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Spiritual Life

While Roanoke College is the second-oldest Lutheran college in the nation, we're never sectarian in our outlook, welcoming students of all faiths and creeds. From our Lutheran heritage, we believe strongly that critical thinking and spiritual growth are both required for you to flourish and to live a life of meaning after graduation. We encourage you to follow your own personal spiritual path while here at Roanoke.

Office of the Chaplain

Students on morehead porch

Get to know Chaplain Chris

Join friends who share your faith

  • RCLutherans

    The cross on top of Antrim Chapel visible against a grey sky with yellow trees in foreground.

    We claim and celebrate the vision of faith that established Roanoke College. We are a welcoming community called to share God's love and to grow in the Lutheran understanding of life and faith.

  • Catholic Campus Ministry

    The gilt interior of St. Andrews Catholic Church, looking down the center aisle with pews on either side.

    Catholic Campus Ministry promotes the mission of the church among students at Roanoke. Masses are held every Sunday in Antrim Chapel. Group meetings occur during the week. Is God calling you to serve as a lector, extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, altar server, musician or choir member? Our community is enriched by students who share their gifts.

  • Hillel

    A menorah with all candles lit in the foreground sitting on a table with a blue cloth that has the Star of David embroidered in gold on it. Chapel pews in the background.

    The Hillel Jewish student group coordinates Jewish students for Shabbat and High Holiday services at either the local reform temple (Temple Emanuel) or conservative synagogue (Beth Israel). The group meets throughout the year to plan social and educational events. The makeup of the membership varies from very Reform to the very Conservative, including non-Jewish students.

  • InterVarsity Christian Fellowship

    A large wooden cross in the center with the tree of life symbol carved into it and pipe organ in the background.

    The purpose of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship is to establish and advance a witnessing community of students and faculty at Roanoke College who follow Jesus as Savior and Lord: growing in love for God, God's Word, God's people of every ethnicity and culture, and God's purposes in the world.

  • Interfaith Council

    Two female students stand holding a chalkboard sign that says "Make Interfaith Happen!"

    The Interfaith Council strives to create opportunities for all members of the Roanoke College community to voice their beliefs within a safe, protective space with open ears and open hearts. Made of Christians and atheists, Pagans and Jews, and countless other traditions, the council is open to everyone.

  • Young Life

    A huge group of young men and women pose together on a white sand beach with blue skies and puffy clouds in the background.

    The purpose of Young Life is to introduce local adolescents to Jesus Christ and help them grow in their faith. At Roanoke College, we work to help every student explore their purpose and identity in Christ, as well as provide opportunities to build community.

  • Atheists, Agnostics & Free Thinkers

    The steepled windows of Bittle Hall with an orange tree in the foreground.

    The purpose of our organization is to unite the many atheists, agnostics, secularists and skeptics on campus and to provide them with an opportunity to socialize with like-minded individuals while questioning religious and theistic beliefs. Everyone is welcome at general meetings and invited to partake in the discussions, regardless of their religious beliefs. 

Events

  • Bishop Crumley Lecture Series with Dr. Brad Wilcox

    When it comes to relationships, many young adults are confused, conflicted, and unsure they can forge a successful path toward the altar. In his lecture, UVa Professor Brad Wilcox will identify problems confronting young adults looking for lifelong love and offer 10 pieces of advice.

    Date:
    March 18, 2025
    Time:
    7 - 8 p.m.
    Location:

    Wortmann Ballroom
     

    Bishop Crumley Lecture Series with Dr. Brad Wilcoxevent image

Our local churches and synagogues welcome you.

Within a short walking distance of campus you'll find:

College Lutheran Church

210 South College Avenue, Salem
Telephone: 389-4963
10:00 a.m. - Sunday Worship Service
12:15 p.m. - Wednesday Worship Service
5:00 p.m. - First Sunday of the month Folk Service

First United Methodist Church

125 W Main St, Salem
Telephone: 389-5459
8:30 a.m. - First Worship Service
9:45 a.m. - Sunday School
11:00 a.m. - Worship Service

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church

314 Turner Road, Salem
Telephone: 387-0491
5:30 p.m. (Sat.) - Mass
10:30 a.m. (Sun.) - Mass

Saint Paul's Episcopal Church

42 E Main St, Salem
Telephone: 389-9307
7:30 a.m. - Holy Eucharist (Rite 1)
10:00 a.m. - Holy Eucharist (Rite 2)

Salem Baptist Church

103 North Broad Street, Salem
Telephone: 387-0416
9:30 a.m. - Sunday School
11:00 a.m. - Morning Worship Service
5:30 p.m. (Wed.) - Prayer Meeting
6:00 p.m. - Evening Worship Service

Salem Church of Christ

401 West Main Street, Salem
Telephone: 389-2400
8:30 a.m. - Worship Service
9:45 a.m. - Bible School
10:45 a.m. - Worship Service
6:00 p.m. - Evening Service

Salem Presbyterian Church

41 E Main St, Salem, VA 24153
Telephone: 389-3881
9:45 a.m. - Sunday School
11:00 a.m. - Worship Service

All area churches

All area synagogues