The rich spiritual and cultural diversity of the Lynchburg College community is appreciated and encouraged. In the strong ecumenical tradition of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), to which the College is historically related, this diversity is viewed not as a divisive factor but as an opportunity to learn from each other.
This important, special relationship between the College and the Christian Church is based on shared humanitarian, moral, cultural, educational, and spiritual values -- not on authoritarian structures. Members of the student body, faculty, staff, and administration represent many denominational and faith traditions. Diversity and freedom are highly valued.
The spiritual life of the Lynchburg College community is expressed in a variety of ways, including community worship (both Protestant and Roman Catholic), special services during the liturgical year; volunteer service opportunities on campus and in the wider Lynchburg community, peace and justice activities, and through a number of campus religious organizations. The Spiritual Life Center provides a meeting place for several campus faith groups. Campus religious organizations include the Catholic Community, the Baptist Collegiate Ministries, Disciples on Campus (DoC), InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, the Jewish Student Organization, Quaker Meeting, BaHá’í, Methodist, Lutheran, Episcopal, and ReJoyce in Jesus. Each of these groups is open to all members of the campus community, who are are also welcomed in local congregations of various denominations, the local synagogue, and in the fellowships of other faith traditions.
The college chaplain and associate chaplain are available for pastoral counseling and crisis intervention on a twenty-four hour basis. In the event of a family member's sudden illness or death, notification to the student can be made by the chaplain on call at the request of the parents.
The staff of the Chaplain's Office offers pastoral care to the entire community and coordinates religious activities. The chaplain also serves as director of church relations and works closely with local congregations and clergy of different denominations.
The importance of the spiritual dimension is best symbolized by the physical layout of the main portion of the campus, with the primary academic building on one end of the ellipse known as the Dell and with the Chapel at the other. These two buildings are the only ones on the same plane and level and serve as poles linking faith and reason.
Mission Statement - The Spiritual Life Center's mission is to assist the students, faculty, and staff of Lynchburg College in forming a community of faith, in providing appropriate pastoral care, in appropriating their religious traditions, in forming their conscience, in educating for justice and peace, in facilitating personal development, and in developing leadership.
The Spiritual Life Center is open on Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
The SLC is located at: 500 Brevard Street, Lynchburg, Va. 24501 (Located behind Elliot & Rosel Schewel Hall, at the corner of Brevard St. and College St.)
SLC phone number is (434) 544-8348.