Up for discussion: Ministering to spiritual needs

Students come to college on a quest to find direction -- not only in their academic pursuits, but often in their spiritual lives as well.

A recent national study conducted by UCLA revealed that 75 percent of undergraduates are searching for a deeper meaning and purpose in life. Nearly half reported it "essential" to seek opportunities to help them grow spiritually, and 80 percent had attended some type of religious service in the past year.

"Students are looking for connection -- with their peers and trustworthy adults," says Rev. Kristin Stoneking, director of the Cal Aggie Christian Association at UC Davis and past president of the National Campus Ministry Association. "It's our role to help give them direction, but not necessarily answers."

New life experiences

Students are seeking spiritual lives and ways to adjust their faith to fit new life experiences, Stoneking says. For example, a student taking evolution courses may have a difficult time meshing that information with the creationist viewpoint of the religion in which he or she was raised. Students may need guidance when sorting through disparate parts of their lives.

"We encourage the campus community to see how the spiritual aspects of students' lives need to be part of the academic endeavor," Stoneking says. "Students receive strength, support and guidance from their beliefs."

While being away from home can be a daunting experience, especially for freshmen, it can also bring freedom to explore different avenues for social and spiritual connection, says Chani Oppenheim, executive director of the Jewish Hillel House.

"Whatever a student's needs may be, Hillel House reaches out and offers myriad opportunities to learn, celebrate and socialize," Oppenheim says. "We serve as a 'home away from home' for the over 3,000 Jewish students at UC Davis."

Many faiths present on campus

The Cal Aggie Christian Association -- affiliated with the United Methodist, United Church of Christ and Presbyterian denominations -- is the oldest campus ministry, started in 1916. It hosts group worship on Wednesday nights, a weekly community dinner, mentoring programs and quarterly service retreats.

Other members of the Interfaith Campus Council include Hillel House, the Belfry, an outreach of the Lutheran and Episcopalian churches; and the Newman Center, a Catholic organization. Leaders of these religious centers have pledged not to proselytize to students, but rather to guide them in finding their own spirituality.

"Our mission statement is intentionally welcoming to students of all faiths," Stoneking says. "Our role is to mentor and guide students in determining their vocation and encourage them to be involved in issues of peace and justice."

Other student campus organizations represent Buddhism, the Bahá'í Faith, Christianity, Islam, Judaism and Unitarian Universalism.