Philander Smith College

Office of Religious Life

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11

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 annual Religious Emphasis Week activities
Retreats
Pre-theological student group
Individual religious counseling

The Philosophy of the Philander Smith College Chapel

Religious Life Events

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.

'Da Break'

"by-weekly editon": Join relegious life and a host of other student organization for a short break to free your mind and refresh your spirit. A short act of inspiration with a Philander touch.

Annual Campus Ministry Programs

These programs are scheduled each academic year: Black History Month, and Religious Emphasis Week (February). All students are encouraged to participate in religious activities and special programs.

Religious Life Organizations

Religious Life Council

My Souls Desire

Enpowering the African American Male

Chosen Generation

Miss Religious Life

VISION STATEMENT

The Office or Religious Life will be a complement, a co-curricular experience, to the academic discipline by engaging each member of the Philander Smith College community in the enhancement and development of spiritually-based leadership, integrity, and responsibility that witness to the diversity of the life of Jesus Christ as we go forth to aid in the social, cultural, and moral transformation of this community and the world.

MISSION STATEMENT

The Office of Religious Life seeks to encourage and nurture spiritual growth and wholeness among the Philander Smith college community by creating and maintaining programs that aid the members of the college community in becoming living witnesses to Christ among themselves and the community-at-large.

In pursuit of this mission, we seek to offer ministry not only to our students, but also to the members of our faculty, staff, and alumni. As an institution with an affiliation with the United Methodist Church, Philander Smith College places emphasis on value formation and ethical decision-making. We affirm the presence of God within our learning community and invite students to employ both faith and intellect as they pursue their academic endeavors. As students develop or refine their personal values, we seek to engage them in offering a positive contribution through service for the common good of all God’s creation. Our mission is to serve the spiritual needs of the campus community wherever possible.