Religious and Spiritual Life
We are each full of sacred worth and called to a sacred work.
Every Capital student is a welcome member of our spiritual community. Whether you are fully devoted to a religious tradition not sure what you believe about spirituality, that's okay. There is a place for you here! From an array of backgrounds, Capital offers you many opportunities to explore your beliefs and live them out in service to others.
Is Capital a Christian College?
This is one of the most researched questions when people are inquiring Capital. Capital University was founded through the Lutheran seminary back in 1830 and still retains an active relationship with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Rather than require you to believe in a particular religion, force a specific moral code, or demand chapel attendance – we don’t do ANY of those things – our distinctively Lutheran approach to higher education fosters a supportive community for people of any religious or spiritual background. These values inspire us to foster a multi-faith community the celebrates religious expressions and supports spiritual wellness as a core aspect of human development.
Columbus is home to an astonishing array of churches, mosques, synagogues and other places of worship. We’re glad to help you connect with a local community that helps support your faith practices.
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Staff
Rev. Dan Hille - Interim University Pastor
Trinity Lutheran Seminary 110
Email: dhille@gener8co.com
Preseminary Program
In partnership with the Religion and Philosophy Department, we host a preseminary program that includes opportunities for small group conversation, dedicated Spring Break ministry immersions, and faith coaching opportunities to help students explore their vocations and the possibility of seminary education. Students do not have to commit to seminary, whether at Trinity or anywhere else. They must simply be considering a call to seminary education and the possibilities that entails.
Preseminary scholarships are also available. To be eligible, you must be officially declared as a preseminary student with the Registrar’s Office as well as engaged in university-sponsored ministries.
Partner Ministries
We have many partner ministries in Columbus and throughout the United States. These ministries pray for us, volunteer to help feed, mentor, or otherwise support our students, and offer financial assistance to campus ministries. If you are interested in being a partner with Capital, please email Interim University Pastor Dan Hille at dhille@gener8co.com.
Service Opportunities
The Center for Faith and Learning partners with organizations throughout Columbus. If you would have any ideas for service opportunities, please feel free to contact. Community partnerships with local partners including First English Lutheran Church, Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio, Dreams on Horseback, the Bexley Day of Kindness, and God’s Work, Our Hands Sunday.
Alternative Spring Break Trips, where we engage communities to learn and serve alongside locals in other parts of the country and world. Ecumenical Advocacy Days and local advocacy opportunities with One Ohio Now.