Spiritual Formation
Spiritual Emphasis Week
Each year the University Ministry Center organizes a week-long effort to specifically challenge students in their spiritual growth and commitment to Christ. Rather than focus just on general Chapel events that week, the University Ministry Center places particular interest in developing university-wide programs meant to attract various audiences. Through these efforts students gain insight into their character and calling and are challenged to take inventory of their spiritual walk with the Lord!
Global Mission Week
As an extension of the University Mission statement, Global Mission Week seeks to creatively engage students in obeying the Great Commission as the natural outflow of their life in Christ through instruction regarding the biblical mandate, introduction to global opportunities, and intentional integration of their chosen vocation and global evangelism. Global mission week will take place during the spring semester and include afternoon and evening events during the week as well as chapel. Thursday will be set aside for a special chapel service and special events in the afternoon related to a student’s class standing.
Student Chaplain Team
Student Chaplains provide spiritual leadership through example, dialogue, and intentional Christian service within the University. Specifically, they contribute by developing environments in the University that allow for significant opportunities to grow spiritually while a student at PBU. Most of the focus of the Chaplain team is directed towards assisting with Chapels, directing Damascus Road and promoting the development of discipleship groups on campus. The Chaplain team meets regularly under the guidance of the University Ministry Center to talk about and develop student spiritual formation pieces of the University. This would include student ministries, mission 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
The University Ministry Center, in cooperation with the Student Chaplain team, provides students with the opportunity to engage in spiritually oriented campus wide small groups. These small groups provide students 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.
Damascus Road
Another project that is coordinated with the University Ministry Center and the Student Chaplain team is Damascus Road. Damascus Road is a time for worship through music, prayer, and study. Specifically, led by students and designed for students, this time provides a unique means of worshipping collectively as a student community. Student’s are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities on various Sunday evenings throughout each month.
