CAMPUS CHRISTIAN LIFE

2005 - 2006 College of the Ozarks Catalog

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College of the Ozarks was founded by a group of Christians motivated by a home mission to the Ozarks. It is an independent, privately supported, fully accredited, co-educational Christian college. The College is intentional in helping students seek and develop a vibrant Christian faith.

The original charter provides for “the Christian education of youth of the area.” This position was emphasized by the Board of Trustees in 1968 in the resolution: “The School of the Ozarks shall always maintain as one of its prime objectives the promotion of the cause of Christ and His Kingdom and the maintenance of high academic standards within the context of a Christian environment.”

Students are encouraged to participate in religious activities of their own choosing off campus, but only in addition to campus Christian life programs. Community worship is an integral part of life on our Christian college campus. Therefore, a reasonable participation in chapel services and various other campus Christian life activities is considered a student’s responsibility and privilege. Chapel services are held each Sunday morning and are designed to challenge and enhance the spiritual life of our students. These services are not used for promotional purposes or for the propagation of any particular denominational doctrine.

Christian convocations are held several times each semester to intentionally present the gospel of Jesus Christ in a culturally relevant way. Attendance at a certain number of these convocations is required of all full-time students.

Discipleship is a major focus of Campus Ministries at College of the Ozarks. A discipleship program called “Body Builders” began a few years ago and part of that program is “LifeGroups,” a small-group, peer-led Sunday evening discipleship program meeting. “LifeGroups” is not required, but sees more than 150 students involved each semester.

Other Christian life programs are also available and students are encouraged to participate and share in leadership responsibilities. While students take the lead in many activities, a faculty or staff person is always associated with such programs. The campus Christian life program is designed to help students worship regularly, develop a Christ-centered worldview and integrate their faith with classroom learning.

Each semester the College selects a student to attend Focus on the Family Institute (FOTFI). This is a semester program where the student can receive 15 credit hours studying about a Christian worldview, the family, church and society, marriage and leadership. The FOTFI exists to provide a unique Christian educational community that nurtures passionate and persuasive leaders who are committed to Jesus Christ, equipping them to promote healthy families, vibrant churches and a civil society. A student may inquire with the campus ministries office about this unique opportunity of study.