CHRISTIAN SERVICE
The Christian Service Program provides opportunities to put faith into action by
using your gifts, knowledge, and abilities to meet the needs of others. Rooted in
Christ's example of ministry and His call to serve, the program helps students to
connect classroom learning with meaningful service.
When answering the question, “Which is more important, faith or works?” C.S. Lewis writes in Mere Christianity, “…it does seem to me like asking which blade in a pair of scissors is most necessary.”
Through the Christian Service Program, you'll have opportunities to live out your faith through two complementary experiences: community service and service-learning. These experiences allow you to apply what you learn in the classroom while making a meaningful impact in the community.
To receive Christian Service credit, all community service and service-learning activities must be approved before participation. Dozens of approved opportunities are available through local organizations. If your activity has not yet been approved, simply submit an Event Request for review before participating.
When answering the question, “Which is more important, faith or works?” C.S. Lewis writes in Mere Christianity, “…it does seem to me like asking which blade in a pair of scissors is most necessary.”
Through the Christian Service Program, you'll have opportunities to live out your faith through two complementary experiences: community service and service-learning. These experiences allow you to apply what you learn in the classroom while making a meaningful impact in the community.
To receive Christian Service credit, all community service and service-learning activities must be approved before participation. Dozens of approved opportunities are available through local organizations. If your activity has not yet been approved, simply submit an Event Request for review before participating.
Fall 2023 - Winter 2026 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 include some type of meeting with the non-profit served
- e.g. graphic design students create designs for domestic violence emphasis month. Their service time includes a Zoom visit with the 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, Family Fun Day for the community
- 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 for the church
- 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