CHRISTIAN SERVICE
Southern Christian Service Program
The Christian Service Program provides an opportunity to put faith into action by
using our gifts, knowledge, and abilities to meet the needs of those around us. Rooted
in Christ's example of ministry and His call to serve, the program connects classroom
learning with meaningful service.
When answering the question, “Which is more important, faith or works?” C.S. Lewis responds in Mere Christianity, “…it does seem to me like asking which blade in a pair of scissors is most necessary.”
The Christian Service Program invites you to live out your faith through meaningful service experiences. It consists of two components: community service and service-learning that connect what you learn in the classroom with practical projects that benefit our community.
To receive service credit, all community service and service-learning activities must be approved before participation. Dozens of opportunities are available on our webpage through local organizations, campus departments, and community partners. If the activity has not yet been approved, submit an Event Request for review.
When answering the question, “Which is more important, faith or works?” C.S. Lewis responds in Mere Christianity, “…it does seem to me like asking which blade in a pair of scissors is most necessary.”
The Christian Service Program invites you to live out your faith through meaningful service experiences. It consists of two components: community service and service-learning that connect what you learn in the classroom with practical projects that benefit our community.
To receive service credit, all community service and service-learning activities must be approved before participation. Dozens of opportunities are available on our webpage through local organizations, campus departments, and community partners. If the activity has not yet been approved, submit an Event Request for review.
2023-2025 Christian Service Impact
Hours Served
23877
Volunteers Participated
8142
Financial Equivalent
$729458
helpful links
Check your Christian Service profile: your hours, events, etc.
Find community service events
Suggest an event for review and approval.
Check the Christian Service requirements for graduation
Check the types of service that may count toward the service credit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find SERV-2 course options?
Service-Learning courses for the current and upcoming semester may be viewed on the
Academics Course Schedule page. (Under Filter Options, filter by General Education Requirements and scroll down
to SERV2 Christian Service)
I participated in a community service activity at home / church / other organization. Can those hours count toward the community service graduation requirement?
We are grateful for your service. All community service must be pre-approved by the
Christian Service Program in order to count toward graduation requirements. Please
reach out to us with any questions.
Where can I sign up for a Community Service activity?
Where can I go to meet with someone about a Student Initiated Service-Learning Project?
The Christian Service Office is in the Bietz Center for Student Life, Suite 2602,
across from the top of the slide. You may also schedule an appointment to meet with us.
What is Southern's definition of "community"?
Southern’s focus for community service is in partnering with nonprofits in the local area within an hour’s drive of campus. Exceptions must be pre-approved by emailing serve@southern.edu
Are there any exceptions to the community service guidelines?
- On campus service exceptions (must be pre-approved)
- Service must be outward facing to the community
- Service must be connected with a nonprofit community partner
- Service must includes some type of meeting with the non-profit served
- e.g. graphic design students provide designs for domestic violence emphasis month, and include a zoom visit with Family Justice Center representative to learn of the organization and the connection between their service and those served
- Church / Traditional University, Seventh-day Adventist Circles Allowed
- Service includes community-focused programming and engagement
- e.g. health seminars, Dinner with the Doctor, ministry to the homeless, ESL (English as a Second Language) classes, SonRise
- Service includes community-focused programming and engagement
- Church / Traditional University, SDA Circles not Allowed
- Church worship service
- e.g. praise team, greeting, teaching Sabbath School, evangelistic series, spiritual seminars/conferences, Pathfinders
- Service to Adventist Societies
- e.g. Hyve Conference, Adventist Historians Conference, etc.
- Church worship service
- Miscellaneous not Allowed
- Disaster response trips (can count for Service-learning)
- Student missions service abroad (can count for service-learning)
- Events primarily for students, employees, or alumni
- e.g. music performances on campus in which community members are invited, and Homecoming events
Contact
Christian Service Program
Bietz Center for Student Life, Suite 2602