Church Relations

Faith communities in the surrounding area are important partners with Methodist University Religious & Spiritual Life. Partnerships are intended to be mutually beneficial for the local congregation and the campus.

There are many opportunities for churches to reach out, to support MU students in their journey and to invite them into the local church for worship, study and mission. In the interest of student privacy, all religious activities, religious advertisement, and organized religious student contact that occur on the MU campus must be approved through the Religious & Spiritual Life office.

Rooted in the Wesleyan story. Open to all.

At Methodist University, our connection to The United Methodist Church is grounded in a deep and enduring commitment to education. This legacy traces back to the 18th-century roots of the Methodist movement in England, where John Wesley believed that learning was essential to living a meaningful and ethical life. He advocated for accessible education as a foundation for developing responsible leaders and engaged citizens.

Inspired by these Wesleyan values, Methodist University is proud to be part of a global network of United Methodist-related institutions dedicated to academic excellence, spiritual growth, and service to others. Our aim is to be both a vibrant learning environment and a community where faith, reason, and service come together to prepare students for lives of purpose and impact.

Methodist University stands alongside more than 100 United Methodist-affiliated colleges and universities in the United States, each one shaped by its unique context but united by a shared mission: to expand educational opportunity and cultivate leaders who will make a difference in their communities and the world.

Want to connect your congregation with Methodist University Religious & Spiritual Life?

Volunteer to be a “Monarch Mover” team member

Monarch Movers are volunteers who welcome students and families on their first day at MU and assist in moving their personal items into the residence halls. You may register as a TEAM or as individuals. The Religious & Spiritual Life office provides MU T-shirts to each volunteer as well as lunch on the day of service. We ask that all volunteers wear the T-shirt provided as a sign of unity among our many denominations and so that you can be easily identified.

A few notes: It will be hot! It will be exciting! YOU will be the face of comfort, reassurance and help for eager students AND nervous parents!

Promote your Church

We want our students to connect with your church, while at the same time protecting and honoring their residence hall as a private living space. To this end, we have three ways for you to connect with students.

  • List your church’s website on our MU Religious & Spiritual Life page with a hyperlink so that students can ‘click to learn more.’
  • Participate in our annual Fayetteville Communities of Faith information fair on the quad outside Hensdale Chapel (rain location, Upper Berns Student Center).
  • Provide printed information about your church to the Religious & Spiritual Life Office to stock our information center about churches in the area.

Become an ACTS 2 Partner

The ACTS 2 Partnership (Area Churches Together Serving Students) initiative draws its inspiration from the early Christian community described in Acts 2, where believers devoted themselves to fellowship, shared life, generous hospitality, and caring for one another. In that same spirit, local Christian congregations come together in a shared ministry of welcome, service, encouragement, and spiritual support for Methodist University students. Participating churches work collaboratively through the Chaplain’s Office to care for students throughout the academic year.

As Scripture reminds us, “All the believers were together” (Acts 2:44), “They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts” (Acts 2:46), and “the Lord added to their number daily” (Acts 2:47). Our prayer is that this same spirit of joyful fellowship, generous hospitality, and shared witness will shape this partnership. Our goal is that students will see not simply individual congregations, but the Church working together in love.

Annual Partnership Commitments

Participating churches are invited to join in five primary initiatives throughout the academic year.

  1. New Student Orientation (Fall)
    Partner churches assist Religious & Spiritual Life and Residence Life during New Student Orientation by:

    • Welcoming students and families during Move-In
    • Providing volunteers to assist with unloading vehicles and welcoming new students
    • Offering hospitality and encouragement during one of the most significant transition days of the college experience
  2. Connections Fair (Fall)
    A campus-wide event held on the second day of New Student Orientation in an exhibit hall setting to introduce new students and their families to the greater Fayetteville community and its resources.
  3. Three Collaborative Student Events Each Year (Fall & Spring)
    Churches work together to provide three campus-wide events for all residential students. Each congregation contributes volunteers, food, activities, or financial support according to its gifts and abilities.
  4. Partner Church Fair (Spring)
    Partner Churches are invited to host a table in Upper Berns Student Center to share their congregations’ programs and opportunities.
  5. Collective Service Project (Varies)

Pray for Methodist University

Include MU, and MU Religious & Spiritual Life on your prayer list weekly at your church.

Sponsor a Missioner

Religious & Spiritual Life offers three mission trip opportunities to students each academic year, one international and two domestic. As you know, the cost of missions, particularly international travel, continues to rise. If you would wish to sponsor a missioner, or to be a volunteer leader on a trip assisting our Religious & Spiritual Life staff, our students will be the grateful beneficiaries of your generosity. For gift opportunities, please contact Rev. Kelli Taylor, Vice President of Mission Integration and Student Well-Being/University Chaplain or the Advancement Office who can help you make the most of your gift, personally or as a congregation.

What can Religious & Spiritual Life do to strengthen your ministry?

Let our Prayer Team pray for you!

Share your specific prayer requests for your congregation and our faculty/staff prayer team which meets each Monday will be glad to pray for your request.

Guest Speaker/Preacher

Methodist University is pleased to provide speakers for Sunday school classes, program gatherings, and Worship services. The University Chaplain is available to speak for the same or to preach for worship services. Our choral groups are also available to provide music for worship or events. Please contact the University Chaplain to inquire about these opportunities or to schedule a visit.

Admissions Information

The Office of Admissions is pleased to provide view books or other admissions materials for your church so that you may connect your youth to a faith-based institution!

Group Visits

Scheduling a trip for your Men’s or Women’s Ministry? Youth Group? Sunday school class? Religious & Spiritual Life is pleased to set up a tour to include a chapel service and lunch in the Green and Gold Cafeteria. Contact the University Chaplain.

Contact the University Chaplain

For information concerning any of the above opportunities, contact:

Rev. Dr. Kelli Taylor
910.630.7515
[email protected]