THE RECORD OnlineFeaturesThe Main Thing: Spiritual Formation
Chapel Chapel is the cornerstone of spiritual formation at GC. A place of corporate worship, prayer, education and growth, Chapel exists to encourage the community and foster a relationship with Christ. The Chapel curriculum, developed by Chaplin Lori Gaffner, runs on a four-year cycle, giving each group of freshmen the chance to participate in the entire program. This year, Chapel will focus on Living in Christian Community." Classroom During their time at Greenville, students are encouraged to develop and solidify a faith that will stand against attack once they enter the work force, having left the cocoon of home and GC. The classroom is a safe place for asking questions and digging deeper in their faith. "I would say pre-Greenville, I had a solid foundation but I did not think a lot for myself. I think now I am at a better point in my life because I have developed my own ideas rather than just being fed and regurgitating what my parents taught me. "This is a period of faith development where kids are coming into world views different than what they grew up with. They are intersecting with people from different perspectives. They want to think about the faith that their parents have passed on to them and that they have just accepted. How are they going to embrace that faith? It is an exciting thing to be a participant with them on that. GSO and Service Learning Projects As evidenced by this issues cover story, students' lives are changed when they serve. Students are offered a variety of service opportunities each semester. Learn more about GSO and student service projects such as Urban Plunge, Big Brothers/Big Sisters and Habitat for Humanity at: www.greenville.edu/campusgroups/gso. The Counsel for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) found the most spiritual growth and internalized faith commitments occur among students who have participated in cross-cultural and/or service learning experiences. Vespers Vespers, a student-led worship service, is held each Thursday night in LaDue Auditorium and consists of music, testimonies, Scripture readings, and preaching by students. "I enjoy hearing the stories of other students. I like hearing what they are struggling with, even if I haven't been through it. It can be an encouragement. It is amazing that students are willing to stand up and speak about their experiences. "I think students are desperate for authenticity. This is why they love Vespers. The lights are off. Not a lot of attention is given to the worship leaders. They are focusing on the words they are singing and their relationship with Christ. It is very raw and authentic. Floor Bible Studies Resident Chaplains (RCs) meet weekly in small groups with students on their floor encouraging them through Bible study and accountability with their peers. "There are pockets of spiritual formation everywhere. Students who grew up in the church, but maybe haven't solidified their faith, found that their relationship with their RC to be vital to their spiritual development. "It is a good time to share openly and honestly and be vulnerable with other people. When we talk openly about what we are struggling with, I notice a personal connection there with other guys. It's the one on one accountability and people praying for me that means the most. Walkabout Each summer Greenville College's student leaders, in modeling after our desert fathers, are called to a wilderness encounter. This ten-day experience in the Smoky Mountains changes our students in incredible ways and prepares them like nothing else for a life of service and Kingdom work. "Walkabout stretched me emotionally and physically. My emotional walls were broken down and I was able to make lasting memories. I truly miss the time we spent setting up camp and talking around the fire. The Main Thing Spiritual formation at Greenville College comes in a variety of different packages. As students, faculty and staff engage in these opportunities, the evidence of growth is seen in their character and their actions. "Yes, we have traditional means of spiritual formation, but it is also a way of being. It is being a participant in the kingdom of God and that shows up even in the mundane, daily parts of life. Last updated: October 25, 2005 |
Recent studies show that students don't just go to college with hungry minds. They go to college with hearts searching for meaning and purpose. Students who come to Greenville College are seeking God and His will in their lives. We see it as our calling to provide opportunities for spiritual formation in and out of the classroom, in traditional settings like chapel and nontraditional ones like a dorm lounge. Our emphasis on community is a part of it. We also want students to have a chance to participate in service organizations and experience cross-cultural situations. But ultimately, we want to provide students with every opportunity we can give them to solidify their faith and deepen their relationship with Christ. The following are a few opportunities for students seeking to grow in their spiritual walk: