Converse University recognizes the fact that religious and spiritual development is an important part of a college education for many students. The university employs a full-time chaplain and charters several religious groups, led by students and local religious leaders from Spartanburg, to foster the spiritual growth of students.
The Office of Spiritual Life
The Office of Spiritual Life provides programs and support to nurture the spiritual growth of Converse students, faculty and staff within their own faith traditions, and to promote awareness of various religious and non-religious expressions. Through fellowship, prayer, outreach, study and worship, members of the Converse community can deepen their understanding of spirituality and service. This integration of personal reflection and social action leads to the fulfillment of the Converse University Founder’s Ideal to “see clearly, to act justly, and be faithful to God and humanity.”
Learning about different Christian denominations and other religious traditions helps students to affirm what they already believe and enables them to relate to people from diverse backgrounds with respect. The University is committed to assisting students in developing these interpersonal skills which are essential for living and working productively in our global society. This commitment stems from the Founder’s Ideal, which states that Dexter Edgar Converse wished for the university to be “liberally and tolerantly Christian.”
For specific information or questions about services, programs and local places of worship, students are asked to contact the University Chaplain at 864-596-9078 or to visit the Office of Spiritual Life in the Montgomery Student Center (Montgomery 201A).
Religious Life Organizations
Currently, 7 different religious life organizations exist on Converse's campus (all formally recognized by SGA). These include Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Baptist Collegiate Ministries, Newman Club (Catholic), Cru, Interfaith Club, Converse Coven, and the Gospel Choir. Students wanting to get connected with any of these groups can contact our president of Religious Life Council, Gurjot Bahia (class of 2026), at GKBahia001@converse.edu or Rev. Eliza at eliza.smith@converse.edu. Interested in chartering a religious life group that doesn't exist currently? Let Rev. Eliza know, so she can assist you with the chartering process.
The Chaplain is also happy to connect students of all faith backgrounds with local congregations that can help to meet their spiritual needs.
Valkyrie Supply
The Office of Spiritual Life also oversees the food and hygiene portions of Valkyrie Supply, our basic needs hub on campus. Valkyrie Supply is open to students any time that the student center is open and is located in the bottom of the Montgomery building, beneath the stairs. Want to know more about this resource? Visit Valkyrie Supply | Converse University | Spartanburg, SC.