Office of Spiritual and Religious Life

Is Capital University a Lutheran University?

Yes! However, that probably does not mean what you think it means. Capital is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Because of this, we offer regular chapel services, employ a University Pastor, maintain the only Law School at any ELCA institution, and stand as one of only three ELCA universities with an embedded seminary.

At the same time, our Lutheran identity matters to us not because we exist to make you Lutheran—or Christian. The Lutheran mission in higher education is best described as “Rooted and Open.” We are rooted in our heritage, which helps us fulfill our mission to transform student lives. And we are open to your beliefs. Instead of forcing students to conform to a specific worldview, our calling is to help you ask big questions, pursue truth wherever it leads, and discover your vocation.

What is vocation? Rev. Frederick Buechner famously defined it as the place "where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet." Our mission as a Lutheran university is to help you discover a calling beyond yourself—one that transforms who you are and helps you grow into the person you were meant to be. Capital students are called toward the common good. That journey may involve the religious resources Capital offers, or it may not. Capital views its Lutheran heritage as fundamental to its identity, and we view the multitude of faith perspectives present on our campus in exact alignment with that same principle.

What is certain is that a Capital education—founded by Lutherans nearly 200 years ago—will transform your life, empower you to ask big questions about what matters, and guide you in connecting your deep gladness with the world’s deepest needs.

Worship, Events, and Programming

Worship & Gathering Schedule

Weekly Worship

• Worship in the Student Union: Every Wednesday at 10:00 AM

• Worship at the Seminary: Tuesdays & Thursdays at 10:00 AM

  • Capital is unique in having a seminary directly connected to campus. These worship opportunities take place just across the street and are open to all.

Monthly Community Events

• Big Questions Dinner: Once a month

  • A catered dinner where we pose one or two guiding questions to spark open conversation about where you fit into the world, then let the discussion flow naturally.

• Campus Ministry Craft Night: Once a month in the Student Union

  • Low-key opportunities to hang out, relax, and create something. Past events have included painting terracotta pots and candle making.

Groups, Studies & Student Involvement

• Bible Studies: Multiple active small groups meeting weekly across campus.

• Student Organizations & Religious Groups: Diverse student-led Christian and non-Christian religious communities.

Sacred Spaces & Local Worship

• On-Campus Reflection Spaces at Trinity Lutheran Seminary

  • Gloria Dei Worship Space

  • Schenk Chapel

  • Interfaith Prayer Room

  • Religious and Spiritual Life Lounge

  • Center for Faith and Learning

• Local Faith Communities: Resources and connections to local churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, and worship communities throughout Bexley and the greater Columbus area. If you need help finding a place to connect, please send Pastor Ian an email or stop by his office.