11 Ways to grow your faith at Bethel

Faith journeys look different for everyone. Maybe you’re full of questions. Maybe you’re eager to grow. Maybe you’ve hit a spiritual dry spell. Whatever your experience, Bethel is a place to wrestle with tough questions, deepen your understanding of Scripture, and be challenged and encouraged by fellow Christ-followers. Here are 11 ways to grow your faith during your time at Bethel.

2. Vespers

For more than 30 years, young people from around the Twin Cities have gathered to worship together on Sunday nights at Bethel. It’s a weekly, student-led service called Vespers that takes place in Benson Great Hall at 9 p.m. and draws hundreds. Free and open to anyone, like Chapel, Vespers is a chance to reflect and praise God amidst the busyness. Although focused around music, it’s also a chance to pray—Bethel’s Pray First ministry is available to pray with and over you—and gather with others outside of the Bethel community.

In gathering so many diverse students, the service demonstrates the unity and intentionality behind Bethel’s commitment to inclusive excellence and becomes a reflection of God’s house. And what better way to beat the Sunday night blues? Vespers can help you recalibrate for the week ahead.

3. Shift

Designed for first-year students, Shift is a spiritual formation experience aimed at building community, adjusting to college life, and learning more about what it means to be a follower of Jesus. Each first-year dorm floor is assigned upper-class students known as Shift leaders, who serve as mentors and guide weekly gatherings that create space for connection, discussion, and faith development. Many first-year students say Shift was instrumental for them in making friends and getting acclimated to life on campus, while it also set the stage for prioritizing their faith while at college. 

Even if you don’t live on campus, you’re still part of this community! A Shift group meets weekly just for commuters.

4. Serving

Faith grows when it’s put into action. Bethel partners with churches, mission agencies, and nonprofits worldwide to give students opportunities to serve and learn from others through the Solidarity Missions Partnerships (SMP) program. This year, more than 75 Bethel students will serve in Belize, Poland, and North Carolina, providing hurricane relief, leading youth ministry, and more. Locally, Bethel hosts an annual Day of Service and ongoing opportunities through Bethel Student Government events.

6. Student Ministries events

Student Ministries—part of Bethel Student Government—offers endless events throughout the year that challenge you to step out of your comfort zone, grow closer to God, and build authentic community. Here are a few that happen regularly: 

• “Deeper” features guest speakers who share their personal faith journeys and the truth they have discovered in their lives.
• “Testify” is a student-led gathering where peers share their testimonies in a safe, encouraging environment. 
• Outreach events give you the chance to engage in both on-campus and off-campus serving. For example, through a unique partnership with Inner City Christian Ministries Life Center (ICCM) called Street Team Outreach, a group of students heads to downtown Minneapolis once a month to walk alongside and learn from experienced Christ-followers from ICCM. Together, they provide basic needs to people who don’t have a home, play games with children, or simply pray with people.  

Check out the BSG Events calendar to see what’s coming up! 

7. Prayer

Prayer is a vital part of Bethel’s community and spiritual life, and you’ll find numerous prayer opportunities on campus to pray for and with your peers—and to have others pray over you.

• Attend Community Prayer Time on Thursdays from 11:15-11:45 a.m. in the Underground.
• Be part of the Pray First ministry.
• Find the Prayer Chapel. If you’re on the 2nd level of the Community Life Center, heading to the balcony of Benson Great Hall or the Olson Gallery, you'll walk right past the door. You can tuck away to spend quiet time in devotions or meditation.
• Join the annual 24-Hour Prayer Service in January.

Parents, prayer is another great way you can be part of your student’s life at Bethel. 

• The National Prayer Initiative connects you with others across the country to pray regularly for Bethel University. 
• The Virtual Prayer Walk guides you through specific prayer points across the university's campus. 
• Campus Ministries provides a prayer guide you can use to pray for your student’s first week of school. 
• Bethel hosts online and in-person “Moms in Prayer” groups, gathering moms to pray for their children and the Bethel community.

8. Academics

Faith and learning go hand in hand at Bethel. No matter your major or minor, your professors will integrate a Christian perspective into every course and activity, helping you merge your area of study and your faith.

Every student will take:

• Introduction to the Bible—you’ll trace the journey of God’s people from the Old Testament through the New Testament and make connections to your own life. 
• Christian Theology to investigate the central themes of the Christian faith from salvation to the end times but also consider how theological understanding, culture, and discipleship work together. 

If you’re drawn to these types of classes and discussions, you may even consider the majors and minors within Bethel’s Department of Biblical and Theological Studies. Also, the Ministry Scholars program allows you to take Bethel Seminary courses while you’re still an undergraduate student, saving both time and money if you’re considering seminary after graduation. 

9. Athletics

Bethel's athletics bring Christian values onto the court, field, and rink. Through teamwork, discipline, and perseverance, you’ll learn to rely on your faith in challenging moments, fostering spiritual growth alongside physical and mental development. Coaches and teammates encourage one another in prayer, humility, and sportsmanship, modeling what it means to lead with integrity both on and off the field. Whether through team devotions, Christ-honoring competition, or acts of service, Bethel’s athletic programs serve as a powerful avenue for deepening one’s relationship with God while striving for excellence in sports. 

Meet student athlete Jacob Herter '25. 

10. Study abroad

Bethel is known for its study abroad programs. In fact, nearly half of all Bethel students will study abroad during college. With programs in various countries, you can immerse yourself in new cultures, develop a broader worldview, and gain valuable intercultural communication skills. But these trips also allow you to explore God’s creation firsthand, gaining a deeper appreciation for the diversity of His world while also considering your purpose and calling in a global context. You’ll create lifelong memories, build international networks, and return with a deeper understanding of yourself and your faith.

11. Living in community

Living in community at Bethel creates meaningful opportunities to explore your faith and build relationships. Whether you're living on campus, grabbing coffee at Royal Grounds, or studying with classmates, these everyday moments spark deeper conversations about what it means to follow Christ.

To foster these interactions, the Campus Ministries area was recently remodeled into a welcoming, relaxed space—perfect for studying, resting, or catching up with friends. So, grab your latte, and stop by the third floor of the Hagstrom Center to connect and reflect. The friendships you form here often extend far beyond graduation, offering spiritual accountability, prayer, and encouragement for years to come.

Take the next step in your faith journey.

As a Christ-guided community, we encourage, enlighten, and empower each other. This happens through worship, prayer, small groups, serving, and doing life together! 

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