Seminary Student Life
At seminary, we hope you grow as a person both in and outside of the classroom. We offer a variety of activities and social opportunities to provide you with a transformative experience.
Worship
We gather together every day to worship in a variety of ways. We worship God in our chapel at the heart of campus, outside around a campfire and online through Zoom so we can connect with students near and far.
Every day at LTSS — no matter how seemingly ordinary it may be — I feel like I am being formed for ministry. I am so happy to live and learn here as I prepare for a future in the church.
Student Activities
When it’s time to beat the heat and spend some time inside, our student union provides just the place. Equipped with a student lounge that features a pool table and sofas, a gym and exercise room, and a dining area, this is a great space for spending time on campus.
Our sprawling, beautiful campus in Columbia allows for all sorts of outdoor opportunities and our students are always taking advantage of them. Whether it’s studying together at a picnic table in the shade, taking a walk through the labyrinth, playing football, throwing a frisbee or simply sitting in chairs or hammocks, you’re certain to run into folks outside enjoying a beautiful day.
Groups on campus include student government, the Students of African Descent, a fellowship of students from the United Methodist Church and a group committed to helping us be a Reconciling in Christ seminary.
Our campus also includes urban gardens that are a collaboration with a local community ministry Koinonia of Columbia. Students have the opportunity to volunteer in the gardening and teaching that happens there.
In addition, our students and faculty don’t just meet for classes. They worship together, eat together and undergo book studies together helping us at LTSS form a real community.
Housing
There are numerous opportunities to take part in activities if you’re a part of our on-campus housing. There are playgrounds, fire pits, charcoal grills and a picnic shelter providing all our students a chance to spend time together on campus and enjoy food, fellowship and recreation.
In addition to permanent housing, we also offer individual rooms available to overnight rental should a student need to stay on campus.
Our library also has a 24-hour room so students have a place to congregate or study at any time.
LTSS is beautifully diverse and made up of students of every age, race, gender and orientation. I was so thankful to find a great community of faith and learning so close to where I grew up.
When plans shifted during the Walk for Peace, a stop at Lenoir-Rhyne’s Columbia location became a powerful moment of connection, rest and shared spiritual practice.
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At the 2025 Homecoming parade, cheers followed a motorcycle and sidecar as the Rev. Joe Shumate ’51, M.Div. ’54, and sister Kathleen Tucker ’51 returned to LR on their latest adventure.
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