Formation Groups
In addition to the rich learning opportunities offered each semester by our 18 Faith Development Organizations, University Ministries offers several other opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, staff, faculty, and administrators at Belmont. These groups are ideal for connecting with others and exploring the deep resources of Christ-centered learning that draw on gifts from many Christian traditions. These groups welcome everyone: lifelong Christ followers, new Christians, seekers, skeptics, and community members from other faiths and none.
Our offerings include groups organized and led by our student Spiritual Life Ambassadors, as well as several offerings developed in partnership with the Belmont Formation Collaborative.
For the 2025-2026 year, a new roster of short-term group opportunities will be announced each month.
Our OCTOBER 2025 line-up includes
- WHAT: A conversation about Christian spirituality drawing on Rowan Williams’s book Being Disciples: Essentials of the Christian Life (books will be provided).
- WHO: For any and all faculty or staff
- WHEN: Fridays 10:00am - 11:00pm, Oct. 3, 17, 24, and 31
- WHERE: University Ministries offices (near the Bell Tower in the Gabhart Center)
- WHAT: Learning to offer gratitude to God and others with joy. In the book--Gratitude: Why Giving Thanks is the Key to Our Well-being--Plantinga weaves together wisdom through story, scripture, and science.
- WHO: For any undergraduate or graduate student, staff, and faculty
- WHEN: Fridays 9:00 - 10:00am, Oct. 3, 10, & 17
- WHAT: University Ministries offices (near the Bell Tower in the Gabhart Center)
- WHAT: A lively discussion of Russian Orthodox theologian Alexander Schmemann's book on the Lord's Prayer, "Our Father".
- WHO: For any undergraduate or graduate student, staff, and faculty
- WHEN: Fridays 4:00 - 5:00pm, Oct. 3, 10, & 17
- WHAT: University Ministries offices (near the Bell Tower in the Gabhart Center)
- WHAT: A lively discussion of. Methodist theologian Justo Gonzalez's book "Teach Us to Pray: The Lord's Prayer in the Early Church and Today"
- WHO: For any undergraduate or graduate student, staff, and faculty
- WHEN: Fridays 3:00 - 4:00pm, Oct. 3, 10, & 17
- WHERE: University Ministries offices (near the Bell Tower, in the Gabhart Center)
- WHAT: A discussion focused on scriptural passages about hope, as illuminated and commented upon by visual art works compiled in the Visual Commentary on Scripture.
- WHO: For any undergraduate or graduate student, staff, and faculty
- WHEN: Fridays 10:00 - 11:00am, Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, & 31
- WHERE: University Ministries offices (near the Bell Tower, in the Gabhart Center)
SOUL
Many of this year's groups will be focuses on the "L" of SOUL: "living the dream together with hope."
As we learn together, we will pay deep attention:
- to Christ-centering ways of describing "the dream," including how biblical terms like "shalom," "the kingdom of heaven," and "the kingdom of God" expand our vision;
- to the theological virtue of hope and all the ways a Christ-centered vision resists both despair and naïve optimism.
Building Community and Deepening Understanding within the SOUL Framework
Insights from these groups will contribute to a growing repository of materials on campus that deeper and enrich our understanding of each aspect of the SOUL framework.
Each group will begin with an introductory session (no reading required) and continue with 2 or 3 additional sessions. For each session, participants will typically be asked to read about 20 pages (or one chapter) in advance.
Small Groups
In addition to monthly, short-term groups, we offer opportunities to join longer-term groups led by our student Spiritual Life Ambassadors. These groups take on many forms, from Bible studies to book discussions, and their longevity is designed to cultivate community that walks together over the course of a semester or year.
Julia's Small Group
Hi, I'm Julia!
Join me on Fridays at 9:00 a.m. on the main lawn for weekly Bible studies! (When it gets chilly, we’ll move inside—don’t worry.) Together we’ll explore the women of the Bible and dive into the divine truth of biblical womanhood and the beauty it holds.
As a senior SLA, I am excited—though a little sad—for my last year at Belmont, and am opening my study to all female students. I would love to see you there!
Start Date: Friday, September 19th
Brennan's Small Group
Hey guys! My name is Brennan Harper, I'm a junior Christian Leadership and Sports Administration double major, and I'm super excited to get to lead a small group throughout the Fall semester!
We will meet on Thursday nights from 6:00-7:00 and dive into scripture looking at moments of God's promise, presence, and provision within moments of conflict and battle! In our readings, our group will also address some of the more difficult questions that may arise for us in our walks with Christ during tough times. While the group may not exactly provide concrete answers to those tougher questions, it will aim to help all of us draw nearer to God in instances where those questions may come up!
Start Date: Thursday, October 2nd
Care Groups
In recent years, University Ministries has also co-sponsored a variety of care groups, many in response to particular needs in the community including groups on grief and loss, chronic illness, untangling faith, and more. Please reach out to us for care groups that would help you or someone you know in this season of life.