Spiritual Life
Welcome to the Kentucky Christian University Campus Ministry, where we are dedicated to nurturing the holistic development of our students. While academic excellence and interpersonal connections are valued, we believe that true transformation stems from a deep, personal relationship with God.
At KCU, you’ll encounter a vibrant Christ-centered community comprising faculty, staff, and students who are committed to integrating their faith into every aspect of life, both on and off campus. Our university has a rich tradition spanning over a century, rooted in the fusion of faith and education. This unique approach empowers our students to become catalysts for advancing the Kingdom and making a global impact.
Our curriculum is intentionally crafted to blend faith and learning, demonstrating how one’s beliefs can inform and enrich their chosen career paths. However, our commitment to spiritual growth extends beyond the classroom. From moments of prayer and devotion with professors to personal mentorship opportunities, chapel services, dorm devotions, worship gatherings, and transformative mission trips abroad, there are numerous avenues for students to deepen their faith journey.
Choosing KCU means embarking on a transformative experience where you’ll not only grow academically and socially but also spiritually. Join us as we journey together towards a deeper relationship with Christ and a greater understanding of our purpose in His Kingdom.
Here are a few ways you can grow in your faith…
Chapel
Life Groups
Opportunities to gather with others for study and worship are not limited to our chapel services alone. We also offer opportunities to meet with others through our Life Program. We consistently have 20-25 groups that meet each semester, covering an array of topics. Since its launch, we have had at least 300 KCU students, faculty, and staff invested in a life group! These groups are designed to be more relational in manner, offering our campus family opportunities to grow deeper with others and simply do life together.
Student Chapel Requirements:
Because we hold strongly to the importance of gathering together as the body of Christ, chapel attendance is mandatory. Each student is required to accrue 26 chapel credits per semester (16 if you are a commuter) out of 30 chapel services while at KCU. This gives on-campus students 4 unexcused absences per semester to use as they wish. Excused absences such as illnesses, emergencies, and traveling for school-related purposes will not count against the student’s total. Students may accrue their 26 (or 16) credits through one of two pathways:
Chapel Pathway:
The first option students have in accruing their necessary Spiritual Formation credits is by choosing to by-pass Life Groups for credit and earn credits solely through attending chapel services. In this option, students would need to attend 26 (16, if commuter) of the 30 offered chapel services to pass. Students will be allotted 4 unexcused absences per semester. Choosing this pathway does not exclude students from participating in a Life Group. Students are encouraged to plug into any of the following groups, they simply won’t receive chapel credits for attending.
Life Group Pathway:
The second option students have in accruing their necessary Spiritual Formation credits is by choosing to engage in both Chapel services and a Life Group for Spiritual Formation credit. In this scenario, students may earn a maximum of 8 (4, if commuter) credits from attending a Life Group. Their remaining credits must come through attending chapel services (i.e. 18, 12). Students can explore the various groups offered through KCU by exploring the Fall 2023 Life Group Catalogue. Once a student has a few groups of interest, they may sign-up for one at the following link: Sign-up Here.
Chapel Exemption:
While we believe in the importance of being together, we understand that special circumstances out of the student’s control may require them to apply for chapel exemption. These scenarios are academically related in the case of internships, practicums, and student teaching; medical-related amid the COVID-19 pandemic; and, work-related for commuters who do not have classes on campus on chapel days and have a job that requires them to work off campus on those same days. In any of these cases, students must fill out the chapel exemption form and attach any appropriate documentation as noted in the form.
Athletes for Christ
Athletes for Christ at Kentucky Christian University is a dynamic Bible study tailored specifically for our student athletes. Our aim is to foster spiritual growth by facilitating meaningful discussions and drawing insights from Scripture. In this welcoming and supportive community, individuals can freely express themselves and engage in authentic dialogue about their faith journey. Our activities are centered around collective training, encompassing physical, mental, and spiritual aspects. Ultimately, our endeavor is rooted in glorifying God and aspiring to reflect His character in all facets of our lives.
Worship Nights
Periodically there are special events held on campus. Some of these are organized by students who are part of the Worship Ministry program, and they are always terrific, refreshing experiences. Other times, a group of students might feel led to plan something unique. Working with the Campus Ministry office, these evening worship experiences can be rich and good for the soul.
KCU Reach
KCU Reach allows our students to be the Hands and Feet of Christ by working in service to churches and organizations throughout our region. To Learn more, please click the button below.
Graduate Residency Program
KCU Campus Ministry is excited to launch a new Graduate Residency program! The Graduate Residency Program intends to provide practical ministry experience, accompanied with academic studies, for 1-2 years for those students who are undergraduates in the areas of Biblical Studies, Theology, or a Ministry-related field. Interested students may contact the Campus Minister, Jake Ratliff (jratliff@kcu.edu), for information or to apply.
A full over of the program may also be found here: Program Overview
Application Process:
- Submit a resume with 3 references to the Campus Minister (jratliff@kcu.edu).
- Submit an essay (2-4 pages in length) to the Campus Minister answering the following questions:
- What does ministry mean to you in your own words?
- What are your goals upon the completion of your studies?
- How may this program help you accomplish those goals?
- In what areas do you think this program will help you improve?
- Apply and Gain Acceptance (or conditional acceptance) to a KCU Graduate Program in the Keeran School of Bible & Ministry.
Meet Our Staff
Jake Ratliff
- Student Life
Mike Cochran
- Student Life
Jeremy Miller
- Student Life
Investment of Time, Prayer, and Love
“I’ll never forget how the Bible and Ministry professors at KCU cared about me as a person. They didn’t just see me as a student number. They invested time, prayer, and love into my life and my ministry, and I’m eternally thankful for their influence.”
Sean Plank, Class of 2010