10 Simple Ways to Grow Your Faith in College

College Advice, On-Campus Living, Spiritual Growth, Student Life

College is a time of great growth — from learning new things in the classroom to refining your calling and career path and establishing new and deeper relationships. It’s also a time to prioritize spiritual growth, too.

While it can be challenging to balance faith and classes in college — not to mention all the other commitments and distractions that exist during those four years of school — it's so valuable to establish your own set of spiritual practices and values.

Here are 10 simple ideas for how you can grow your faith in college.

1. Wake Up 15 Minutes Early Every Day

If you usually set your alarm for 7:30 a.m., shift it back by just 15 minutes so you can start your day intentionally with the Lord. Use this time to pray, journal, read a devotion, or reflect on God's Word. It will help set a faithful tone for the rest of your day.

"Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days." - Psalms 90:14 (NIV)

2. Set a Daily Reminder to Pray

Time goes by quickly, particularly while you're balancing a packed class schedule, hours of homework, extracurricular activities, and social engagements. Stay connected to God by setting a reminder on your phone to pray during the day, even if it's just for a minute or two. Pray for your friends or family, for missions or our nation, for a challenge you're experiencing, and for wisdom. Give thanks for a meal, for your friends and family, and for all the blessings in your life. You can even find some great prayer apps to help with this discipline.

There are so many ways to go to the Lord in prayer. As that daily reminder becomes a habit, you may find yourself praying more often throughout the day, too.

"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people." - Ephesians 6:18 (NIV)

3. Read One Bible Chapter Per Day

Whether you read your Bible in the morning, during a break, or before you go to bed, prioritizing the discipline of staying in the Word every day will help you grow in your faith. Following a Bible reading plan through resources like the Dwell App and the YouVersion Bible App is an excellent approach that makes it easy to stay attuned to this goal.

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." - Psalms 119:105 (NIV)

4. Put Bible Verses on Your Door

Write out a Bible verse that God is laying on your heart and post it on your door so you see it every time you leave your dorm room or apartment. This simple reminder to repeat God's Word and reflect on His promises will stay with you, and it's also a good way to memorize the verse.

"I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you." - Psalms 119:11 (NIV)

5. Join a Bible Study Group

Spending time alone in God's Word is a foundational way to grow your faith but so is doing so in the context of community. Through an organized Bible study, you're prioritizing this discipline. Plus, you're not just strengthening your heavenly relationship with God; you're building deep connections with like-minded brothers and sisters in Christ.

6. Go to Church on Sunday

While developing a Christian community on the DBU campus is essential, another simple way to grow in your faith is by getting plugged into a local church. Biblically, the church is the primary place God has designed for you to gather with others to worship and praise, to strengthen your faith, and to serve fellow believers with your spiritual gifts. DBU has a strong partnership with many local churches in the DFW area that students can join. These churches are a light to their communities and are on a mission to reach the world for Christ.

"...Not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another…" - Hebrews 10:25 (NIV)

7. Meet with a Godly Mentor Once a Month

Seeking mentorship from older advocates who have wisdom and real-world experience is an excellent way to experience spiritual growth. We all need mentors in our lives who are further down life's path to support and encourage us, offer Biblical wisdom — especially when it comes to relationships — and keep us accountable to walking in faith. DBU's Center for Mentoring makes it easy for students to connect with faculty and staff who will walk them through the college journey while providing guidance in seeking God's will and navigating life after college.

"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." - Proverbs 27:17 (NIV)

8. Volunteer Once a Quarter in Your Local Community

Volunteering comes in many forms. Some volunteer roles directly support community members, while others are more behind-the-scenes, driving engagement and administration. No matter how you choose to serve, you won't only be helping others; you'll also be growing in your faithfulness to the Lord. DBU strives to produce servant leaders and partners with numerous service organizations and opportunities on campus to help you find and fulfill your calling.

"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms." - 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)

9. Say “No” to Things That Don't Serve You

While saying "no" sounds simple, it can actually be a more complex spiritual practice than you realize. Because college can come with many distractions that can take your focus off the Lord, it's vital to learn how to say "no" to things that don't align with your values. Don't make compromises that are out of character or that chip away at your spiritual walk with God. By clearly and firmly establishing personal boundaries and communicating these boundaries with others, you have a better chance of saying "no" when necessary.

"And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one." - Matthew 6:13 (NIV)

10. Put Your Phone Down

Technology is changing the way we interact with others and spend our time, which is why it's essential to be mindful of your consumption of technology, especially when it comes to social media. It can be a great resource, but it cannot replace the beauty of a genuine community. In fact, it can impede our relationships — with others and with the Lord. It can also create many adverse effects in your life — from unhealthy comparison to being overly consumed with outward image, seeking worldly validation, and more.

If you notice this happening, consider taking a short phone or social media break every day to talk to a friend in person, rest and meditate on the Lord's Word, pray, read a book, or go for a walk. A break from distractions will give you the mental and emotional space to re-center — all while strengthening your walk with God.

"Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things." - Colossians 3:2 (NIV)

These are just a few ideas for how you can apply some Christian university spiritual disciplines to grow in your faith.

Check out the DBU blog for more tips for Christian college students on balancing college and your faith.