Spiritual Life - Undergraduate
Website: 
Phone: (540) 432-4115
The University Chaplain and Faith and Spiritual Life staff are a spiritual resource available to all students, faculty and staff for conversation, counseling, support and prayer. The chaplain offers spiritual mentoring, relational pastoral care, and coordinates programs for spiritual formation and spiritual growth including campus worship services, faith formation groups, retreats and special events. The Office of Faith and Spiritual Life is located in the University Commons, 2nd floor, Student Life Suite (UC 224).
University Chaplain / Director - Office of Faith and Spiritual Life
Brian Martin Burkholder, University Chaplain/Director, 540-432-4115, brian.burkholder@emu.edu.
Campus Worship
Campus Worship is an invitational space for gathered worship in Christian traditions and a variety of styles. It is held every other Wednesday from 10:15-11:05 a.m. in Martin Chapel (Seminary building).
Seminary Chapel Gathering is held most Wednesdays from 10:15-11:05 a.m. in the Seminary building.
Celebration: Praise Worship and Hymnsings are held on Sunday evenings from 8-9 p.m.
The campus worship and related events schedule is posted in the events calendar on the myEMU web page and recordings are posted on the EMU Facebook page.
Student Chaplain and Student Chaplain Assistants
Student chaplains are student leaders serving the EMU campus community in focused faith and spiritual life roles. They focus on faith formation, worship, service/volunteering, interfaith engagement, sustainability, diversity, equity, inclusion, peacebuilding, community, and/or wellness. Student chaplains meet regularly with the university chaplain and are paid with university work-program funds.
Small Groups
Small groups meet regularly for mutual personal, spiritual, and faith formation. Any student desiring to lead or join a specific type of small group is encouraged to discuss it with the university chaplain or student chaplain for support and resourcing.
Retreats and Adventures
Periodic faith and spiritual growth retreats are offered through the Office of Faith and Spiritual Life. 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 Mentoring/Companion and Pastoral Care
The university chaplain assists interested students in finding a spiritual companion and/or provides spiritual mentoring as available. Pastoral care is offered in contexts of students experiencing struggles, loss, and related challenges.
Spiritual Renewal Events
Each semester, emphasis is given to spiritual growth and renewal on campus. Faithful leaders are invited to provide input and special activities are planned by Faith and Spiritual Life.
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 (NL149) and the Seminary building.
Congregational Connections
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.