Religious and Spiritual Life

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A Welcoming Community

As a United Methodist institution, faith and religion are vital aspects of life at McMurry. Through diverse programming, the Religious and Spiritual Life (RSL) division fosters the exploration of faith traditions, spirituality, philosophies, and life values within higher education.

RSL programs and activities bring together the campus community. The tapestry of our campus is diverse, creating inspiring experiences for all who participate. Gather for weekly worship, make new friendships, join a mission trip, gain leadership experience, and develop a servant’s heart as you advance spiritual knowledge.

Bring your beliefs, ask questions, and explore varying viewpoints, as a part of your ongoing faith journey. No matter where you find yourself, we welcome all walks of life with open arms. We promise to support and help you to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly through your time here.

Real Connections

McMurry University serves a campus community with 1,100 students and nearly 300 faculty and staff. McMurry welcomes students of all faiths and no spiritual traditions, and offers resources for students who wish to pursue a spiritual journey.

The University Chaplains and Office of Religious and Spiritual Life are committed to supporting you in issues of faith, purpose and meaning as you navigate life at McMurry.
Tuesday Chapel is held in the Mabee Room in the Campus Center at 11 a.m. September through May. The Christian service welcomes all bringing together the campus community for praising God, prayer, and encouragement.
Student Leadership Team plans and leads activities to support students in their faith journey, fulfillment of mission work, and development of friendships.

Why Talk To a Chaplain?
McMurry University chaplains are confidential resources trained to listen and support you - on virtually any topic! While they serve and lead religious communities on campus, chaplains support the whole university community - whether religious, spiritual, secular, or none of the above.
At McMurry, our chaplains are available for all students (as well as staff and faculty). Chaplains offer a nonjudgmental, respectful ear for anything you’re going through.
To make an appointment with a University Chaplain, simply send them an email or call the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life. Contact information is below.

LONELINESS & HOMESICKNESS

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.

RELATIONSHIP ISSUES

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.

SEXUALITY/GENDER

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.

MEANING & PURPOSE

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.

CELEBRATING THE WHOLE YOU

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!

QUESTIONS ABOUT SPIRITUALITY AND RELIGION

Exploring the spiritual dimensions of our humanity can be a wonderful 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 come talk to us about anything you’re curious or concerned about.

GRIEF & DYING

The death of a loved one, prolonged illness, accidents and other unexpected life events can be very painful experiences. Fear of our own mortality and questions about an afterlife are normal after such difficult experiences. Chaplains are a helpful resource to process all of your feelings and help you find ways to begin to heal from your loss.

GUILT/SHAME

Many college students struggle with feelings of pressure, shame, or authenticity surrounding 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 offered to all McMurry students and staff members. The McMurry Counseling Center is committed to providing you a safe, confidential environment where you can work to gain personal healing and growth.

Counseling

Giving to others helps you develop and grow personally in your faith journey. Giving time through volunteering can be as important as providing a financial contribution. RSL conducts local outreach projects in Abilene and the surrounding communities working at a local food bank, organizing clothes closets, or clean-up projects at Butman Camp. The commitment is short-term, but the reward will be great.

Mission trips can be a valuable and unforgettable part of your college experience. They help you grow as a person, increase cultural competency, provide the opportunity to develop a servant’s heart, and allow you to bring aid to those in need. You can build your faith knowledge and beliefs the more you talk about them. During RSL outreach trips, you serve others while helping yourself grow. Previous mission trips support outreach with organizations serving others and require multi-day commitment.

2024 Summer Mission – International Trip to El Camino de Santiago, Spain
2024 Winter Mission Trip – Orlando, FL
2023 Summer Mission – Puerto Rico
2022 Winter Mission – Orlando, FL
2019 Summer Mission – El Paso, Texas
2018 Winter Mission – Dallas, Texas
2018 Summer Mission – Puerto Rico

RSL hosts a biweekly coffee house Thursdays, 7 to 9 p.m. (September through May) in The Brew, located in the lobby of Jay-Rollins Library. Check in, chill out, and enjoy coffee, cocoa, tea and snacks, as well as the activities. Click here to access the campus calendar for dates.

RSL invites people from all spiritual perspectives and religious traditions to work together around a common cause that helps others in need. Various faith traditions are represented as we come together united around a common purpose. Our mission is to promote campus-wide understanding and respect of diverse spiritual beliefs by means of communication, dialogue, education, and advocacy and serve our community. We’re about building relationships, actively learning, and engaging in opportunities for service. All are accepted. No exceptions.

RSL hosts events each semester to support students including Grocery Bingo, Lenten Study, and Ash Wednesday services. Watch for announcement of special events to be held around campus.

Find us at the Student Organization Fair during the first week of classes, or email us at link below.

Get Involved