Academic pursuits alone are not enough. Patrick Henry College faculty are concerned with far more eternal matters than seeing a student earn a degree and join the workforce.
As a Christian college that is dedicated to an unwavering biblical worldview, Patrick Henry College prioritizes the spiritual well being of its students. It’s the conviction that we exist for God that defines true learning. Far beyond being an academic institution, Patrick Henry College is a Christian academic institution and this Christian distinction serves as the foundation for all academic inquiry.
Soil for the Mind and the Soul
As believers, our faith cannot be separated from any other aspect of our lives. Our relationships with Christ have a direct impact on the way we live our lives, and they have lifelong impact in our development as individuals. Because of this, encouraging students to be thoughtful about their spiritual lives is one of Patrick Henry College's highest goals.
That isn't to say that it's the administration's responsibility to pry open students' hearts and force them to grow. Personal development is something that has to happen on an individual level. It can’t be institutionalized or required like some sort of household chore, but it can be nurtured.
It is the duty of the institution, however, to ensure that it provides the soil wherein spiritual nurturing and development can take place.
What is Wing Chapel?
Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, the entire student body and many members of the faculty gather together for corporate chapel. This is an opportunity for the PHC community to worship, learn, and meditate on the Word together. The goal is to unite students and professors around their common faith.
Wing chapel is a little different, but the purpose of the event is the same. Put simply, it’s to encourage the spiritual growth of students in the context of community with other students.
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, students gather in small groups made up of the members of their wings. Like the student-wide gatherings, these smaller chapels last about forty minutes and generally feature a discussion chosen by each wing's RA for the benefit of the whole hall.
What Does Wing Chapel Accomplish?
Patrick Henry College is built on three principles: high academic rigor, fidelity to the spirit of the American founding, and an unwavering dedication to a Biblical worldview. Those aren’t just suggestions or guidelines; they are the core of what Patrick Henry College is all about. In that light, wing chapel is one of the most important parts of PHC's mission.
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About the author: Leo Briceno is currently studying Political Journalism at Patrick Henry College. Leo has grown up in Northern Virginia and after graduation, plans to stay in the area to work in the news industry in Washington, D.C.
Click below to read more about spiritual life for the students here at PHC!
