Religious Life
Oklahoma City University is proud of its affiliation with the United Methodist Church. The Office of Religious Life seeks to bring faith and learning together through worship services, community service, student organizations, and mission opportunities. Religious Life is a vital part of the student experience at OCU. The following are some of the signature features of Religious Life at OCU.
Location: Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel, Lower Level, Room L102
Phone: 405-208-5484
Email: [email protected]
Click here to visit the Religious Life website.
University Worship
University Worship is our university worship service. These services are every Thursday at 1:00 p.m. throughout the academic year. The community gathers for a service of worship led by the Director of Religious Life, professors from Wimberly School of Religion, students, and many community religious leaders. These services, usually around 40 minutes in length, feature many of our talented musicians and dynamic guest preachers. This service usually follows a traditional liturgical format with occasional special services. Students have many opportunities to participate in leadership including singing in a volunteer University Worship Choir, greeters, and liturgists. Visitors from outside the campus community are welcome and encouraged to attend.
The Wesley Center
The Wesley Center is OCU’s Campus Ministry with Rev. Aly Shahan as our Campus Pastor. We are located in the lower level of the Chapel. Though we are grounded in United Methodist theology, this is a ministry that is open and welcoming to students of all religious affiliations and backgrounds. Our four areas of focus are: worship, purpose, service, and community. We provide small groups and Bible studies, mission and services opportunities, times of fellowship, and an inclusive Christian community. Our goal is to be a safe home away from home for students to experience the unconditional love of God, grow in their faith, and find true community.
Wesley Worship
Wesley Worship meets each Monday night at 7:00 p.m. during the academic year. The community is invited to a service of worship led by the Director of Religious Life, students, and our Wesley Worship student Band. This contemporary style service includes praise, prayer, scripture, sermons, and Holy Communion each week. It is an interactive worship experience. Following worship we share in a free dinner together in a time of fellowship and fun.
Student Religious Organizations
Religious Life is proud to support a wide range of student organizations to help students deeply engage their faith through religious study, fellowship, and service. The organizations reflect specific faith backgrounds including the Jewish Stars, Catholic Student Association, Baptist Collegiate Ministry, and the Muslim Student Association, or ecumenical ministries like Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Kappa Phi and DAX. All groups related to OCU are welcoming of any student.
Our Better Together organization focuses on Interfaith understanding. This group helps build relationship and cooperation across faith differences, including those with no faith backgrounds.
The Offices of Religious Life or Student Engagement can help students connect with these groups!
Mission and Service Opportunities*
OCU Religious Life is committed to community engagement through service. This takes many forms, including service opportunities and mission trips, serving both domestic and international locations. If you are looking for ways to serve your community, reach out to our Assistant Director of Religious Life, KC Curry ([email protected]).
Pastoral Care
No matter your involvement in Religious Life or your religious affiliation, Rev. Aly Shahan is available to meet with any and all students regarding faith, spiritual, or personal matters. If you need prayer, a listening ear, advice, or a friend to provide a distraction and light conversation, please reach out to Rev. Shahan.
*Please visit section IX Student Organizations to learn more about forming religious student organizations.