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A Young Harris College education has been steeped in religious life since Methodist minister Rev. Artemas Lester founded the College in 1886. We believe a liberal arts education transforms how we think, what we believe, and what we do.
The Office of Religious Life thus seeks to provide a “GPS” for student navigating their lives during these formative years.
(G)reat Conversations.
We believe that the ability to have deep and meaningful conversations is essential to the good life. We also believe that this is a neglected and dying skill in our culture today. Therefore, our events always seek to promote dialogue rather than monologue. Our Chapel Services every week at 6:30 p.m. on Monday nights offer a chance to ask questions and wrestle with the deep questions of life. These meetings will vary as to what they discuss so check out our Instagram to find out more on a weekly basis. Fall & Spring semesters will also have Religious Life Book Circles that focus on reading books around relevant issues to students like Faith & Mental Health, Faith & Doubt, Stress & Hurry, and How To Have A Conversation. We also plan events each semester such as the Martin Luther King, Jr. Prayer Lunch and bring in special speakers from time to time to help facilitate such life-giving discussions.
(P)articipatory Practices.
We also believe that any vision of the good life requires practice. Rather, actually doing something. For that reason, we provide opportunities for students to experiment with different religious and spiritual practices like mindfulness, prayer, singing, art, poetry, and even educational or spiritual trips/retreats that challenge the mind and the heart. This year we have two such trips planned. The first is a Beach Retreat over Fall Break 2025 (Oct. 10-12) to Epworth by the Sea. This retreat is in partnership with the UM Commission and will be attended by UMC colleges and Wesley Foundations from across the state. Another trip we are planning in the Spring of 2026 is a Civil Rights Tour that will provide historical and theological understandings of this important moment in history.
(S)ervice to Others.
We believe that any meaningful life will be poured out for others. For that reason, we look to incorporate service in all that we do. This looks different in each instance but can be anything from writing cards to the patients in Atlanta Children’s Hospital, singing Christmas Carols at an assisted living facility, or going on a trip to places such as Give Kids the World, which we are planning to do over Spring Break in 2026. We also plan to have multiple events this school year incorporating our new YHC Food Panty which will be called “The Campus Cupboard” and will be available to students every week. This ministry will also be opening its doors to the community once a month for a food distribution for those in need and the volunteer effort will be led by students.
We hope this gives you an idea how you can get involved with us on campus!
Email our Chaplain, Rev. Dr. Adam Daniels, at adaniels@yhc.edu with any questions or to set up a private appointment for prayer, counseling, or study.
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