Purpose and Goal:   As Philander Smith College affiliates with the United Methodist Church, Campus Ministry places emphasis on value formation, ethical decision-making, and spiritual direction for the student, faculty, staff, and alumni.

Theme:  SOUL REACHERS AND MIND SEEKERS

Ecumenical and inclusive in nature, this office provides worship opportunities, lectures, spiritual counseling, and diverse activities focused on assisting persons in developing and strengthening their relationships with God.  Short-term crisis intervention and assessment are provided in the office (illness, pre-marital counseling, etc).  Long-term counseling is provided by referral to state-licensed and accredited family therapists with outpatient services provided by certified professionals.  All services are confidential and are covered under the Chaplain's clergy confidential procedures required by The United Methodist Church.

• Aspects of the Campus Ministry Program include:
• Worship Services (assemblies, vespers, etc.) focused on needs of college family with emphasis on students
• Student Christian Association (Bible study and business meetings)
• Mission projects and trips
• Revivals and Religious Heritage Week activities
• Retreats
• Pre-theological student group
• Sistahs (a college-age unit of United Methodist women)
• Covenant Discipleship reflection groups

The Office of Campus Ministry provides holistic ministry and outreach to all of God's children in a non-threatening, creative environment where the social gospel is lived out.

Annual Campus Ministry Programs
These programs are scheduled each academic year:  Black History Month, and Religious Heritage Week (February).  All students are encouraged to participate in religious activities.  Attendance at special programs such as religious week convocation is also encouraged.

The Philosophy of the Philander Smith College Chapel
The Chapel experience, held weekly, is one of the most important aspects of life in our campus community.  Although Philander Smith College is a United Methodist Church-related institution, Chapel is the one place where the PSC community assembles to worship God through the various denominational liturgical traditions, and participates in forums, convocations, and other corporate activities.  In keeping with the objectives of Philander Smith College, the Chapel provides an opportunity for a purposeful, systematic, and intentional convergence of our ecumenical diversity that does not seek to culminate in assimilation.

Chapel activities reflect usage of both inclusive leadership and inclusive language.  In keeping with the mission of Philander Smith College, leaders during chapel activities include females and males, demonstrating sensitivity to gender, racial, denominational, and community diversity.  In an ongoing effort to eliminate oppression, the generic usage of masculine nouns, pronouns, and adjectives as representative of all subjects is not applicable.

In the context of the Chapel experience, and appreciation of African, African-American, and other traditions of worship, spiritual formation, the expansion of an awareness of the arts, and scholarly endeavors are encouraged and supported.  Our unique community reflects its unity in diversity, which is a quality of life that provides every person access to the total experience and work of Philander Smith College.  In this setting, we are informed, inspired, and instructed by:

• Organizational information which will assist the entire Philander Smith College community;
• Local and global implications of our common life;
• The life and thoughts of students, faculty, staff, and administrators;
• Community, religious, and other leaders in both traditional and nontraditional ministries;
• Distinguished preachers and artists-in-residence (musicians, visual artists, dancers, dramatists, and poets);
• Scholarly lectureships.

Peace, Love, and Joy