Website: https://emu.edu/studentlife/spiritual-life
Phone: (540) 432-4115
The Campus Pastor and campus ministries staff are a spiritual resource available to students, faculty and staff for conversation, counseling, support and prayer. The pastor offers pastoral care, invites and nurtures leadership, and coordinates programs for spiritual formation and spiritual growth including campus worship services, faith formation groups, Bible studies and spiritual retreats. The campus ministries office is located in the University Commons, 2nd2nd floor, Student Life Suite (UC 224).
Campus Pastor
Brian Martin Burkholder, University Campus Pastor/Director, 540-432-4115, brian.burkholder@emu.edu.
Convocation
A space for developing a sense of community in response to EMU core values and commitments. Speakers engage timely conversations and explore topics from a variety of Christian and interfaith perspectives. Convocation is held every other Wednesday from 10:10-11 a.m. in Lehman Auditorium.
Campus Worship
A space for corporate community worship in a variety of styles over the course of the semester. Campus Worship is held every other Wednesday from 10:10-11 a.m. in Lehman Auditorium.
Seminary Chapel is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11-11:45 a.m. in Martin Chapel (Seminary building).
Convo Breakout Gatherings
Convo Breakout Gatherings happen at the same time as Campus Worship. These groups are small group, topic-specific conversations held every other Wednesday from 10:10-11 a.m. in various campus locations.
Convocation and Campus Worship Schedule and Podcasts
The schedule for convocation, campus worship and related events are posted in the events box of the myEMU (portal). It is found at this link: http//www.my.emu.edu/ics. Podcasts of input from convocation, campus worship and related events are posted at this link: http://emu.edu/blog/podcast/.
Ministry Assistants and Pastoral Assistants
Ministry assistants (MAs) are students who volunteer to help with various ministries on campus. They might lead or join weekly Bible studies, assist with ministry clubs like Celebration, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Celebration and Gospel Choir or develop their own ministries such as prayer, service, encouragement and relationship-building wherever they are living.
Pastoral Assistants (PAs) serve the campus community in a variety of ministry leadership roles. PAs help plan and lead campus worship and facilitate gatherings that nurture spiritual growth and faith formation by encouraging reflection and engagement along with planning spiritual renewal events.
Journey Conversation Groups and Small Groups
Journey conversation groups, groups of 2-3 students matched with a faculty or staff member, meet regularly for mutual personal, spiritual, and faith formation. Assistance and support in forming other small group ministries is provided. Any student desiring to lead a specific type of small group is encouraged to discuss it with the campus pastor or pastoral assistant.
Retreats and Adventures
Periodic faith and spiritual growth retreats are offered through campus ministries. One-day and overnight retreats, focusing on exploring one’s vocation and calling are offered. Other options include quiet prayerful retreats, spiritual disciplines/practices retreats, and outdoor adventures.
Spiritual Direction/Companion
Campus ministries staff will assist students in finding a seminary student spiritual companion and provide spiritual direction themselves as available. Use this form to request a spiritual companion: http://emu.edu/studentlife/campus-ministries/forms/request-for-a-spiritual-companion/
Spiritual Renewal Events
Each semester, additional emphasis is given to spiritual awakening and renewal on campus. Christian leaders are invited to provide input and special activities are planned by campus ministries.
Meditation - Prayer Rooms
Several rooms are set aside for meditation and prayer. These spaces are intentionally accessible for interfaith use. They are located in the Northlawn Residence Hall (NL148B) and the Seminary building.
Congregational Involvement
Students are encouraged to connect with one of the many congregations in the Harrisonburg area. Information about area churches and faith communities of several denominations is provided on EMU’s area church directory. Students needing transportation to church services will find contact information on this page.