5 Reasons Spiritual Development Matters

Choosing where to go to school is a big decision, one that could potentially affect/change/alter the rest of your life. There are so many factors to consider: cost, location, major, scholarships and financial aid, campus, dorm life, extracurricular activities etc. The pipeline between major and career used to look like getting good grades to earn the right degree to guarantee the best job. There are hundreds of schools to choose from if that’s where the bar is set.

However, as followers of Jesus, we know that there is a higher calling involved with every choice we make, especially one of this magnitude. The question I would invite you to ask is not only “who is going to educate my mind?” (academic development) but also “who is going to nurture my soul?” (spiritual development).

To that end, here are 5 reasons that spiritual development matters when choosing a college or university:

1. College is an incubator not a conveyor belt

This season is uniquely impactful and has the potential for growth. Instead of seeing this time as a process of mechanical assembly, where a freshman goes in one end of the machine and a graduate comes out the other, the goal of spiritual development is to create a conducive environment for that growth to happen. Investment in this season reaps major dividends later. Take advantage of that.

2. Culture shapes character

Culture can be defined as “how we do things around here”. It is the air we breathe as an organization. Here at Northwestern, our new tagline is “We are UNWavering”. This reflects the commitment and direction set by our leadership that we would be a community that loves God’s Word and God’s world. This mission/vision sets the spiritual tone on campus and that shared experience creates a sense of community which has the chance to shape individual identity as well, one that is focused on Christ, grounded in the Word, and reinforced in relationship.

3. Strength is built in reps

This principle applies spiritually as well as physically. Just like with exercise, it takes consistency in order to experience growth. But it’s not just about discipline. Author Mary Shelly once wrote “Attention is the beginning of devotion”, meaning whatever we give regular attention to will also capture the affection of our hearts. Here at Northwestern, this is the reason that daily chapel is part of our DNA. That regular rhythm builds intentional time into the day where things on campus stop and we create space to focus on God together.

4. No price tag on relationships

The community forged by Christ-centered shared experience fosters relationships that extend beyond the bounds of your college experience (4-5 yrs on campus). As UNW alumni, my wife and I are still close with many of our college friends nearly 25 years later. One of my closest friends married someone that went to a state school, and she marvels at the bond that our UNW friend group shares even after all this time. The value of this gift cannot be quantified, and it continues to be a blessing to us.

5. All work can be ministry

Spiritual development is not limited to Bible classes, chapel, or church. In Colossians 3:17, the apostle Paul writes “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” This is the heart of the UNW mission to create godly leaders in the home, work, church, and the world. No matter what major you pursue, all career paths can be done to glorify God and bless others.

As with many things in life, the quality of your experience depends on the posture/attitude in which you approach it (aka you get out what you are willing to put in). My advice to you is this: no matter where you choose to go to school, be willing to engage wholeheartedly in the spiritual development opportunities that are offered to you especially during this formational season that you are embarking on. Take advantage of this time to strengthen your soul and to build strong and lasting friendships. See it as a joyful investment rather than transactional obligation. Your future self will thank you for it.