The University Chaplain gives direction to the spiritual life programs of the campus and is available to all students, faculty, and staff for issues related to spiritual development and pastoral counseling.

Northwest Nazarene University is committed to the development of a climate in which the spiritual lives of each member of the community can flourish. One’s faith cannot be bought, sold, or inherited. It is the product of one’s own relationship with God. Spiritual growth is maximized when faith is expressed through relationships and ministries.

As members of the Northwest Nazarene University community, students are stretched in their understanding of: (1) Christian commitment, (2) Christian ministry, and (3) Christian vocation. Faculty and staff are encouraged to pursue their own spiritual development and to be equipped and available to assist students in their walk with Christ.

Campus Ministries:
A wide variety of programs provide opportunities for guidance, encouragement, and instruction for a growing faith in Jesus Christ. Included in these programs are discipleship programs, covenant and accountability groups, international and domestic mission trips, and community service opportunities.

Chapel Services, Convocations and Campus Ministries:
The purpose of the Chapel/Convocation program at Northwest Nazarene University is to build and maintain a sense of community. The spiritual, ethical, and cultural content of these gatherings, in keeping with the Mission Statement of Northwest Nazarene University, is designed to build Christian character and is imperative to the pursuit of a Christian liberal arts education. Consequently, attendance is required of all undergraduate students. Specific chapel and convocation attendance policies are addressed in the chapel/convocation policy section of the Student Handbook.

Each Monday the entire campus gathers for a weekly “Community Chapel.” These services form the core of community life at NNU. Community Chapels include a blend of Christian music, periodic updates on campus news, an opportunity for a member of the Staff, Faculty, or Student Body to testify publicly to God’s ongoing work in their lives, and a message from the University Chaplain. Chapels and convocations on Wednesdays and Fridays include a variety of speakers and programs designed more specifically for the student community.

Sunday Worship: All students are encouraged to become involved in a local church of their choice.

Lecture Series: Several special lecture series have been established across the years to enhance the chapel/convocation programming. A brief description of the major lecture series follows:

The Staley Distinguished Christian Scholar Lecture Series was established by Mr. and Mrs. Thomas F. Staley. The Foundation seeks to bring to the campus a variety of speakers to address life issues in the Christian context.

The John E. Riley Intellectual Life Lecture Series has been endowed by alumni and friends to honor Dr. John E. Riley for his years of service to the University. The purpose of the series is to bring Christian scholars to the campus to stimulate thought and understanding especially in the area of relating the religious faith to other fields of knowledge and experience.

The E. E. Wordsworth Holiness Lecture Series has been endowed by the Wordsworth family to honor Rev. E. E. Wordsworth for his years of service to the Church. The purpose of the series is to emphasize the Wesleyan doctrine of perfect love.

The Mangum Missionary Lecture Series was established by the family to honor Dr. T. E. Mangum, Sr., for his dedication to medicine and missions. A missionary-in-residence is scheduled to make the college community aware of the needs of the world.