Religious & Spiritual Life

Finding community and making friends can be a challenge. Chaplains are here – not only to listen to how this adjustment has been for you – but also to help you think through strategies for finding community here on campus.

Struggling with family about your major, difficulties communicating with a roommate, bullying on social media, trouble in a friend group, navigating a sticky dating situation – these are all the sorts of conversations that chaplains regularly have with students looking for sounding boards when dealing with these interpersonal dynamics.

Questions of becoming sexually active, exploring sexual and gender identities, and coping with sexual assault may be discussed with a college chaplain in a safe, confidential, and nonjudgmental setting.

Chaplains are here to help you make meaning – figuring out what excites you, considering your purpose, asking big questions, thinking about how you want to shape your life and serve the world. Your chaplain’s office is a great space to think out loud, in a confidential space.

A chaplain is thrilled to hear about what’s going right in your world, and to cheer you on.  We’re a nonjudgmental presence when you’re trying to figure things out, and it’s OK to humble-brag about yourself, too!

Exploring the spiritual dimensions of our humanity can be an excellent resource on the journey of life. It’s also totally normal to doubt or wonder if some of what you were taught might be toxic or unhealthy. Cults and unhealthy religious groups love to target college students, so please talk to us about anything you’re curious or concerned about.

The death of a loved one, prolonged illness, accidents, and other unexpected life events can be harrowing experiences. Fear of our own mortality and questions about an afterlife are normal after such harrowing experiences. Chaplains are a helpful resource for processing your feelings and helping you begin to heal from your loss.

Many college students struggle with feelings of pressure, shame, or a sense of inauthenticity regarding their childhood community, family, or religious practice. Chaplains may be a resource for helping you think about how to integrate (or not) your family’s beliefs as you develop your own personal and/or religious identity.

Counseling Services

Professional counseling is available to all McMurry students and staff. The McMurry Counseling Center is committed to providing you with a safe, confidential environment where you can work to gain personal healing and growth.

Counseling