Student Life
Spiritual Life
Spiritual Life at Bethany
Explore. Question. Grow.
Bethany welcomes students from many different faith traditions and backgrounds. Since its founding, the College has maintained a historic relationship with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), while also supporting an environment where students are encouraged to explore belief, ask questions, and develop their own understanding of faith.
At Bethany, spiritual life is about creating space for reflection, conversation, and personal growth within a supportive community.
Bethany Memorial Church
Just steps from campus, Bethany Memorial Church serves as a nearby faith community closely connected to the College. The church gathers for worship each Sunday at 10:45 a.m., and services are also available via livestream on their Facebook page.
Rooted in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Bethany Memorial Church is an open and affirming congregation that emphasizes inclusion, community, and shared spiritual life. Students often engage through worship, service opportunities, and campus connections throughout the year.
The church is led by Rev. Erin James-Brown, who also serves as Chaplain of Bethany College, helping connect spiritual life on campus with the broader faith community. She can be reached at ejamesbrown@bethanywv.edu.
Students also connect with a variety of faith communities throughout the surrounding area.
A Historic Foundation
Bethany College was founded in 1840 by Alexander Campbell, a central figure in the 19th-century Restoration Movement. Campbell emphasized returning to New Testament Christianity and encouraged unity among believers by focusing on scripture rather than denominational divisions.
His influence helped shape what would become the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Churches of Christ, and independent Christian Christian churches. That legacy continues to inform Bethany’s commitment to thoughtful inquiry, faith exploration, and open dialogue today.
Faith, Learning, and Exploration
Spiritual life at Bethany extends into the classroom through a strong liberal arts foundation. Students can explore religion and theology through academic courses and the Religious Studies program, engaging with questions of faith, history, ethics, and culture from a variety of perspectives.
Each year, Bethany also offers two full-ride scholarships for students connected to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), supporting those who wish to deepen their academic and spiritual engagement during their time at the College.
This academic approach encourages thoughtful dialogue and helps students connect personal beliefs with broader worldviews.
Oreon E. Scott Lectures
For more than 70 years, the Oreon E. Scott Lectures have brought ministers, scholars, seminarians, and community members together for meaningful conversation on faith and ministry.
Held annually in the spring, the lectures explore timely topics in theology, preaching, and Christian leadership. The series continues Bethany’s focus on thoughtful conversations around faith, ethics, and service within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) tradition and beyond.
Students are invited to attend and participate in these conversations, gaining exposure to voices and ideas that shape contemporary ministry and faith communities.
Explore Spiritual Life at Bethany
Faith at Bethany is shaped by community, learning, and personal exploration. Explore how students engage through worship, academics, service, and conversations beyond the classroom.
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