It was] such a great opportunity to not just look inward at ourselves and where we’re at with God,” said Johns.”To check in with those around us, to grow our relationships with our neighbors –with the ones we know really well and the ones we have yet to know, and have these conversations and ask good questions that build up our own faith and others’ faith as well.” Her words capture the heart of what many students echoed: that setting aside time for contemplation of God also deepens the bonds of Christian community.
Through these reflections, one theme became clear, the conference sparked a renewed understanding of identity and calling as believers.
Senior English major Sophia DeGuzman expressed that “God calls me his daughter and I’m allowed to experience things heavily and emotionally, and allowed to be loved on like a child.” Her words capture the heart of the conference’s message: that childlikeness in faith is not the same as childishness. To be childlike before God is to embrace dependence without immaturity, to feel deeply, to receive and give love freely, and to trust fully. DeGuzman’s insight reframes emotional vulnerability not as a weakness, but as a sacred invitation to experience God’s love like a child, with wonder, humility, and freedom.
As students return to their studies and routines, the invitation of the Torrey Conference remains: to live each day with hearts of wonder, humility, and trust. To be childlike is not to be naive, but to stand before God with open hands and genuine delight, remembering that we are His beloved children, called to dwell with Him and reflect His love to those around us.
