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.
Get to know Chaplain Chris
Do you enjoy wrestling with life’s big questions? Are you looking for a community to help you explore the purpose of your life? Hoping to develop a way of living that connects you to others and to the outdoors that leads to a world where we all flourish? Me too. You can do all that while pursuing your degree here at RC.
I invite you to come and see us. We, in the Center for Spiritual Life and Campus Ministries, are here for you as you strive to grow in faith, hope and love of God and your neighbor. Roanoke was built to do just that by Lutherans who believed both can happen at the same time if a curious and caring community surrounds us. After 11 years of serving as Chaplain, it is clear this is that kind of place, I can tell you I have seen this happen year after year. I so enjoy walking with students as they find a way to live a purpose guided life of faith and service. This is the sort of place that will give you roots and wings.
Feel free to contact me if this note leaves you curious and wanting to see if Roanoke might be for you.
Ever thankful,
Rev. Chris Bowen
Dean of the Chapel
Join friends who share your faith
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Atheists, Agnostics & Free Thinkers
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.
Rooted and Open
Learn more about our common commitments to free inquiry, service to our neighbors and radical hospitality in "Rooted and Open" that was adopted by the network of colleges and universities that are a part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA).
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