The Student News Site of Biola University

The Chimes
The Student News Site of Biola University

The Chimes
The Student News Site of Biola University

The Chimes

A fully student-led conference

Missions Conference, in contrast to Torrey Conference, is completely run by students from start to finish.
A special look from the inside on Biola’s annual Cook Missions Conference, and how it is famously student-run from beginning to end, seamlessly.
Izzy Putney, Staff Writer • March 17, 2026

The annual Cook Missions Conference at Biola University is currently the largest student-led missions conference in the world. Run entirely by students from start to finish, this conference is anticipated by many, and has become a place where students come, expectant for the Spirit to move in miraculous...

Q&A with the 2026 Missions Conference directors

2026 Missions Conference directors Gaby Cole and Katie Ragains share their inspirations and goals for this year's MC.
Shining a light on the minds behind Biola’s 2026 Cook Missions Conference.
Alivia Woolard, Staff Writer • March 17, 2026

As the Spring semester hits its halfway point, Biola students once again begin to prepare for the annual Cook Missions Conference, renamed last year in order to honor the legacy university’s former president Clyde Cook. In contrast to the annual Torrey Conference, the Cook Missions Conference is entirely...

Biola Missions Conference name change honors the Cook legacy

President Barry Corey (far right) announces the renaming of Missions Conference and honors the Cook family onstage on Mar. 19, 2025. Pictured left to right: Laura Botka, Ken Botka, Tyler Botka, Jamie Cook, Craig Cook, President Barry Corey
Biola Missions Conference renews the legacy of its seventh university president with a historic name change.
Emanuel Gomez, Freelancer • March 24, 2025

Biola University’s 95th annual Missions Conference commemorated the legacy of former university president Clyde Cook by renaming the conference in his honor. This name change also comes after the recent closure of the Cook School of Intercultural Studies in the summer of 2024. Current President...