Religious & Spiritual Life

About Religious & Spiritual Life

Located in the Sharon and Ron Matthews Ministry Center (MMC), the Department of Religious & Spiritual Life and Office of the Chaplain are available for students interested in connecting with religious and spiritual life on campus, learning about faith communities, or seeking spiritual support along the journey of university life. Religious & Spiritual Life fosters a spirit of hospitality that supports and encourages all students, faculty and staff in honoring the sacred. In this environment of education and growth, there are safe and respectful times and places to wrestle with the hard questions of life. The University Chaplain, adjunct chaplains and staff are available to students of all traditions for conversations around faith and personal matters. Religious & Spiritual Life has many opportunities to serve, lead and grow spiritually. The core tenets of Religious & Spiritual Life are: Connect. Grow. Serve. Listen. Love. Learn.

The Ministry Center’s Student Lounge, “The Family Room,” (open 7 a.m.-12 midnight) is an inviting place for students to relax, watch TV, study, meet new people and enjoy an occasional snack.

The University Chaplain, Rev. Dr. Kelli W. Taylor, is available at 910.630.7515 or [email protected]. Student program information, including details on mission trips and alternative break experiences, is available from Ruth Carr at 910.630.7157 or [email protected].

• Looking for a local United Methodist church?
• 2026-27 Religious & Spiritual Life Brochure
• Religious & Cultural Observances

Events & Programs

Long before Methodist University existed, there were circuit riders. Traveling on horseback across towns and rural communities, they connected people through worship, education, encouragement, and service. They believed no community was too distant and no person beyond the reach of God’s grace.

The circuit was never simply a route. It was a movement. It connected people to God, to one another, and to lives of purpose.

That story lives on through Methodist University.

CIRCUIT is the unifying vision for all that we do. It is the framework through which Religious & Spiritual Life connects every student with opportunities to grow intellectually, spiritually, and relationally.

Just as the early circuit riders connected communities, today’s CIRCUIT connects students with one another, with faculty and staff, with local congregations, with neighbors in need, with people of other faith traditions, and with the sacred work of discovering their own calling.

Every conversation is a stop along the circuit. Every act of service is another step on the journey. Every question is an invitation to learn.

Learn more about CIRCUIT here!

This year’s CIRCUIT theme is “See Good. Do Good. Love God” and includes:

• Student-led RSL Clubs & Organizations
  Ignite, PGM Fellowship, Muslim Student Association,
  Delight, Bible Study
• Wednesday Chapel Service
• Wesley Fellowship
• Unpacking Religion
• Pause to Pray (P2P)
• Faith-based Service
• The Lion’s Share (Campus Food Pantry & Community Garden)

Mission, Learning &Volunteer Service Experiences

Methodist University Religious & Spiritual Life offers students opportunities to serve others, engage in hands-on ministry, and immerse themselves in diverse cultures and communities, both at home and abroad. These experiences are open to students of all traditions and provide a chance to grow in faith, compassion, and justice. See Mission Trips & Faith-Based Service to view all the upcoming and ongoing opportunities.

Adopt-a-Hall Program

The Adopt-a-Hall Program partners with local Christian congregations in the Fayetteville area to provide students with a connection to the Fayetteville community and the opportunity to experience God’s love and acceptance, as well as “a touch of home” while living in the residence hall community.

Sacred Spaces

Several sacred spaces are offered on campus for worship, prayer and meditation.

Pastor’s Certificate for UMC Students

Initial enrollment of a (MU) undergraduate freshman or transfer student in their first semester as a full-time student (at least 12 hours) in one of the on-campus programs. Student must be referred by a United Methodist Pastor. This Certificate is valued at $500 per academic year for residential students and commuting students.

Students must maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA after their first year at MU. Certificate eligibility is a maximum of four years (eight semesters). Download the Pastor’s Certificate form or contact the MU Campus Chaplain for further information.