When we hear the word chapel, a variety of images may come to mind—wedding chapels, small countryside buildings, or even large, gothic-style sanctuaries. But what does chapel mean in the context of a Christian university?
For some, it may immediately bring to mind mandatory attendance, worship music, or short devotional messages. For first-time or prospective students, the concept of chapel within faith-based higher education may be unfamiliar altogether. Let’s remove the guesswork—not only by explaining what chapel is, but by exploring why it truly matters at a Christian university.
To understand chapel, we must first understand spiritual formation.
At Manna University, spiritual formation is central to our mission to educate, equip, and empower emerging leaders to change the world. A well-rounded Manna University student is not only growing academically and professionally, but spiritually as well.
Spiritual formation is the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit shaping our hearts, minds, and lives to become more like Christ. It includes deepening one’s prayer life, engaging consistently in Scripture, cultivating spiritual disciplines, and maintaining a posture of worship and surrender.
Manna University believes so strongly in this process that undergraduate students complete a four-course spiritual formation core—one of which is even titled Spiritual Formation. These courses intentionally guide students toward lifelong habits that anchor faith beyond the classroom.
Yet spiritual formation cannot—and should not—stop when class ends.
If spiritual formation were confined only to textbooks, lectures, and assignments, something vital would be missing.
That’s where chapel comes in.
At Manna University, chapel serves as a weekly opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to collectively pause and refocus their hearts on Jesus. Each Monday morning at 9:00 a.m. (ET), the university partners with Manna Church to participate in chapel.
A typical chapel gathering includes:
- A time of musical worship
- A devotional message or biblical reflection
- Corporate prayer and moments of personal devotion
This rhythm allows the university community to begin the week intentionally—realigning priorities, renewing spiritual focus, and remembering why we do what we do.
While chapel attendance at Manna University is not required, it is strongly encouraged as a meaningful pathway for spiritual growth.
One of the most powerful aspects of chapel is the authenticity it invites.
When faculty and staff share chapel messages, they do so not from theory alone, but from lived experience. I have had the privilege of presenting several chapel messages myself, each flowing from personal spiritual victories or lessons learned through intentional spiritual discipline.
One message addressed unforgiveness—its hidden symptoms and the way it quietly binds the heart. Another focused on the purpose and power of worship, not merely as music, but as a weapon, a posture, and a declaration of trust in God.
These moments remind students that spiritual formation is not abstract. It is practical, personal, and often forged through real-life struggle and obedience.
As a university with a strong online presence, an important question naturally arises: How does chapel translate for online students?
Manna University addresses this through Manna U Moments—weekly devotional videos released every Monday.
Through these moments, faculty and staff speak directly to students, sharing encouragement, biblical insight, and personal reflections. The messages mirror the heart and tone of in-person chapel, ensuring that online students remain equally connected to the spiritual life of the university.
No matter where students are located, they are invited into the same rhythm of worship, reflection, and spiritual development.
One of the greatest benefits of faith-based education is that spiritual formation is not limited to a single chapel service or devotional moment.
At Manna University, every course, every program, and every interaction provide space for spiritual growth—through professors who integrate faith and learning, through peer conversations, and through staff who genuinely care about students’ lives and callings.
Chapel and Manna U Moments are important anchors, but they are part of a much larger commitment.
We often say at Manna University:
“We get to serve our students.”
That mindset shapes everything we do.
If you would like to view our Manna U Moments, you can access them online here.
If you would like to learn more about Manna University and what it means to be a Spirit-filled, spiritually formed student, we invite you to request more information here.
We look forward to serving you!
Sean Pottorff, Enrollment Director, Chief Financial Officer, Human Resources Director