SPIRITUAL LIFE

Leadership & Fellowship

The process of traveling and learning is, and always has been, an act that carries the potential for profound spiritual transformation.

As students go along the journey of studying abroad over an academic year, many are looking for a chance to begin again, to wrestle with the reality of God, or to learning the meaning of worship in a community that knows and loves them.

Within this process of spiritual inquiry and devotion, the Faculty-in-Residence (FiR) plays a very important role in fostering the contexts in which our students can be drawn into worship and faithful reflection.  One of the main ways this occurs is through our weekly "house church" which is lead by the FiR. Though every FiR member has his/her own style, most find the greatest success by incorporating students in the process of leading worship, planning content, or serving in various ways as speakers or readers. There is a fine balance to be aware of, however. If the FiR turns the process completely over to students, they often lack the ability to faithfully lead their peers in a meaningful Christian devotion. On the other hand, if the FiR are exclusively involved in the planning or execution of house church, students feel disempowered and unmotivated. Since each student group is different, your Program Director, along with the RAs and other student leaders, can help you discern how to best approach and structure your House Church time.

House Church Resources

FACULTY LINKS