Christianity has a strong place at Carleton. Originally founded as a Congregationalist college, with additional historic ties to Episcopalian and Baptist traditions, Carleton today welcomes a diversity of Christian faiths and backgrounds. We do this in a number of ways:
- Offering a variety of Christian programs and services on campus. This includes a variety of student-led groups and programs, several weekly bible studies and worship opportunities, and special services each term that invites clergy from different Christian traditions to lead worship.
- Supporting Christian student groups on campus, including Fellowship in Christ (FC) and the Episcopal Students Association. The Office of the Chaplain supports any Christian student interested in forming a group around their particular faith tradition or practice.
- Partnering and connecting students with congregations and campus ministries, including those from Emmaus Church, Life21 Church, Northfield Community Church, and All Saints Episcopal Church, who support ministries to students at Carleton. Other churches can be found here, and ride information can be found below.
- FISH House (Douglas House): Students wishing to live in Christian community may apply to live in FISH House. This is an amazing way for students to deepen their faith and live with other Christians seeking to live together.
- Supporting the ministry of the Associate Chaplain for Christian and Interfaith Life. Mary Perez is one of four chaplains of the college, and serves to support the wide diversity of Christians on campus.
Please see below to learn more about the many student groups, worship services, bible studies, and opportunities for Christian fellowship!
Fellowship in Christ (FC) – Student Organization
The Carleton Fellowship in Christ or FC Community brings together believers and seekers from many different national, political, social, cultural, and denominational backgrounds and aims to learn together what it means to love God and love others with all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength. We celebrate and cherish differences as they allow us to learn and grow, and we come together through the ties created by the shared faith in God and His Son, Jesus, as our savior. As a community, we hope to provide an open and safe environment for everyone to share, explore, and grow their faith in Christ Jesus by building a deeper relationship with God and with each other.
Student Org page: Fellowship in Christ (FC).
Instagram: @carletoncollege_fc
Calendar: Add to yours here!
Email List: Join here!
Fellowship of Christian Athletes – Student Organization
Fellowship of Christian Athletes meets weekly on Mondays to study the Bible, 8:30 p.m. Leighton 303/301 to discuss various topics, and grow closer to God and each other in the process. Everyone (athlete or not) is welcome! Contact: Ian Scott
Transformation Tuesdays
A weekly Christian bible study that meets at noon on Tuesdays in the Chapel Lounge. All Christian perspectives and traditions welcome! Pizza and drinks are provided. Contact Garrett Pauly or Griffin Momsen-Hudson for questions!
Christian Bible Study (led by Fellowship in Christ)
(Starts again in Fall 2024) Christian Bible Study every Wednesday from 7 – 8 p.m. in LDC 203. Grab a to-go and come upstairs for more snacks and a deep dive into God’s Word! Contact Ruth Matondo or Lucky Beulla Muhoza with questions!
Evensong Worship
A contemplative Christian evening service with song, prayer, and meditative silence. Evensong meets weekly on Wednesdays during the term from 8:30 – 9 p.m. in the main chapel. Join for snacks and hot chocolate afterwards. Contact Garrett Pauly, Griffin Momsen-Hudson, or Jack Gronholz.
Mustard Seed
A student-led worship and music group that meets weekly on Sundays from 8:00-8:45 p.m. in the small Christian Chapel. Contact: Bryan Yang
Friday Fireside Fellowship
What: Friday Fireside Fellowship: dinner & dessert followed by Bible study & discussion
When: Fridays at 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Where: David and Catherine Olson’s home at 217 Manitou St., pick up at 6:25 in front of Sayles.
Who: David and Catherine lead Bible study at St. Olaf College and at Carleton. They welcome you to their home where their cat, Charlie, will greet you!
For more information contact Catherine: 952-857-9857 or David: 952-857-9856. This ministry is affiliated with Prepare Ministries.
Please note that this is not a Chapel or Carleton program. We welcome and encourage ministries from beyond campus as they provide vital offerings for students. But because we do not run or supervise them, we cannot endorse them as reflections of our college or values.
Saturday Saturation
What: Saturday Saturation: An evening filled with worship, the bible, and prayer.
When: Saturdays, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Where: Paul and Juliette Reiland’s home (just two blocks from campus!) at 308 Nevada Street
Who: Paul (952-292-5999) and Juliette Reiland (952-292-4999). Their ministry is affiliated with Navigators.
Please note that this is not a Chapel or Carleton program. We welcome and encourage ministries from beyond campus as they provide vital offerings for students. But because we do not run or supervise them, we cannot endorse them as reflections of our college or values.
Need a ride to church?
- Rides to Life21 Church, 9:15 a.m. in front of Sayles. Contact Ruth Matondo for any questions about transportation.
- Rides to Emmaus Church, 9:45 a.m. in front of Sayles. Contact Claire Burbery to make sure the drivers know you’re coming.
- Rides to Northfield Community Church. Contact Fátima Reyes Paniagua for any questions about transportation.
Christian Bible Study: Faculty and Staff
Are you a Christian staff or faculty member at Carleton? Join a weekly bible study led by an independent group of Christian staff and faculty. The group meets Mondays from noon-1pm at the Weitz Center.