Religion-in-Life at Berry College:

Berry’s emphasis on educating the “head, heart, and hands” is more than a slogan. It is a mission that defines who we are. And the way we educate “the heart” is distinctive in the academic world. Four words capture this distinctiveness: “Forever Christian, Always Welcoming.”

Forever Christian

Berry was founded on the commitment to be “forever Christian in Spirit.” Over 100 years later, we still take this commitment seriously. Each week, approximately 40 religion-in-life activities occur on campus, including opportunities for Christian worship, Bible study, fellowship, and more. The Chaplain’s Office, Mount Berry Church (the campus congregation), and our many religion-in-life student groups serve as a catalyst for Berry’s Christian climate.

Always Welcoming…of Diversity within Christianity

Berry has never had a common statement of faith. Instead, we pledge an interdenominational, ecumenical approach to Christian faith and values. One can find many different expressions of Christian faith on campus, and it is not difficult for students to find the right group to nurture their spiritual growth. We also seek unity and cooperation among the various groups, especially in the area of service to others. Berry students consistently put their faith into action, living out the college’s scriptural motto: “not to be ministered unto, but to minister.”

Always Welcoming…of Diversity beyond Christianity

Following the lessons of the Good Samaritan and the Golden Rule, Berry is a community that welcomes people from diverse religious traditions. Berry is committed to helping students of various religious backgrounds find ways to express their faith commitments. The college’s Interfaith Council provides religious opportunities and educational programs for the whole campus, as well as occasions for dialogue between different faith traditions.

Always Welcoming…of Personal Seeking

At Berry, religion-in-life is important, but it is not imposed. All religious activities are voluntary. Students can be involved as much or as little as they desire, though occasions to discuss matters of faith permeate the campus. Not only do we believe that spiritual seeking is consistent with an academic career, but it is also essential for spiritual growth and maturity: “seek and ye shall find.” We trust that earnest seeking leads to a sense of vocation - a higher calling that integrates head, heart, and hands for a lifetime of service.

Sources of Religion-in-Life at Berry

The importance of “the heart” at Berry is evident by the many groups that play an active role in promoting religion-in-life at Berry:

1. Chaplain’s Office. The Chaplain’s Office has the primary responsibility for setting the religious tone on campus and assuring that we remain “Forever Christian, Always Welcoming.” The chaplain has four areas of responsibility: (1) ministering to the whole campus; (2) promoting opportunities for Christian growth; (3) supporting all religion-in-life groups; and (4) assisting with the Bonner Center for Community Service.

2. Mount Berry Church. The chaplain also serves as the pastor of Mount Berry Church, the college’s campus congregation. This interdenominational church provides many worship and ministry opportunities for students to “explore, experience, and express the love of Christ.” The church places special importance on training students for a lifetime of servant leadership.

3. Religion-in-Life Student Groups. A tremendous amount of the religious vitality at Berry comes from student leaders in religion-in-life groups. Supported by campus ministers and faculty-staff advisors, these groups offer numerous and diverse opportunities for students to grow spiritually. See the box for a current list of these groups.

4. Interfaith Council. The Interfaith Council promotes a welcoming atmosphere for all our students, regardless of religious background. The IFC provides opportunities to express diverse faith perspectives, and it promotes educational events to learn about various religious traditions.

5. Academic Courses and Public Events. Through academic courses and public lectures, Berry faculty members and guest speakers explore faith from an academic context. The scholarly study of religion often challenges students to grapple with spiritual issues more systematically and critically than previously necessary.

6. Bonner Center for Community Service. Though not limited to religion-in-life groups, the Bonner Center coordinates student efforts as they live out the college’s scriptural motto, “not to be ministered unto, but to minister.”