Campus Ministry
Colleges related to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) provide a unique experience that is both rooted in the Lutheran theological tradition and openly supportive of multi-faith expressions. At Concordia, faith is recognized as informing learning and learning is recognized as informing one’s faith. This commitment to faith and learning encourages conversations that help students understand and discern their vocation, or calling, to serve the neighbor in love. Inspired by “Concordia Leads: The Plan for 2030” states we build and implement practices that foster well-being and spiritual growth among all who learn and work at Concordia. We do this by deepening and expanding a campus ministry of daily living embodied in radical hospitality and belonging, wholeness in student development, and faith active in love of neighbors, local and global.
To this end, Concordia Campus Ministry provides leadership in worship and service, as well as, guidance for those exploring questions of faith and spirituality. Working closely with student Campus Ministry commissioners (an arm of Student Government Association), campus ministers help plan and conduct weekly worship, provide a variety of service experiences, and arrange for hospitality and fellowship opportunities. In addition, campus ministers also provide pastoral care and support to students and the broader campus community. In partnership with the Office of Diversity and the Forum on Faith and Life, Concordia Campus Ministry is available to connect students with additional student and community ministries.
Hospitality/Fellowship
Campus Ministry is a relational ministry. All are welcome here perhaps especially those who are uncertain about their faith or have questions. Being in conversation is often easier in informal gatherings around food, study, and fellowship. To this end, Campus Ministers again work with Campus Ministry Commissioners to plan meaningful activities, including coffee and conversation every Thursday at 9:50 a.m. This hospitality also extends to people of other faiths. Campus Ministry embraces the college’s interfaith cooperation statement, which says:
Concordia College practices interfaith cooperation because of our Lutheran dedication to prepare thoughtful and informed global citizens who foster wholeness and hope, build peace through understanding, and serve the world together.
Worship
Worship is conducted in the ELCA tradition of hospitality and welcome. Weekly chapel services are held at 9:50 a.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and worship with communion on Sunday evenings at 8:00 p.m. Larger worship services are conducted around special events such as Homecoming, Family Weekend, and Commencement Weekend. Campus Ministry at Concordia is a partner in the Reconciling in Christ (RIC) community and affirms full participation for persons of a plurality of gender identities and expressions, sexual orientations, faith orientations, abilities, races, and cultures.
Service
The mission statement of the college declares our purpose “…to influence the affairs of the world by sending into society thoughtful and informed men and women dedicated to the Christian life.” We are called and empowered to serve the neighbor so that all may flourish (NECU). To this end, Campus Ministry works with our campus partners to engage students in service opportunities that practice faith active in love. We do so from a philosophical model of accompaniment that promotes inclusivity, mutuality, vulnerability, empowerment, and sustainability. Campus Ministry together with Campus Ministry Commission specifically plans and leads annual Justice Journey trips as well as other service experiences.