Spiritual Life
Encouraging. Reflective. Vibrant.
Explore Spiritual Life at Lynchburg
At the University of Lynchburg, we welcome students of all religions and spiritual backgrounds, no matter where they are on their journey. We believe spirituality is an important part of college life because of our historic affiliation with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
Students can participate in community worship services, special events, volunteer opportunities, and peace and justice activities, creating a space to explore faith and engage with others meaningfully.
The Disciples Connection
The University of Lynchburg, founded in 1903 as Virginia Christian College, has a deep-rooted faith tradition established by Disciples of Christ ministers and business leaders. Our founder, Dr. Josephus Hopwood, emphasized the connection between faith and reason—a principle that remains central today.
The University maintains a special relationship with the Christian Church, sharing humanitarian, moral, and educational values. Disciples students can access scholarships through Higher Education and Leadership Ministries and the Phillips University Legacy Foundation. For more information or to connect with a local church, contact Nathan Albert.
Get Involved
The University of Lynchburg offers a vibrant and inclusive spiritual life, with students from diverse religious backgrounds and over a dozen student groups. If you don’t find a group that interests you, we’ll help you start one!
A fund supporting campus community members in times of crisis.
Lynchburg Cares provides financial assistance to faculty, staff, and students facing emergencies. It has helped cover expenses such as textbooks, housing, medical bills, and unexpected debts.
Arrangements are made on a case-by-case basis, with most assistance given as gifts and some as loans. The fund is supported by generous faculty, staff, and donors. Contributions can be made through payroll deduction, one-time online donations, or personal checks.
For assistance or to donate, contact the Spiritual Life Center at [email protected]
Find a community that supports your faith and values.
The University of Lynchburg is home to Christian, Jewish, HIndu, Buddhist, Humanist, and Muslim students, along with many student-led spiritual life groups. If there isn’t a group that fits your needs, we’ll help you start one.
Supporting arts, spirituality, and interfaith dialogue.
The Roger and Janie Dowdy Endowment funds a graduate assistant position dedicated to creating programming that explores how the arts and interfaith traditions can promote peace and social justice.
Inspired by Roger Dowdy’s 40 years of peacebuilding work, this endowment honors his late wife, Janie Wineman Dowdy ’70, and their shared love for the arts. It reflects the power of Lynchburg’s liberal arts education in fostering a more just and peaceful society.
24/7 access to donated food items for the campus and local community.
The Little Free Pantry, located outside the Spiritual Life Center, provides food and essential items for students, faculty, staff, and community members in need. Donations can be dropped off directly in the pantry, brought inside, or placed on the front porch.
The pantry is on the terrace-level wall facing College Street and Schewel Hall, making it easily accessible at all times.
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© 2025 University of Lynchburg. All Rights Reserved
© 2025 University of Lynchburg. All Rights Reserved
