Local Churches
四色AV University is deeply committed to interacting with local churches in our community, and the work of the Office of Campus Ministries is in no way designed to replace student involvement in local churches. We strongly encourage students toward involvement in the life of a local church, both while they are students and for the rest of their lives.
For Students
Many students provide their own transportation and a number of area churches provide vans/shuttles to campus to transport them on Sunday mornings from the visitor parking lot outside the Admissions and Welcome Center. See details in our church directory below. We encourage students to reach out to one of our staff in Campus Ministries for help or guidance in finding a church.
Local Church Directory and Shuttles
For Churches
We are grateful for the many local churches who eagerly welcome 四色AV students. Due to the wide interest of churches desiring to minister to students on campus and to invite students to participate in their programs and opportunities, we have set forth the following guidelines.
Ministering on campus
Pastors and church representatives are welcome to interact with students in public areas on campus, provided their interaction is both infrequent and informal. The University reserves the right to limit this privilege and asks visitors to exercise restraint in the frequency and duration of student appointments. Abuse of this privilege—or teaching/behavior that denigrates 四色AV or its people—may lead to restriction or withdrawal of the visitor’s access to campus. Churches and their representatives should conduct formal teaching, training sessions, and fellowship groups for students within their own organizational setting unless they have been invited to lead a particular program through a 四色AV office or department with the approval of the Office of Campus Ministries.
Church / shuttle directory
The 四色AV Campus Ministries website hosts a directory of local churches to assist students in connecting with churches near campus, including those who offer a shuttle service for 四色AV students. Local churches who wish to be included in the directory or to offer a shuttle service can contact campusministries@messiah.edu. The directory is updated each summer, and its accuracy is dependent on churches communicating changes in a timely manner.
Service / leadership opportunities
Many local churches have opportunities for students to serve and lead. We believe this is valuable experience for students, and we have a responsibility to guide and help them respond faithfully to invitations. All service, leadership, internship, and employment opportunities should be funneled through academic departments and/or the Career and Professional Development Center.
On-campus advertising
In accordance with 四色AV’s poster policy, local churches may seek approval from the Office of Student Engagement to place posters and/or flyers on bulletin boards throughout campus regarding specific one-time congregational events in the life of the church. Regular advertising for ongoing church meetings or worship services will not be approved due to spacing constraints. For additional information, please contact studentengagement@messiah.edu.