Spiritual Life
Providing spiritual growth opportunities for students has been a hallmark of Indiana Wesleyan University from its beginning. Students are introduced to many different growth opportunities. This includes what takes place in the classroom, where faculty integrates faith and learning and have a vital interest in the spiritual life of students.
Providing chapel for students is another spiritual growth opportunity. Chapel is held Monday, Wednesday, and Friday throughout the semester and on Tuesday during special emphasis weeks. Chapel is a time for the university community to join together for worship and growth. Being able to attend Chapel is a wonderful opportunity and privilege.
Chapel attendance is expected of all students, and required for all resident students. It is also required for all full-time commuting students under 23 years of age with classes both immediately before AND immediately after the Chapel period. (e.g., if a student has M,W,F classes at 8:55AM and 11:15AM, then that student is required to attend the chapel service offered on those days. Conversely, if the student has a class at 8:55am and their next class is not until 12:20PM, that student is eligible for a chapel exemption). NOTE: no student is automatically exempt from chapel attendance based on age or class schedule; ALL commuter students must complete a Chapel Exemption form for each semester in order to be officially exempted. Excessive absences must be made up. See the Student Handbook (http://www.indwes.edu/Life-At-IWU/IWU-Student-Handbook) for details.
Residence halls also provide spiritual growth opportunities. Halls have weekly devotional times and students are encouraged to join a small group where Scripture memorization, accountability, prayer, and Bible study occur.
Soul-search adventure discipleship trips take students into God's creation to grow from lessons learned through camping, rock-climbing, trekking, and similar experiences.
Christian service teams minister in area churches, family camps, and youth camps through music, sermons, drama, and testimonies. The University Chorale, Wind Ensemble, and music teams travel extensively, ministering through Christian music. IWU, through World Impact, also plans and promotes several short-term mission trips through the year. A student can also find opportunities to serve through local community ministry organizations, churches and on-campus student organizations.
Spiritual growth and service opportunities are offered to students to help them to grow deeper in their relationship with God and for them to have a better understanding of how they can better serve Him and humankind with their gifts and talents.