Students will tell you what makes Southern a unique campus… it’s the spiritual atmosphere and the ownership that students take in doing ministry. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul describes the church as “The Body of Christ,” where each member represents a unique function; each function is interdependent and interconnected. The same is absolutely true on our campus! We see each day that students are a unique representation of the glory and love of our Maker.

Students who are musically talented or want to be involved in programming aspects of worship can be involved in a variety of outlets for worship services. We have weekly vespers programming on Friday nights, dorm worships throughout the week, and other student-led gatherings on campus that are always looking for talented, committed individuals who bring their gift as an offering of worship.

On our campus, there are also a variety of Sabbath worship gatherings for church. We have three services at the Collegedale Church; two of the services are traditional “high-church” style, and one is a more blended, multi-cultural style that the students are heavily involved in. There is also a Hispanic-American Seventh-day Adventist Church on campus for those who prefer a service in Spanish. We also have a more contemporary and casual service at Collegedale Academy in the auditorium, called Connect, for those who prefer that atmosphere.

Beyond our campus, there are about 25 Seventh-day Adventist Churches within a 15 miles radius of campus as well. Many of our students get involved in the music, Sabbath School classes, and other ministries at those churches. The churches have worship styles that vary from gospel to contemporary, and each of the churches have unique ministries they offer to the community and students! By finding a good home church in Chattanooga, you may also find a great option for Sabbath lunch with either a robust potluck or haystacks at a church member’s home!

Finding your niche and getting opportunities on campus can be a daunting task, but there are leaders on campus who are determined to get students plugged into ministries that suit them. Our campus ministries office is a great starting point for many people and they begin each school year with an incredible “Ministry Fair,” where ministries have the opportunity to set up a booth and get people signed up.