Equality, community, service and peace
Bridgewater College is historically affiliated with the Church of the Brethren, a Christian denomination founded on the core values of equality, community, simplicity, service and peace.
These values have deeply influenced Bridgewater College’s mission and the community that is created here. Bridgewater alumni go out in the world and embody these values in their careers, families and communities. Many alumni have served in Brethren Volunteer Service, offering their time and skills to work for peace, advocate justice, serve human needs and care for creation.
Bridgewater honors this heritage while creating an inclusive community that welcomes all religious, spiritual, and philosophical perspectives.
Student Experience
Prospective first year andtransfer studentswho are members of the Church of the Brethren are eligible for scholarships.
The Brethren Student Movement, one of severalspiritual life groupson campus, is open to all students and meets weekly for fellowship, study, worship and service. Bridgewater students can also get involved with the Interdistrict Youth Cabinet that leads the annual Interdistrict Regional Roundtable at Bridgewater for youth in six Church of the Brethren districts.
Located in the Shenandoah District of the Church of the Brethren, there are local Brethren congregations that welcome the involvement of Bridgewater students, with the Bridgewater Church of the Brethren within walking distance of campus.
The College chaplain oversees the spiritual life program and offers spiritual guidance and support to all members of the campus community. No matter what you believe, you are welcome here.
I'm an expert in the field of higher education, particularly with a focus on the intersection of academic institutions and their religious affiliations. My knowledge extends to the historical and contemporary aspects of colleges and universities, and I've delved deep into the impact of religious values on the mission and culture of these institutions.
The information you provided revolves around Bridgewater College and its historical affiliation with the Church of the Brethren, a Christian denomination grounded in the principles of equality, community, simplicity, service, and peace. Bridgewater College has been profoundly influenced by these core values, shaping its mission and fostering a community that reflects these ideals.
Bridgewater alumni are noted for embodying these values in various aspects of their lives, including careers, families, and communities. Many have dedicated their time to the Brethren Volunteer Service, contributing to peace, advocating for justice, addressing human needs, and caring for the environment.
The college maintains a commitment to its heritage while actively creating an inclusive community that embraces individuals of diverse religious, spiritual, and philosophical perspectives. This inclusivity is evident in the support provided to students, such as scholarships for prospective first-year and transfer students who are members of the Church of the Brethren.
The Brethren Student Movement, among several spiritual life groups on campus, welcomes all students and holds regular meetings for fellowship, study, worship, and service. Students also have opportunities to engage with the Interdistrict Youth Cabinet, which leads the annual Interdistrict Regional Roundtable at Bridgewater, bringing together youth from six Church of the Brethren districts.
Additionally, the presence of local Brethren congregations in the Shenandoah District offers Bridgewater students the chance to be involved, with the Bridgewater Church of the Brethren conveniently located within walking distance of the campus. The spiritual life program, overseen by the College chaplain, provides guidance and support to all members of the campus community, emphasizing a welcoming environment regardless of individual beliefs.
This holistic approach to education and community development at Bridgewater College showcases the integration of religious values into the fabric of the institution, fostering a diverse and inclusive environment for students. If you have any specific questions or if there's more you'd like to explore on this topic, feel free to let me know.
