Community Life

Community-building opportunities at EMS include:

Seminary Community Council (SCC) is composed of students, a faculty adviser and ex-officio administrators. SCC assists in structuring a community life of Christian sharing and caring. It operates from the understanding that a dynamic community life is vital to the academic process. Since Christian community requires committed individuals, all students, faculty and staff are expected to use their gifts and influence for the enrichment of community life.

SCC appoints student representatives to seminary faculty meeting and other university committees.  It also takes responsibility to plan social events, lead lunch forums and be alert to student financial needs.

The community gathers for Seminary Chapel weekly, on Tuesdays. Student groups often provide leadership for chapel. The experience of worship is central to our community life, and students are encouraged to faithfully support the chapel services.

An hour for lunch immediately follows seminary chapel when students and faculty are encouraged to gather in the lounge for food, fellowship and conversation.

We also gather with the wider university for special lectures and campus-wide chapels. A university chapel schedule is posted and students are welcome to attend these on days when seminary chapel is not held.

The SCC has developed guidelines for the use of the Seminary Study Room.  You can find those guidelines here: https://moodle.emu.edu/pluginfile.php/558262/mod_resource/content/1/2018%20Study%20Room%20guidelines.pdf

The Seminary Kitchen is thought of by some students as the real life-blood of the seminary. Students are invited to bring a mug, hang it on the rack and enjoy coffee or tea together in the morning, after chapel, or during breaks. Vending machines and coffee are located in the kitchen. Hot drinks are available to seminary and counseling students only, since the cost is covered by their activity fees. Microwave ovens are available in the kitchen.