Spiritual Formation
Spiritual Life Conference
Each year the University Ministry Center organizes a week-long effort to challenge students in their spiritual growth and commitment to Christ. Rather than focus just on a speaker coming for Chapels that week, the Center places particular interest in developing university-wide events meant to attract various audiences. Through these efforts students gain insight into their own walk and calling and are challenged to take inventory of their spiritual walk with the Lord!
Missions Conference
The Missions Conference at PBU is designed to increase students’ understanding of the biblical mandate to reach the world for Jesus Christ. This conference also helps lead students to an understanding of the people of our world. As such it is an integral part of the total program of all students and is a requirement for graduation. Guest speakers are brought into the university to share their vision, passion and experience.
Students enrolled for nine or more credits are required to attend 13 sessions of the annual conference. Failure to complete the 13 sessions will result in work that must be made up as directed by the Chair of the Missions Conference. Lack of completion of missed sessions could prevent future registration or graduation. Any request for an exemption must be submitted to the Chair of the Missions Conference by December 1, prior to the conference.
Student Chaplain Team
Student Chaplains provide spiritual leadership through example, dialogue and intentional Christian service within the University. Student Chaplains contribute to developing environments in the University that allow for significant opportunity to grow spiritually while a student at PBU! Together with the University Chaplain, the Student Chaplains serve on the Chaplain's Team.
Chaplains are elected in the annual class election process. In addition, the entire student body has an opportunity to elect one Senate Vice President/Chaplain. This team meets regularly under the guidance of the University Chaplain to talk about and develop all of the spiritual formation pieces of the University. This would include student ministries, missions trips, ministry opportunities and discipleship relationships.
Qualifications for Student Chaplains
Being a Student Chaplain is a privilege and a powerful responsibility. Senate by-laws list the qualifications of the chaplains and the process by which a student may seek nomination and election. The primary characteristics and qualifications of the chaplains are:
- Profess and exercise a deep Christian commitment and faith in their personal lives.
- Maintain personal integrity and consistent character.
- Exhibit authenticity, credibility and trustworthiness to the student body.
- Demonstrate an open and positive attitude toward people of all genders, races and denominations.
- Have ability to organize and lead groups of people in a variety of ministry contexts.
- Value people over programs and be fervent in praying for the students and staff of the University.
- Serve with a passion for the student body and be available to other opportunities in student life as needed.
"Philly Cares" Opportunities
Each month the University Ministry Center provides an opportunity for service to the Philadelphia community. In response to the growing violence in the city, it is our desire to engage the people resources of PBU into tangible efforts for the city. These include building and or repairing homes, reading to children, cleaning streets, painting murals, feeding the homeless, serving in recreation centers and loving people. Philadelphia is a wonderful resource and we want to take full advantage of these ministry opportunities. The Center has created ministry partnerships with several Urban ministries in the city of Philadelphia with a goal of involving 25% of the student body in some type of ministry to people in the city!
Discipleship Groups
Small groups provide you with a time to be challenged, an opportunity to share, pray and hold one another accountable. We encourage students to seek out one of these groups in residence halls or on campus. These are times where students can come together with a common interest and spend time in fellowship and growth. Men's and women's groups are available along with numerous others. We encourage students to invite faculty and staff to be guest speakers or to host these groups. The University Ministry Center maintains a list of groups currently meeting.
