Faith and service
Spiritual growth is an essential part of a Messiah University education. We incorporate our shared Christian faith in the classroom, through residence life, at chapel, on sports teams, through the arts and in clubs and organizations. Our motto, " Christ Preeminent," shapes every experience you'll have as a student here.
At Messiah, we see ourselves as partners in your spiritual journey and are committed to helping you prepare for whatever vocation or service God has called you to. We don't want you to feel like you have to have it all figured out when you come to Messiah though. Our hope is that through your time here, you'll explore, discover and commit to your own personal faith perspective and beliefs—guided through strong Christian convictions—and leave with a strengthened heart for service, a commitment to common good, a faithful intelligence, and a passion for community and justice.
Statements of faith
Messiah by the numbers
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Named to National President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll with Distinction
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Choose from 60+ off-campus study locations in 40 countries
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35+ denominations represented in our student body
Grow your faith
At Messiah, we want you to grow in your faith and have a passion for Christian community. Join a small group. Find a personal mentor. Challenge yourself in a campus ministry role. From the first day you step on campus to your last, we hope your time at Messiah is a time of growth for you spiritually and academically, and a time where you'll learn to explore and deepen your core convictions and Christian beliefs. The Office of Campus Ministries coordinates many programs and resources to help you take the next step in your faith journey at Messiah.
Service opportunities
Messiah is committed to equipping you for a life of service and there are plenty of opportunities to hone your passion for service during your time here. Each year, Messiah students collectively volunteer thousands of hours to community service—locally, nationally and around the globe. The University’s Agapé Center for Local and Global Engagement is the coordinating hub for service organizations and opportunities both on and off campus.
Local service
Looking to serve those closest to you? Our local service outreach teams focus on the communities surrounding Messiah University.
National service
Put your faith into action by volunteering in communities across the nation through short-term service trips.
Global service
Do you have a passion to serve others abroad? Opportunities for international service trips are abundant at Messiah.
Academics as service
Students, professionals and partners from multiple disciplines collaborating to increase hope and transform lives.
See your faith anew
Listen to these stories about how students learn to see their faith in new and exciting ways at Messiah.
Brendan Provan 
Christina Muchmore 
Luke Foster 
Emily Bingham Find your church
The region surrounding Messiah University offers a variety of churches and worship communities. Local churches and parishes are eager to welcome Messiah University students to worship and serve in their congregations. A number of churches even provide transportation to and from campus on Sunday mornings.
View local churches
Faith in the classroom
Because your college years are a significant time of learning, exploration and experience, we challenge you to apply your Christian values not only during chapel or ministry programs--but also in the classroom--in a way that strengthens your own academic and personal endeavors. Whether it's a class discussion or a service-learning opportunity that incorporates your academic knowledge into practical use serving others, faith is a key component that is integrated into all aspects of your Messiah education.