Spiritual Life


Our United Methodist Church Connection

Related by faith to The United Methodist Church, North Carolina Wesleyan University is open to all persons regardless of their religious beliefs. The University welcomes religious diversity as an opportunity for the broadening of minds and the enrichment of discourse. We accept students where they are and all students, regardless of their belief system, can find a since of belonging at NC Wesleyan University.

At our core, our connection to the United Methodist Church means we will prepare students to be positive contributors to their community through civility, service, and collaboration.

North Carolina Wesleyan is committed to the holistic growth of its students, and this includes spiritual growth. The goal of campus religious life is to provide an atmosphere of genuine care and close personal relationships. This is central to the idea of the Christian community and is conducive to spiritual growth.

Faith Based Opportunities

At NC Wesleyan University, we do not prescribe faith, but we believe faith exploration is an important part of a student’s higher education journey. All students complete an Introduction to Religion or Worlds Religion course that provides cultural competence and understanding of many faith systems. There are a number of religious life opportunities and services to assist students in their spiritual journey. We offer a Chapel, Chaplain, and various faith-based student groups for those who want to incorporate faith into their daily/weekly journey at NC Wesleyan University.

Organized through the Office of the Chaplain in conjunction with the Office of Student Activities, these opportunities provide students the occasion to explore questions of faith, develop personal relationships through fellowship activities, express one’s faith through song or service, or to join with other members of the Wesleyan community in worship. More information about many of these opportunities is available in the University’s events calendar, the Office of the Chaplain, and the Office of Student Activities.

Participation in spiritual life programs is voluntary, and we encourage you to explore the available opportunities as you continue your faith journey at North Carolina Wesleyan University.

Office of Student Religious Life

Located in the Chapel, the Coordinator for Student Religious Life is responsible for coordinating worship and spiritual activities on campus, and various community service opportunities. The Coordinator for Student Religious Life also serves as a liaison between the college and The United Methodist Church

Worship on Campus

Chapel worship services are scheduled weekly (currently on Tuesday evenings at 6:30 PM) in Leon Russell Chapel. This is a brief time for members of the Wesleyan community to stop, reflect, and catch their breath while discovering the freshness of God’s spirit at work. The “congregation” is comprised of students, faculty, staff and administrators which fosters a nurturing sense of community on campus. Participation in the worship service as instrumentalists, vocalists, readers, or liturgists is welcomed. In addition, students are encouraged to attend one of the many local congregations.

NC Wesleyan students read bible
NC Wesleyan students walk through campus

Singing At Wesleyan

The Gospel Choir

The Gospel Choir is open to all students who seek to express their faith through song. It is a voluntary choir that performs on a number of occasions both on campus and in the community. Rehearsals are held on a weekly basis.

Wesleyan Singers

The University Choir is comprised of faculty, staff and students, who enjoy singing a variety of music, from traditional to more contemporary.  The University Choir performs at many campus functions as well as in the local community. Rehearsals are held weekly.

NCWU also offers Wesleyan Singers Scholarship award. Learn more about the scholarship and how to apply.