Clear opportunities for spiritual formation define a Geneva College experience. Three key ways this shows up in a student’s experience include weekly chapel, local church opportunities, and internships and mentorship.

Weekly Chapel

Some students considering Geneva may be frustrated by the fact that chapel is required (14 out of 16 weeks per semester) or that it reflects a more formal worship service, but these are some of my favorite things about it. In the past two school years, we have studied both Hebrews and Romans together as a campus community. Having licensed pastors share the word with us means that I can have confidence in their instruction.

Referencing the teaching or testimony from that week’s chapel becomes easy later in the week because my friends or coworkers have shared that experience. Even more importantly, this shared experience creates a starting point for deep conversation. As students realize thoughtful discussion is okay and encouraged (not just during graded classroom discussion), these kinds of conversations become normal. Questions that might otherwise stay buried begin to surface in casual conversations across campus.

Local Churches

At the same time, Geneva does not suppose itself to be equivalent or sufficient as a student’s spiritual church home. God has blessed this area with many strong churches within a brief drive (or even within walking distance). Some of these churches are formally connected to the College through its denomination, while others are simply affiliated through the number of students who regularly choose to attend (often together!).

Unlike my undergraduate experience at a different Christian college, where many people traveled more than 20 minutes to their church, students here can easily participate in midweek fellowships or spend time in other church members' homes because of the proximity to campus.

Student Internships

While the first two opportunities are more explicitly spiritual, regular contact with staff and faculty can also be an important opportunity for spiritual formation at Geneva. In my role as a staff member, I’ve seen that student employment opportunities extend beyond working in the dining hall or at the front desk of the fitness center. Those jobs meet practical needs (and can help fund a Christian college education), but there are also many roles that offer more contact with staff, learning, and development.

A number of jobs and internships on campus provide formalized mentorship opportunities. I’ve had the opportunity to mentor many interns in my role, and I’m so thankful for the opportunity to share my formal expertise. Even better than that is the opportunity to check in about the semester and encourage students through processes like contacting professors on a tricky topic, changing majors, understanding denominational differences between churches, or applying for residence life. These relationships are just one more way leadership at Geneva is accessible. I've been excited about the opportunity to demonstrate care for students over multiple semesters.

As I've watched, I’ve been excited to see how, through Geneva’s strategic opportunities for spiritual formation, students grow. Through these intentional opportunities, spiritual formation becomes a consistent part of student life.

Learn more about my top six reasons on how Geneva stands out in the world of Christian higher education.