More than a place to study
At Central, campus and community are shaped by shared worship, meaningful friendships, intentional discipleship, Christian service, and everyday life together.
Whether you plan to live on campus or commute, student life is built to help you grow spiritually, personally, and relationally while preparing for a life of ministry and service.
Life together on campus
Learning at Central is not limited to the classroom. Student life is built around community: worshiping together, sharing everyday routines, serving side by side, and building friendships that continue well beyond graduation.
The year includes a steady rhythm of events and traditions that help students connect quickly and feel at home, from New Student Orientation to campus traditions like Trivia Night, local hikes, Christmas Ball, open dorms, and student-led events.
Campus traditions
There is a steady rhythm to student life here, and that makes it easier to settle in fast. Events like orientation, Trivia Night, hiking, Christmas Ball, and open dorms help campus feel familiar instead of overwhelming.
Leadership & belonging
Students are not just present on campus; they help shape it. Through Student Council, student-led activities, and close faculty relationships, there are real ways to be known and involved.
Recreation, wellness & athletics
Campus life includes room to compete, unwind, and enjoy time with other people. Whether that looks like intramurals, rec activities, or varsity athletics, students have ways to stay active and connected.
Spiritual Development
Spiritual development at Central is not treated like an add-on. It is woven into campus life through chapel, discipleship, mentoring, classroom instruction, fellowship, worship, and daily life in Christian community.
Students are encouraged to grow through personal Bible study and prayer, while also being known and challenged by others. Spiritual growth continues in the residence halls, classrooms, mentoring relationships, campus programs, and informal moments all throughout the year.
Discipleship
Discipleship groups stay intentionally small, usually around 3–4 students, so people can actually know each other well. Underclassmen are expected to be involved, which helps make spiritual growth part of normal campus life.
Devotions & mentoring
Students are encouraged to build a real rhythm of prayer and Scripture, not just attend events. Weekly group time and mentoring relationships help that growth stay personal, steady, and practical.
Chapel & Thrive
Chapel on Tuesday mornings and Thrive on Thursday evenings give the week a shared spiritual rhythm. Together they create regular space for worship, teaching, encouragement, and connection.
Christian Service
Central encourages students to use their gifts in meaningful ministry while they are enrolled, not just after graduation. Christian Service is part of the student experience because ministry training is meant to move from the classroom into real service.
Students participate in Christian Service for an average of four hours per week, with opportunities available through local churches, community organizations, and campus ministries. Service may be volunteer or paid, giving students practical ways to grow while serving others.
Where students serve
- Local churches and parachurch ministries
- Community service organizations
- Campus groups - chapel teams, outreach teams, tutoring, and various student leadership roles
Housing & Dining
Residence hall living is an important part of the Central experience. It helps students build friendships, grow in responsibility, and share daily life in a setting designed for both study and community.
Dining is part of that shared life too. The cafeteria in Pelfrey Hall serves a full weekly meal schedule, and The House gives students another place to grab coffee, eat, study, and spend time with friends between classes.
Residence halls
Living on campus gives students more than a room; it gives them a shared daily rhythm with other people. It is one of the main ways friendships form and campus starts to feel like home.
Cafeteria
Shared meals matter because they create natural time to slow down and be with people. The cafeteria keeps that rhythm going throughout the week with regular meal service and flexible options.
The House
The House gives students another easy place to gather, study, and grab something to eat or drink. It adds one more layer of everyday community outside the classroom and residence halls.
See the Community in Person
The best way to understand Central’s campus and community is to step into it. Come visit, meet the people, and get a feel for the rhythms that shape student life here.