Building Community and Connections at a Christian College

The Importance of Community at a Christian College

Community is essential for emotional, spiritual, and intellectual growth. For students at a Christian college, community is rooted in shared values, faith, and spiritual development. A strong community supports, fosters personal growth, and helps students navigate college challenges, providing a place where individuals are encouraged, uplifted, and held accountable in their walk with Christ.

The Biblical Foundation of Community

Community is a part of the Christian life, and we strive to embody it here at Northwestern. The Bible emphasizes fellowship, mutual support, and love among believers. Acts 2:42-47 presents a picture of the early Christian community, where believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. This vision of community is what we aim to create and sustain for our students.

Effective Ways to Build Connections at a Christian College

Engage in Chapel and Worship Services

• Regular attendance at chapel and worship services is essential for building community. These gatherings offer opportunities to worship, hear God’s word, and connect with others who share your faith. Active participation deepens spiritual life and fosters belonging. At UNW we are committed to the Spiritual Development of our students through daily chapel, worship, and prayer.

Participate in Campus Ministry Activities

• Campus ministries organize activities such as mission trips, service projects, and prayer meetings. Involvement in these activities allows you to serve others, apply your faith practically, and build connections with passionate fellow students.

Get Involved in Student Organizations

• Joining clubs and organizations is an excellent way to meet people with similar interests. Whether it’s a sports team, music group, or academic club, these organizations provide a platform to develop talents and form friendships with like-minded individuals.

Volunteer and Serve

• Volunteering builds community by reflecting Christ’s heart and bringing people together in a meaningful way. Look for opportunities to volunteer on campus, in the local community, or through your college’s service programs.

Attend Social Events and Activities

• Christian colleges like UNW host various social events to help students have fun, connect with others outside structured settings, build friendships, and create lasting memories. For our prospective students, these events include our Ice Breakers event, Fall Preview Days, Homecoming, and many more.
• We even have a student organization called “Core” that specifically plans events for students to connect and have fun. One example is an event called Sunburst, which is an end of the year music festival-inspired event featuring student performers, games and activities, and food trucks. Nick at Night is another favorite event where students go to Nickelodeon Universe after hours. They also plan more lowkey events like sand volleyball and spike ball tournaments.
• Another way for prospective/new students to build community is through a platform called ZeeMee. UNW uses this social platform to encourage students to meet and chat with other interested students, match on shared interests and passions, try Friend Finder, and participate in live social events.

Seek Mentorship

• Building connections with faculty and staff enriches your college experience. Seek mentors who can provide guidance, wisdom, and encouragement, offering invaluable support for academic and spiritual growth. 

Lifelong Impact of Community at a Christian College

The connections you build in your four years of college have a lasting impact. These relationships often extend beyond graduation, providing a network of support, friendship, and spiritual accountability throughout your life. Shared experiences and memories in this close-knit community form a foundation for lifelong faith and personal growth.

Christian community in college nurtures faith, supports personal development, and creates enduring relationships. By actively engaging in campus life, you can build meaningful connections that enrich your college experience and beyond. Embrace opportunities to connect, grow, and serve, and you’ll find that the community you form is one of the most rewarding aspects of your college journey.

By incorporating these suggestions into your college life, you’ll not only enhance your personal and spiritual growth but also create a thriving community that reflects the core values of a Christian education. Start building those connections and experience the profound benefits of a supportive, faith-based community.