Seventh-day Adventist Faith and Values Return to: Student Handbook
Students attending Andrews University soon learn that our Seventh-day Adventist faith and values set us apart. Our distinctive Christian perspective, guided by our understanding of Scripture, informs our faith as well as our practice.
Relationship with God
We understand God is present and desires to have a relationship with His creation. Students are encouraged to grow in their relationship with God by communing with Him in daily prayer, meditating on His word, singing His praises and gathering together for worship.
Salvation through Jesus Christ
We believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Savior of all who place their faith in Him. In His life we are offered a holy example, in His death the forgiveness of sin and in His resurrection the hope of a new beginning. In times of temptation, trial and failure students are directed to the grace of Christ as a source of strength, healing and restoration.
The Sabbath: A Day of Rest and Worship
The Bible describes the seventh day as the one day God set aside for focused fellowship with His people. The seventh-day Sabbath (from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset) is a special part of the relationship between God and His creation. To foster this focused fellowship with God, non-essential business operations and activities at Andrews are closed. Students are encouraged to welcome and delight in the Sabbath as a day of special rest, worship and communion with God, ministry to others, and celebration of God’s creative and redemptive acts.
Sabbath Observance
As a distinctly Seventh-day Adventist Christian institution, Andrews University promotes the observance of the seventh-day Sabbath, Friday evening at sundown to Saturday evening at sundown. As God rested and made the Sabbath a holy day, the Sabbath is observed as a memorial of creation to the Creator. We withdraw from work and play that can be created during the regular six days of the week. The Sabbath is a time to be in communion with the Creator, away from the activities, music and reading that are not focused on worshiping the Lord. Andrews University requests that all on our campus—faculty, staff, students and visitors—respect the sacred observance of this day. Our community includes diverse perspectives on Sabbath observance. However, no personal or unregistered group activity should detract from the sacred Sabbath observance for others in the community. This means all our communal spaces, including residence hall lounges and other common areas in our facilities, are reserved for the observance of Sabbath, including worship, meditation and God-centered fellowship. Any faculty, staff or student staff member may request that activities that detract from Sabbath observance cease or be modified to accommodate the right for any member of our community to observe Sabbath freely and without malice. One of the “Andrews Advantages” is for students to study and rest in a Sabbath-affirming environment.
Present and Future Hope in Jesus Christ
Seventh-day Adventists look forward to the imminent second coming of Christ. Until then we are God’s stewards, entrusted by Him to use our time, gifts and abilities, resources and opportunities to serve Him and our fellowmen.
Wholesome Lifestyle
Seventh-day Adventists are encouraged to engage in whatever fosters the optimum development of the mind, body and spirit. This includes a healthful diet along with adequate exercise and rest.
Life Purpose
Every human being, created in the image of God, is endowed with a God-given purpose for their life. At the core of an educational journey at Andrews University is our desire to help each student discover their life’s calling.
Concern for Others
As Christians, we are called to follow after Christ. In response to witnessing His grace and mercy in our own lives, we are compelled to likewise give ourselves in loving service, locally and globally.
Learn More
To learn more about the fundamental beliefs of Seventh-day Adventists go to adventist.org/beliefs. To read official statements issued by the Seventh-day Adventist Church on important contemporary issues go to adventist.org/information/official-statements.
Campus Ministries Return to: Student Handbook
Located in the Campus Center, the Office of Campus Ministries is the hub for faith development of students and offers additional support for faculty and staff. We exist to enrich the spiritual and intellectual life of the campus by providing a variety of ministries appropriate to a spiritual, cultural and socially diverse student and professional body and to collaborate with other faith development leaders of the University community. We wish to ignite the passion of those who have been transformed by or are considering a relationship with Jesus Christ from the unique perspective of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
The essential question for us is embraced in the transformative verse central to the Gospel of John, “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”—John 14:6, NKJV.
Embracing the ethos of Andrews University, CM believes:
we Seek the Way—Fostering and leading corporate and personal worship on campus
we Affirm the Truth—Creating places to explore and own our faith
we Change the Life—Encouraging the application of thoughtful, sensitive and tangible experiences
We look forward to supporting and connecting with you through these three main avenues.
We Seek the Way
Bible Study & Discipleship—Come by CM and visit with any of the chaplains or student chaplains. We also have trained peer Bible counselors who provide Bible studies.
Thursdays at PMC—Each Thursday the campus gathers at PMC to explore the values that inform an Adventist education—the harmonious development of body, mind and spirit for service to the world.
Church—On the campus of Andrews University we have one church, Pioneer Memorial Church, led by Pastor Dwight Nelson. Affiliated with PMC are two more worship services: One Place and New Life Fellowship. There is nothing quite like Sabbath morning on campus.
University Vespers—Once a week on Friday night we gather as a community to welcome Sabbath and seek the centrality of Jesus in all we are and do.
Weeks of Prayer—Weeks of Prayer are the perfect way to start a new semester and actively seek the will of God in our lives.
We Affirm the Truth
Evangelism Field School—Interested in urban evangelism? Then join the team actively planning, sharing and preaching the word of God. We join the world church this year in reaching the cities by going to our city, Benton Harbor.
GPS—Growth Purpose Spirit services take place monthly on Sabbath afternoon as a forum on current topics. Ask questions, explore hard subjects and be inspired.
Sabbath School—Many options in Buller Hall, the Campus Center, the Seminary Building, New Life, One Place and PMC all offer stimulating Bible study and group discussion that speak to the head and the heart. Some run year-round.
Training and Teaching—We support a holistic approach to following Jesus and periodically offer workshops and retreats throughout the year. Come by Campus Ministries for more information.
We Change the Life
Benton Harbor—Using some of the best community building tools in Benton Harbor, we are always adapting and creating new ministry opportunities, from the gospel choir to basketball to Harbor Habitat to the well-known Kid Zone Ministry.
MyTown Ministries—MyTown Ministries is an opportunity for students to make a social and spiritual impact in our neighboring city of Chicago. Through MyTown, a volunteer will experience the history, sites and unique individuals that make Chicago a great city to live in, while working within a team to implement new and innovative methods to reach the city.
Missions—Whether you want to serve for 10 days or 10 months we have many options for you to consider. Explore all of your options during the school year.
S.P.A.R.K. (Share, Prayer, Ask, Receive, Know)—S.P.A.R.K. is a ministry that focuses on the power of intercessory prayer. This ministry provides prayer visitation in the residence halls and prayer stations for students walking the Andrews campus. If you have a big test coming up and need prayer, just stop at one of the stations and have someone pray with you.
Visitation—You are important. We would be honored to intersect with your life story. So come by or set an appointment time for us to come and visit you. Let’s talk about Jesus. One Life. One Jesus.
So Much More…
In addition, there are countless departments and clubs on campus that offer multiple worships and training opportunities throughout the year. You will find deans, faculty and staff who are eager to share their own walk with Jesus and are actively engaged in applying faith to life. Stay connected.
Contact a Chaplain:
June Price, University chaplain: juneprice@andrews.edu
José Bourget, associate chaplain: pastorjose@andrews.edu
Visit andrews.edu/cm for more information.
Campus Ministries exists to engage you in a transformational relationship with Jesus Christ.
Phone: 269-471-3211
Email: cm@andrews.edu
Web: andrews.edu/cm
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