What if the greatest opportunities for sharing the Gospel are found where the opposition is strongest? In this episode of The Missional Leader, Rob talks with Dr. Barry Corey, president of Biola University and a leading voice in Christian higher education. For almost two decades, Dr. Corey has led through the challenges of culture, politics, and faith in the heart of Southern California, one of the most progressive areas in the United States.—

From his New England roots to leading in California’s shifting cultural landscape, Dr. Corey , shares vulnerably about the burdens and breakthroughs of leadership, and what it means to stay grounded in biblical truth while boldly engaging today’s world.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Biola University: https://www.biola.edu/

Washington Post Op-Ed: "We first battled over LGBT and religious rights. Here’s how we became friends." by Barry Corey and Evan Low: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2017/03/03/we-first-battled-over-lgbt-and-religious-rights-heres-how-we-became-unlikely-friends/

Doritos Super Bowl commercial made by Biola film students:
https://www.biola.edu/blogs/biola-news/2025/biola-alumni-on-their-way-to-crash-the-super-bowl

OneHope Research - Gen Alpha
https://onehope.net/global-outreach/research/

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Trusting God’s Tailwinds in Leadership
01:12 The Life-Changing Bob Cooley Mentorship
02:28 Necessary: Flourishing Under the Weight of Leadership
03:50 Surviving and Thriving in Challenging Higher Ed Climates
05:32 Leading Christian Education in Progressive California
07:48 God’s Tailwinds vs. Cultural Headwinds
09:49 Building Unexpected Friendships Across Ideological Divides
12:48 Listening to Learn, Not Just to Respond
15:19 Firm Center, Soft Edges: Biola’s Approach to Controversy
17:39 Balancing Truth and Grace in University Culture
20:13 Excellence as Apologetics: Biola’s Award-Winning Doritos Story
22:35 Avoiding the Culture War Mentality
24:00 Ensuring Deep Biblical Foundations for Students
25:55 Hopeful Signs and Concerns for the Next Generation
28:46 Lessons from Europe’s “Quiet Revival”
30:14 Challenging Churches to Deepen Discipleship for Gen Z