Graceland University Student Life: Campus Ministries

As a part of the Student Life team, Campus Ministries seeks to help students find a spiritual home while at Graceland University.

A spiritual home is a courageous space where each individual can explore and deepen their relationship with the divine. A disciple of Jesus Christ can practice and experience Christ’s mission of compassion, evangelism, justice, peacemaking and discipleship. Campus Ministries is a partnership with Community of Christ, the founding and sponsoring church of Graceland University.

Learn More About Graceland And Community Of Christ

The Enduring Principles of Community of Christ are at the core of who we are and what we do:

Grace and generosity
Sacredness of creation
Continuing revelation

Worth of all persons
All are called
Responsible choices

Campus Ministries seeks to build community, share faith and create peace. It is much more than just our slogan. Together with students, faculty and staff, we are called to build community in our houses, through our ministries and across campus; to share faith through worship, education, action and interfaith experiences; to work for justice in such a way that we create peace for the world, our campus, one another and ourselves; to equip ourselves and others for service; and to experience and engage first-hand in mission.

Get involved.

Campus Ministries offers many ways to get involved. While we continue to seek new ways of doing things, our current ministries and activities include:

Sunday Worship – 4 p.m., in the Community of Christ tradition and utilizing the gifts of students, faculty and staff. Held in Cheville Chapel. Communion/Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper on the first Sunday of the month.
Afterglow (Wednesday evening worship) – Student-led worship and band, at 7:30 p.m. featuring a mission-based message and music. Followed by Chats, a faith-focused open conversation. Various locations.
SafeRide-SafeWalk – The Graceland University SafeRide program provides transportation to campus within a 10-mile radius of Graceland’s Lamoni campus. It operates from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday and Saturday evenings, while the university is in session. SafeWalk provides companions for lone walkers across campus on weeknights, 8 p.m. to midnight, except Tuesdays. For either service call 641.784.5438 during hours of operation.
Spiritual practices, including walking the labyrinth, prayer, and Dwelling in the Word are offered periodically throughout the year.
Interfaith Prayer Room (Quiet Room) – available in the Newcom Student Union, Room 39, near the west entrance. It is open 24-7 while the university is in session.
Pastoral care and support – Campus Ministries offers pastoral care and support for students including spiritual guidance and financial assistance for food, clothing, and other basic living needs related to university life.

Our team includes a number of students in three capacities:

House Chaplains

The elected house chaplains and the Chaplain President are called to build community, share faith, and create justice and peace in their respective houses and campus-wide through initiatives and activities. The chaplains serves in an advisory role to the campus minister. Chaplains are an important part of the House Council of each house. Students who serve as chaplains for athletic teams or student clubs and organization are welcome to join the organization. Students who serve in this in this way may be able to earn academic credit for their service and leadership.

Campus Chaplains

This group of student employees is responsible for a wide-range of services and ministries across campus. It includes student pastors, worship coordinators, SafeRide/SafeWalk coordinator and assistants and others. Positions change year-to-year based on student interests, needs and giftedness. Students who serve in this way may also be able to earn academic credit for their service and leadership.

InSpire

Community of Christ Missional Ministry and Leadership Program

Students in InSpire develop and demonstrate life-long ministry and leadership skills providing ministry on campus through Missional Ministry and Leadership Practicum (RELG1700/RELG3700). It is available each semester for credit with all resources provided through the generosity of Community of Christ members and friends. InSpire graduates are recognized for their participation in the program at baccalaureate.

To find out more about our ministries, activities and services, please drop by and see us in the Campus Ministries Suite in the Newcom Student Union, join our group on Facebook, or call or email us. Blessings.

Mike Hoffman, Campus Minister
office: 641.784.5466 | cell: 641.223.0675 | email: mhoffman@graceland.edu