Together in Christ: Student-led Worships Support Thriving Spiritual Life at PUC

He started with just 10 minutes. Midway through his junior year, Beven Delos Reyes found himself the sole RA on the fourth floor of Newton Hall. It kept him busier than usual six days a week, particularly during late-night room checks.

But Reyes took his role seriously. For him, it was more than a job—he wanted to spiritually connect more closely with the people in his hallway. He began a nightly open-invitation dorm worship time called “10@10.” A small group of young men would gather for music, a devotional, discussion, and prayer.

The “10@10” was short. But it was a success, and that spark ignited something even more significant—completely revitalizing Newton Hall’s entire dorm worship. First, they met in the residence hall lobby, but soon there was such a large gathering they moved into the Newton Hall chapel, where it became an even greater success.

Reyes said the atmosphere of dorm worship is meaningful to him. “I love the intimate setting where you can hear everyone singing and engaging through worship,” he said. “As a result, the room fills with life, and you can really see, hear and feel a sense of community.”

After the isolation of the pandemic, so many were in dire need of rejuvenation—communal and spiritual—Reyes, a senior pre-pharmacy student, said. The 2022-23 school year began with many students returning to campus in person. Reyes remembers well the first Newton Hall dorm worship in September.

“The turnout was so overwhelming we were pushed to capacity,” he said.

The Newton Hall dorm worship is just one example of how students at Pacific Union College have increasingly engaged in a Christ-centered campus life. All residence halls have seen a marked increase in student attendance and engagement. Several students have started prayer and Bible study groups.

Friday night vespers has long been a worship program that brings the student body together each week. Students are also staying when the service concludes and taking part in Afterglow. Many attend Morning Watch, a student-led Sabbath School program, as well as regular church services.

Students are also involved in acts of service around the Napa Valley community and beyond. Last fall, several theology students participated in a hands-on evangelism class that took them to the streets of San Francisco.

Vice President for Student Life Ryan Smith said that PUC students want to grow their relationship with God. He noted that many are putting their response to God into action through service.

“Our beloved PUC was established to create an environment where students can thrive spiritually, “ Smith said. “It’s more than just programming, speakers, and singing. It’s helping our community members develop a more substantial and deeper relationship with Christ.”

Indeed, one of the most encouraging aspects of spiritual life this year is how students themselves lead many worship activities.

In January, Student Week of Prayer, an annual tradition at PUC, featured student groups leading out in praise music, icebreaker activities, and prayer. Friends introduced many of the speakers.

Speaking on the theme of “Revival,” seven students, including Reyes, shared their testimonies, and their messages encouraged their fellow students to seek a deeper relationship with God and others.

Ashley Castro-Rodriguez, religious vice president of PUC’s Student Association, was also one of the Week of Prayer speakers.

She believes worship programs that connect students can make a major difference in a student’s personal and communal spiritual life. “Regardless of where you are with your relationship with God, being able to be in a place with your peers where you can experience worship—maybe in a new and different way—is so impactful,” Castro-Rodriguez, a sophomore theology major, said.

Castro-Rodriguez also noted that it could be daunting for new students to find community. For her personally, finding it through spiritual life activities has been meaningful. As religious vice president, her goal has been to “revive the spiritual atmosphere, creating programs, events, and spaces in which students are able to have a spiritual experience.”

PUC’s administration, faculty, and staff have also been instrumental in creating a strong spiritual community by making personal connections with students.

Several students noted that some professors have asked how they can help or have given grace on an assignment during difficult times. Others have invited students to their homes for home-cooked meals and spiritual fellowship.

PUC President Ralph Trecartin said he sees the evidence of Christ’s love playing out every day on campus. In particular, Trecartin said he sees it in the “vitality and enthusiasm” of students as they support each other.

Pastor Nate Furness, who recently became head pastor of the PUC Church, has made a concerted effort to connect with students.

“We pray with students, and our offices are open to meet with and guide students spiritually,” he said. “If students are involved, I like to be present and available.”

Furness said he is excited to see how God will “use these emerging adults to transform the world.”

“I believe PUC exists to foster a spiritual foundation at a crucial time in students’ lives,” he said. “Our mission is to develop a love for Jesus that invites others to belong. When students leave PUC, they journey worldwide as missionaries for our college and the love for Christ.”