Church Relations

Faith communities in the surrounding area are important partners with Methodist University Religious & Spiritual Life. Partnerships are intended to be mutually beneficial for the local congregation and the campus.

There are many opportunities for churches to reach out, to support MU students in their journey and to invite them into the local church for worship, study and mission. In the interest of student privacy, all religious activities, religious advertisement, and organized religious student contact that occur on the MU campus must be approved through the Religious & Spiritual Life office.

Want to connect your congregation with Methodist University Religious & Spiritual Life?

Volunteer to be a “Monarch Mover” team member

Monarch Movers are volunteers who welcome students and families on their first day at MU and assist in moving their personal items into the residence halls. You may register as a TEAM or as individuals. The Religious & Spiritual Life office provides MU T-shirts to each volunteer as well as lunch on the day of service. We ask that all volunteers wear the T-shirt provided as a sign of unity among our many denominations and so that you can be easily identified.

A few notes: It will be hot! It will be exciting! YOU will be the face of comfort, reassurance and help for eager students AND nervous parents!

Promote your Church

We want our students to connect with your church, while at the same time protecting and honoring their residence hall as a private living space. To this end, we have three ways for you to connect with students.

  • List your church’s website on our MU Religious & Spiritual Life page with a hyperlink so that students can ‘click to learn more.’
  • Participate in our annual Fayetteville Communities of Faith information fair on the quad outside Hensdale Chapel (rain location, Upper Berns Student Center).
  • Provide printed information about your church to the Religious & Spiritual Life Office to stock our information center about churches in the area.

Adopt-a-Hall

Church congregations are invited to adopt a residence hall (or hall within a residence hall) providing students a connection to the Fayetteville community and the opportunity to receive a touch of God’s love and acceptance, as well as “a touch of home,” while away at college.

Smaller congregations may wish to partner with another congregation for support in this effort, but congregations are encouraged to participate.

A broad sweep of the responsibilities of an “Adopt-a-Hall” partner is:

  • Provide a “gathering” or program at least three times each semester in coordination with the RA (Resident Advisor).  (Build your own ice cream sundae night, pumpkin carving, etc. Anything the youth or young adults of your congregation would enjoy, these students will like too!)
  • Be a support person that the RA can call on for program ideas or church connection suggestions.
  • Participate with other Adopt-a-Hall churches in an “all hall” meal once each year (Thanksgiving) – a kind of “covered dish” for students who cannot travel home over the holiday break.
  • Be a resource for the University Chaplain as needed to reach out to students.

*If you are interested in Adopt-a-Hall, please contact Rev. Kelli W Taylor, University Chaplain to discuss the program further and find a way for your church to invest at the level you are able to do so.

Send a representative to a University Chapel Service

Send a representative to Campus Worship on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. in Matthews Chapel, and we will recognize your attendees or make available a time for you to invite those in attendance to your church.

Pray for Methodist University

Include MU, and MU Religious & Spiritual Life on your prayer list weekly at your church.

Sponsor a Missioner

Religious & Spiritual Life offers three mission trip opportunities to students each academic year, one international and two domestic. As you know, the cost of missions, particularly international travel, continues to rise. If you would wish to sponsor a missioner, or to be a volunteer leader on a trip assisting our Religious & Spiritual Life staff, our students will be the grateful beneficiaries of your generosity. For gift opportunities, please contact Rev. Kelli Taylor, Vice President of Mission Integration and Student Well-Being/University Chaplain or the Advancement Office who can help you make the most of your gift, personally or as a congregation.

What can Religious & Spiritual Life do to strengthen your ministry?

Let our Prayer Team pray for you!

Share your specific prayer requests for your congregation and our faculty/staff prayer team which meets each Monday will be glad to pray for your request.

Guest Speaker/Preacher

Methodist University is pleased to provide speakers for Sunday school classes, program gatherings, and Worship services. The University Chaplain is available to speak for the same or to preach for worship services. Our choral groups are also available to provide music for worship or events. Please contact the University Chaplain to inquire about these opportunities or to schedule a visit.

Admissions Information

The Office of Admissions is pleased to provide view books or other admissions materials for your church so that you may connect your youth to a faith-based institution!

Group Visits

Scheduling a trip for your Men’s or Women’s Ministry? Youth Group? Sunday school class? Religious & Spiritual Life is pleased to set up a tour to include a chapel service and lunch in the Green and Gold Cafeteria. Contact the University Chaplain.

Contact the University Chaplain

For information concerning any of the above opportunities, contact:

Rev. Dr. Kelli Taylor
910.630.7515
[email protected]