Aug 29, 2025  
Campus Student Handbook 2025-2026 
    
Campus Student Handbook 2025-2026

4 - SPIRITUAL FORMATION



4.1 - Purpose  

Spiritual Formation at Crown College is a vital and required part of the student experience, designed to cultivate spiritual depth and Christlike character in every student. Rooted in The Christian and Missionary Alliance, Crown College equips students through a biblically-based, faith-integrated education to impact the world for Christ. The SFP supports this mission by engaging students in chapel services, small groups, mentoring relationships, cross-cultural experiences, and service opportunities. It fosters a lifelong, boldly Christian community committed to professional excellence, innovation, and Kingdom diversity through worship and preaching that reflect the global Church. As students participate in the Crown College community, we envision them exploring their spiritual formation through these questions: Who am I? Who am I with others? Who am I in the world? Who am I in the Kingdom of God?  

  

4.2 - Policy Description   

All enrolled Campus students must complete 40 Spiritual Formation (SF) credits throughout each semester.   

  • Students must earn 40 SF credits per semester, with a minimum of 25 Chapel Credits.  

  • Up to 15 credits may be earned through “Faith In Action” (FIA) Credits.  

  

4.3 - Policy Procedures  

Earning Spiritual Formation Credits  

Credits can be earned through Chapel Credits and Faith In Action Credits.  

  

4.3.1 - Chapel Credits  

At Crown College, Chapel Credits represent an intentional and active component of a student’s spiritual formation. As students grow academically and develop as Christian leaders, Chapel Credits provide structured opportunities to engage in biblically based worship, reflect deeply in their faith, and respond to God’s calling. Chapel Credits may be earned through participation in the following:  

  • Chapel attendance  

  • Life Together (LT) groups  

  • Selah   

  • Other events/initiatives approved by the Campus Pastor  

  

4.3.2 - Faith In Action Credits (Optional)   

Faith in Action credits are credits that enable students to actively live out their faith by serving with non-profits, churches, or other approved organizations, or engaging cross-culturally. By stepping into real-world contexts, students not only put their faith into practice-they also begin to find their place in a lifelong authentic community of believers who serve others as an expression of God’s love. These experiences allow students to take what they are learning in the classroom, whether through theology, leadership, education, or business, and apply it in meaningful ways that both enrich their academic experience and prepare them for future ministry, service, and career opportunities.   

  

Guidelines:  

  • 1 hour = 1 credit (up to 15 credits per semester)  

  • Student leadership positions within student development, academics and athletics are eligible for faith in action credits.   

  • Students can earn credits through service with approved external organizations, including churches, non-profits, and other approved organizations that align with the mission and values of Crown College.  

  • Faith in Action credits cannot be earned for any activities that result in financial gain for the student, Crown College, or its affiliated programs.  

  • Athletic fundraisers are ineligible for FIL credit unless they service local community entity in the surrounding Carver County area.   

  • Credit hours must be documented by students through the Crown Connect system and verified by faculty, coaches, or external supervisors.    

  • Driving or travel time are not eligible for credits.  

  • Cross cultural service opportunities, including Crown College Missions Trips.  

  • No income or payment may be received for the service.  

  • Academic credits may be granted for course experiences or projects that include cross-cultural and/or missions-related initiatives.   

  • In instances where more than five students are involved in such an experience, faculty are requested to notify the Spiritual Formation staff.   

  

4.3.3 - Exemptions and Adjustments  

Students may request exemptions and adjustments for reasons such as work conflicts, age, parental status, or academic requirements. All requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and must be submitted no later than 12:00 p.m. (noon) on the Monday of the sixth week of the academic semester.  

  

4.4 - Review Process   

The Campus Pastor and Spiritual Formation staff will review these policies and procedures every one to three years, making recommendations to the Vice President of Student Development for approval.  

  

  

4.5 - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)  

  

What is the purpose of Spiritual Formation?  
Spiritual Formation is designed to integrate faith into students’ daily lives by fostering spiritual development, challenging students to consider “Who Am I? Who Am I with others? Who Am I in the World? Who Am I in the Kingdom of God?”  

  

Can students request an exemption from Chapel Credits?  
Adjustments may be granted for work conflicts, age, parental status, or academic demands. All enrolled Campus students must complete 40 Spiritual Formation (SF) credits throughout each semester.   

  

What qualifies as a “Faith In Action” Credit?  
Students can earn credits through service with approved external organizations, including churches, non-profits, and other approved organizations that align with the mission and values of Crown College.  

  

Can students earn Spiritual Formation credits through their academic courses?  
Yes. Up to 15 Faith In Action Credits Academic credits may be granted for course experiences or projects that include cross-cultural and/or missions-related initiatives.   

  

Can students earn Faith In Action Credits through athletic service?  
Yes, Student leadership positions within athletics are eligible for faith in action credits.   

  

What happens if students do not complete their Spiritual Formation Credits?  
Students who fail to meet SF requirements will be unable to register or sign up for housing until the necessary expectations have been completed.   

  

How do students submit Faith In Action hours?   

Log hours through Crown Connect. Faculty, coaches, or external supervisors must verify the hours.   

  

Can students earn all 40 credits through chapel credits?  
Yes. Students may complete all 40 credits through Chapel, Life Together groups, and approved chapel-related events.  

  

Can students earn all 40 credits through Faith In Action?  
No. At least 25 of the 40 credits must be earned through Chapel credits. Faith In Action may account for up to 15 credits, but are not required to complete the program.  

  

Does driving time count toward Faith In Action Credits?  
No. Driving or travel time does not count toward Faith In Action Credits.  

  

How do I document less than an hour of service?  

When entering Faith in Action hours, service time should always be rounded to the nearest whole hour. Only whole numbers are accepted when documenting service hours.