Service as a Spiritual Discipline

Chaplain Bill VanGroningen’s Spiritual Formation class travelled to Breakthrough Ministries this month to help prepare and serve a meal for guests.

The ministry, located in Chicago’s East Garfield Park, seeks to be a positive influence, serving thousands of youth and homeless each year.  

Students observe a number of spiritual disciplines, including prayer, scripture reading, fasting, worship, and service. Classroom practices involve dwelling on a portion of Psalm 119, taking turns leading prayer, and offering testimonies.

The students have participated in individual acts of service, but the group intended this opportunity to be one of communal service.

“We offer ourselves, to serve on terms set by others,” said VanGroningen.