Union College provides an active spiritual life program that
provides for fellowship, prayer, Bible study and other discussion and study groups to strengthen faith and encourage spiritual growth. We encourage you to discover and seek a growing and lifeaffirming spiritual faith. Through a variety of activities integrated into the college experience, members of the campus community are encouraged to live out values in relationship with themselves, other persons, and the world. The College Minister is friend, pastor, preacher, and worship leader for the campus community and, as coordinator of religious activities, is involved in the issues that concern the College, foster community, and develop corporate responsibility. The College Minister is also available for discussion and counseling, and can provide more information about faith-based programs.
Spiritual Life Center (Norton Hall)
The Spiritual Life Center is the primary space for you to gather for meaningful conversations about the things that matter most, and it is also much more. Your are always welcome to come by to simply hang out and relax, rest, have a conversation, study, pray, have informal devotions and worship, share a meal, check e-mail, or work on the computer. The College Minister’s office is located there and you are always welcome to stop by and visit.
Mission Through Service
During the course of most semesters, Spiritual Life and Common Partners programs work together to provide unforgettable experiences of serving those in need. There are countless opportunities for students to serve, and each semester and spring break, service learning trips are sponsored.
Study and Spiritual Growth Opportunities
The Spiritual Life Program offers regular faith and study groups, as well as retreats and other trips that challenge you to grow in your faith and as a person. These include fall and spring retreats, regular discussion and study groups as well as adventures that give you the opportunity to join with other people through living out your faith.
Lecture Series
The Spiritual Life Program sponsors two lectures each academic year. The Wilson-Gross Spring Lecture seeks to bring distinguished speakers to the campus to discuss vital issues confronting the modern church and society. The Fall Staley Lectures seeks to bring to college and university campuses of America distinguished scholars who truly believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and who can clearly identify with students.
Spiritual and Pastoral Counseling
As a United Methodist School, Union College affirms the whole person. The campus College Minister is available to assist you with your spiritual development, regardless of your particular denomination or faith. You may have specific concerns about beliefs, discipleship or prayer, or you may be exploring your spiritual life for the first time. The College Minister is available for individual or group counseling by appointment or on a drop-in basis. Referrals can also be made in crisis situations and for long-term personal counseling. Pre-marriage and marriage counseling is available. On occasion, small groups are formed for sharing and support on a variety of issues. The College Minister is available also to talk with those who may be called into ministry and mission work and who would like to explore those possibilities.
