Spiritual Formation
Spiritual Formation “…is the biblically guided process in which people are being transformed into the likeness of Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit within the faith community in order to love and serve God and others” (CCCU, 2010, p. 13). Spiritual Formation is a fundamental part of academic life at Pillar College, and is one of the primary vehicles through which we prepare students for scholarship, service, and leadership. As a College, rooted in Christian faith and love, we believe that spirituality is not peripheral to intellectual growth, but is a foundational aspect of our curricula and essentially contributes to the holistic development of our students. Thus, creating an environment that fosters spiritual formation is integral to the mission of Pillar College.
Nishanth Thomas serves as the Director of Spiritual Formation at Pillar. He can be contacted for information regarding Chapels, Student Activities, Student Body Referral Resources, Spiritual Advisement, and Pastoral Counseling.
Prayer and Devotionals In The Classroom
In the book, With Open Hands, Henri Nouwen states, “Those who live prayerfully are constantly ready to receive the breath of God, and to let their lives be renewed and expanded.” Pillar College believes that a good prayer life serves to strengthen our students’ relationship with Christ, build healthy relationships with others, and helps to prepare the student for academic challenges. In recognition of this fact, Pillar’s faculty begin every class with prayer and a short devotional so as to encourage the formation of our students.
If anyone is in need of prayer please reach out to [email protected]
We will gladly pray for you!
Student Chapel
Pillar College is committed to an educational philosophy that emphasizes the integration of learning into the Christian worldview. Student Chapel reflects this philosophy in that it incorporates a teaching component along with student-led worship. Chapels include Pillar staff, faculty, alumni, and occasionally friends of Pillar College. Student Chapels are a critical part of academic life and students are strongly encouraged to attend chapel services.
Chapels are planned and conducted by the Pillar Student Government Association in conjunction with the Director of Spiritual Formation, and the Coordinator of Student Events.
As a worshiping community, we cherish the opportunity to encounter the presence of God and fellowship with other students, staff, and faculty.
At Chapel, students receive strength, inspiration, encouragement, and insight from the messages focused on empowering students to be positive change agents, and inspire them to intellectual and spiritual growth.
Chapel in Somerset
Chapel in Newark
Annual Student Retreat
Every year the Student Government Association, Director Spiritual Development and Coordinator of Student Engagement host a Student Retreat designed to help facilitate spiritual growth through worship, teaching and reflection. The annual retreat is also a great opportunity for students to deepen in their friendships with others through fun, food and fellowship!
Life at Pillar
Spiritual Life
Director of Spiritual Formation
Nishanth Thomas
Director of Spiritual Formation
Contact
Phone: 973-803-5000 ext. 1115
[email protected]
