Why Chapel?

Education in the Christian liberal arts tradition is interested not only in academic competence but also in the spiritual formation. The Chapel Office at Gordon College provides various programs to support students in their spiritual growth and encourage full-life Christian discipleship. They include corporate worship gatherings, spiritual life groups, mentoring relationships, mission trips and pastoral counseling.

As followers of Christ we recognize our calling and privilege to gather for corporate worship: to express to God our dependence, gratitude and adoration, to hear and respond to the Word of God, and to grow in our understanding of the Christian faith. Chapel gatherings provide occasions to honor God, glorify Christ, and reflect upon our relationship to God as Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer. Along with instruction in the basic tenets of the Christian faith, the chapel program fosters spiritual growth through teaching, exhortation, and the observance of spiritual disciplines.

As a multi-denominational, liberal arts institution, Gordon College draws students, staff and faculty from several Christian traditions. The chapel program strives to acquaint students with a wide range of worship practices. It is our hope that during their time at Gordon students will gain a greater understanding of the traditions and distinctions of numerous Christian denominations. Chapel gatherings will at times display some of the characteristics of contemporary evangelicalism, but they will also reflect the rich heritage of the church over the past two millennia. We trust that students will gain an appreciation for that heritage, especially its great creeds, its cherished hymns and liturgies, and the major events of the church year. In addition to celebrating the achievements and mourning the losses of our community, the chapel program also offers an opportunity to hear from others whose lives of following Jesus provide models worthy of imitation.

While the College sponsors chapel gatherings during the week, participation in Chapel should not replace attendance and involvement in a church. Students are strongly encouraged to find a local church where they can worship and contribute regularly.

Chapel FAQs

Why chapel?
Gordon's programs in Christian life and worship have been designed to nurture our spirit of community. As part of our life together, we gather as believers to support one another, to share in sorrow and in gratitude, and to call upon the Lord for guidance. We believe that the discipline of regularly convening as a community can strengthen our Christian walk.

As followers of Christ we recognize our calling and privilege to gather for corporate worship: to express to God our dependence, gratitude and adoration, to hear and respond to the Word of God, and to grow in our understanding of the Christian faith. Chapel gatherings provide occasions to honor God, glorify Christ, and reflect upon our relationship to God as Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer. Along with instruction in the basic tenets of the Christian faith, the Chapel program fosters spiritual growth through teaching, exhortation, and the observance of spiritual disciplines.

When and where do chapel gatherings take place?
Chapel gatherings are usually held in the A. J. Gordon Memorial Chapel every Monday, Wednesday and Friday that classes are in session, from 10:25–11:10 a.m. Our worship gatherings are a mix of contemporary and traditional in format. Special evening chapel gatherings are held on Monday evenings a few times throughout the semester. See the chapel schedule for specific themes and events.

How does Chapel accommodate different worship traditions?
As a multidenominational liberal arts college, Gordon draws students, staff, and faculty from many Christian traditions. The Chapel program will acquaint you with a range of worship practices. It is our hope that during your time at Gordon you will gain an understanding of the traditions of numerous Christian denominations. Services will display characteristics of contemporary evangelicalism, but they will also reflect the church's rich heritage over the past two millennia. You will gain an appreciation for that heritage, especially its great creeds, cherished hymns and liturgies, and the major events of the church year.

Chapel gatherings also affirm the diversity within the body of Christ as is evident within our members and across the globe. Through our programs, students should discover much about the nature and challenges of global Christianity, including the vitality and character of churches in several regions of the world.

What about Sunday worship?
While the College sponsors chapel gatherings during the week, participation in chapel should not replace attendance and involvement in a church. Students are strongly encouraged to find a local church where they can worship and contribute regularly. See the listing of area churches.

How can I get the most out of chapel?

• Come with an open mind and heart.
• Be respectful. Chapel gatherings should be approached in a spirit of reverence. Bringing food or drink into the building, doing homework during the services or talking while others are speaking or singing is disrespectful. We ask you, out of reverence for God and respect for others, to avoid such disruptions.
• Get involved. Students, along with faculty and staff, are eligible to prepare and sponsor an event for Christian Life and Worship credit.