Campus ministry plays an irreplaceable role in the Excelsia College community. The College strives to not only keep Christ at the center of all we do, but to create opportunities for others to go deeper in their faith through leading programs and events across campus. We aim to create a welcoming and integrated environment for our students and to reach out to the wider community. Findings among the 2019 QILT Results put Excelsia above most universities for Learner Engagement with a rating of 77.6%, above the national average of 63.4%, and Student Support, with a rating of 84.5%, above the national average of 73.7%. The results reinforce how highly students and graduates rate their experience at Excelsia, with a commitment to improving access to learning and providing a wide range of support for students.
Mike Peereboom, College Chaplain at Excelsia, is pioneering chaplaincy that is breaking new ground by incorporating faith traditions beyond the traditional model. Along with a dedicated team, Mike is leading Excelsia and its community toward a more inclusive vision of higher education study.
How does Excelsia College encourage faith formation and development?
Excelsia College is an institution that seeks to declare and demonstrate a Christ-like love in and through all we do. A place where staff and students encounter belonging, grow in believing, experience transformation and are offered the opportunity to engage in mission. We encourage and promote spiritual formation by creating an environment where people are able to hear and respond to the leading of Jesus.
Do you have to be of a certain faith or denomination to study at Excelsia?
No. We want to be a place where students of every creed and colour hear about and experience Jesus’ indiscriminate and unconditional love, and thus find a place of belonging. Jesus loves us all – he does not discriminate – and so in seeking to honour Him, nor will we.
How do you work to build an inclusive student community?
At Excelsia we work hard at creating an inclusive student community by creating spaces where students and staff can connect and build relationship. The College hosts a range of social events, Campus Ministry programs and have even structured the academic timetable to allow time and space for students to connect with the broader student body.
What are the main ministry events on campus?
Excelsia College has a lot of different Campus Ministry events, some are one off events and many others are ongoing events that happen weekly or fortnightly. Some of the main ongoing events include; the Gathering (our weekly chapel service), Praise and Worship meetings, prayer meetings, small group Bible studies, devotional emails and Social Tuesdays. As a response to COVID-19, online alternatives have been offered for these events where applicable.
In what ways does Excelsia provide pastoral and spiritual support to students?
All permanent staff at Excelsia College are committed Christians. As a result, our students get an opportunity to experience something of God’s compassion and kindness. There is also a Campus Ministry Team who, along with the Chaplain, facilitate Campus Ministry spaces that seek to provide care, guidance, encouragement and support. Additionally, students of Excelsia College can meet with the Chaplain one on one to receive pastoral care, spiritual direction or to just have a chat about life and faith.
Excelsia College, a leading Australian Christian Higher Education provider has an innovative and creative community of people who are passionate about growing academically, professionally, personally and spiritually. Established in 1983, our students and alumni embark on a journey of lifelong learning and leadership.
Our friendly team are here to help you with any enquiries. If you’re interested in studying with us, please call 02 9819 8810 or contact us via the enquiry form on our website.
