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 body, mind 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 spiritually, culturally 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 connection for us is embraced in the transformative verse of James 4:8, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you,” NKJV.
It is from this call to “draw near to God” that Campus Ministries receives its vision. God desires to be close to us and asks us to draw close to Him. Our PROXIMITY to God matters to Him and is life-changing for us! We believe and see evidenced in the Word of God that an ever increasing proximity to our Creator results in clarity received, closeness perceived and cleanliness achieved. As our proximity to God grows our proximity to man also grows, and we experience increased community within the body of Christ.
Campus Ministries seeks to encourage close proximity with God through the following means:
Affirm Faith Teams—Interested in reaching out to youth and sharing the gospel? Then join a team actively planning, sharing and preaching the word of God.
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.
Chapel—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.
Sabbath Worship Services—Andrews University collaborates with our campus church, Pioneer Memorial Church led by Pastor Dwight Nelson, and our two campus fellowships, New Life and One Place, to offer vibrant Sabbath worship services and Sabbath Schools.
University Vespers—Once a week on Friday night we gather as a community to welcome Sabbath and seek to worship God and draw close to Him.
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.
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.
Outreach—Are you ready to let the love of God flow through you to a world in need? We have identified needs which are waiting for you to reach out and fill.
Missions—Whether you want to serve for ten days or ten months we have many options for you to consider. Come by the Campus Ministries office and explore your options.
Prayer Ministry—a ministry that focuses on the power of intercessory prayer. This ministry orchestrates prayer groups across campus; seeks God’s protection, direction and revelation prior to all worship services; and organizes prayer initiatives that draw our campus close to God.
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 increase our PROXIMITY to the King together.
So Much More…
In addition, there are countless departments and clubs on campus that offer multiple worship 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 seeking close proximity to God. Stay connected. Let’s walk together in pursuing Him.
Contact a Chaplain:
June Price, University chaplain: juneprice@andrews.edu
José Bourget, associate chaplain: pastorjose@andrews.edu
Michael Polite, associate chaplain: politem@andrews.edu
Visit andrews.edu/cm for more information.
Campus Ministries exists to engage you in a transformational relationship with Jesus Christ. This transformation only comes in PROXIMITY to Him.
Phone: 269-471-3211
Email: cm@andrews.edu
Web: andrews.edu/cm
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