ARP Denominational Affiliation

Erskine College and the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church provide a Chaplain, or Campus Minister, for the purpose of pastoring students. The campus minister's work is not independent, but is accountable to the ARP Denomination and denominational book of Standards.

Avenues and Opportunities for Ministry
The primary avenues of campus ministry at Erskine focus on one to one's, small groups, and a large group Bible study. These occur throughout each week and students are encouraged to use each of these for personal growth in conjuction with a life of worship and service in a local church.

Campus Ministry at Erskine, through the Chaplain and ARP denominational affiliation is thankful to have a fraternal relationship with Reformed University Ministries with whom we attend regional and national conferences every fall, spring and summer. These conferences are a highlight for personal growth in the lives of students. Scholarships to reduce the expense are available, thanks to gifts from individuals and churches.

Goals of Ministry
The goals of the Erskine campus ministry focus on

• Growth in Grace
•  Evangelism and Missions
•  Fellowship and Service
• The formation of a Biblical World and Life View.

The "large group" weekly Bible study at the Barn, small groups, one to one's, and ministry/service efforts such as the Widow's Ministry and Babysitting at the Barn all intend to purposefully address these goal areas and to help students grow in each. It is our hope that students will "grow in their loving, and love growing." The intention is to produce well-rounded, well-prepared graduates who minister as members of a local church to their communities and society.  It is our belief that the real success of a campus ministry is not gauged by popular numbers, programs, or activities, but is seen over the course of time when graduates remain connected to a local church and  as they grow to be godly spouses, parents and employees.  This is the "meaningful life of service and ministry" which both Erskine and campus ministry at Erskine strive to help students find.

Ecclesiology

The campus ministry in no way seeks to replace the role of the local church in the life of the college student, but seeks only to supplement it during the crucial and formative years of late adolesence and early adulthood.  Students are constantly encouraged to get connected and to stay connected in a local body that faithfully preaches the Word and administers the Sacraments.