Religious Life

As Philander Smith College affiliates with the United Methodist Church, the Office of Religious Life emphasizes the formation of values, ethics, sound decision-making, and spiritual direction for the student, faculty, staff, and alumni.

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 Religious Life Program include:

Weekly, mandatory Chapel Services (held each Thursday at 11 a.m.)
  • Worship Services focused on needs of the college community, particularly the students
  • Student Christian Association (Bible study and business meetings)
  • Mission projects and trips
  • Revivals and Religious Heritage Week activities
  • Retreats
  • Pre-theological student group
  • Individual religious counseling

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.
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.

Location: Student Union
 
Rev. Ronnie Miller-Yow, Chaplain
(501) 370-5344

Rev. Jimmy Mosby, Assistant Chaplain