Hesston College creates an atmosphere where choices can be made that are consistent with the life and teaching of Jesus Christ.
Recognizing that Hesston students are at different places in their faith journeys, the college offers a variety of activities and leadership opportunities to all students, encouraging them to participate where they feel most comfortable.
The campus pastors are a vital resource to students, faculty and staff. The pastors are available for pastoral care and help in faith development and is responsible for religious life programs and ministry, Christian growth, leadership and worship. The following campus ministries activities fall under the leadership of the campus pastors.
Formation
Formation includes formation gatherings and community engagement activities. Both are important facets of how Hesston College invites each student to grow in their thought, life, faith journey and service to others. Designed with a Jesus-centered approach that welcomes all denominations and faiths, Hesston College Learning Outcomes and the Philosophy of Faith Formation serve as the foundation for formation programming. As a collaboration of student life and academics, responsibility for formation programming rests with campus pastos. Any ideas or concerns related to formation may be forwarded to them. Each semester, formation will appear on the grade report and transcript with a grade of RM (requirement met) or NM (requirement not met).
Formation Gatherings meet Mondays and Fridays from 11 to 11:30 a.m. and provide a time for the entire campus community to come together for thirty minutes to experience sharing of announcements and concerns, topical presentations, guest speakers, experiential activities or faith practices centered on a variety of themes which integrate intellectual and spiritual content. Students are expected to respect presenters and participants by refraining from talking, studying or using electronic devices, including wearing headphones, during formation gathering. ID cards are scanned at the beginning and end of each gathering to record formation gathering attendance points. Part-time students and employees are warmly invited to attend and participate in formation gatherings each week.
Community Engagement Activities may be offered on any day of the week and are promoted in advance by the sponsoring campus group or facilitator. This may include a particular performing arts or athletic event, a service opportunity or an intercultural experience which relates to Hesston College General Education Learning Outcomes or Philosophy of Faith Formation. Attendance is recorded at each event to receive community engagement points. Students interested in planning a community engagement activity should collaborate with a faculty or staff member to prepare a submission request.
See the Student Handbook for formation requirements.
Other Campus Ministries Activities:
- Ministry Assistants (MA) – returning students hired and trained by the campus pastors to assist with campus ministries.
- Bible Studies, Small Groups and Life Groups – student ministry assistants lead groups for fellowship, sharing, Bible study and prayer. Life groups are student groups led by faculty and staff.
- Missions and Service Days – each year, representatives from various mission and service agencies provide information about their programs. During the fall semester, representatives from various summer camps come to campus to provide information about the needs and opportunities within the camps they represent.
- Retreats – Stutzman Retreat Center is available for group use.
- Service Opportunities (Love in Action) – Love in Action, the college’s peace and service club, coordinates a variety of service opportunities in partnership with local organizations.
- Sunday Worship – many students enjoy taking part in the worship services of area churches.
Catalog 2023-24