Student Life at ESR
Life at Earlham School of Religion is guided by our focus on shared, transformative learning; curricula founded on Friends principles, but open to all who affirm progressive, Christian theology; radical hospitality that welcomes people from diverse demographic, social and economic backgrounds, without regard to gender and sexual identity; and, ecumenical and welcoming to not only Quakers but members of religious traditions that range from evangelical to universalist.
Students and faculty share a journey that is both educational and spiritual. Learning isn’t simply a process of transferring knowledge; everyone involved in the community of learning offers perspectives, questions and insights that enrich and deepen the experience. And while Friends principles shape our inquiry, the process is informed by experiences of students and faculty from other faith traditions. Worship and other activities are central parts of our learning community.
Most students are from the United States, with a small number from other countries. Some are new graduates from baccalaureate programs; others are older adults seeking to either continue their education or prepare for second careers. Some are residents of Richmond, IN, while others commute from nearby cities or participate in hybrid classes or ESR Access. And, there are students of our partner institution, Bethany Theological Seminary, who participate in classes at ESR.
Together, we journey toward a better understanding of ourselves, others and God, and cultivate relationships grounded in respect and integrity. As God works among us, we work with one another to draw out gifts for ministry.
New Student Orientation
As a new student, you will participate in Orientation at the beginning of the semester in which you matriculate. The schedule is carefully balanced to:
- introduce you to peers, staff, administrators, faculty and, when possible, current students from both Earlham School of Religion and Bethany Theological Seminary.
- familiarize you with important services, such as Lilly Library, the Athletics and Wellness Center, business office, academic services office, and computer labs.
- provide essential information about academic programs and policies.
- facilitate advisor assignments and registration for courses.
- offer time to relax and interact in small groups at meal times and the end of the day.
WORSHIP AND THE LIFE OF THE SPIRIT AT ESR
Worship is a central part of life at ESR. By experiencing God’s presence together we discover our strongest, most intimate bond. Worship at ESR is the fruit of the School’s emphasis on radical hospitality, or creating safe space for all who wish to affirm their faith.
Worship is multifaceted, and extends beyond our Richmond campus to include many faith traditions, meetings, churches, and other venues.
On ESR’s campus, worship occurs regularly throughout each semester, under the direction of the Worship Committee.
Friday, joint worship with Bethany Theological Seminary alternates between Quaker and Church of the Brethren styles of worship. Members of the combined community plan other workship opportunities, too.
Members of the ESR community are welcome to attend the programmed College Meeting for Worship held each Sunday at Stout Meetinghouse, sponsored and coordinated by Earlham College.
Many faith traditions are represented in the Wayne County, Indiana and nearby Ohio areas, and offer numerous worship opportunities for our students.
Quaker Meetings in Richmond
There are three Friends Meetings in Richmond. First Friends, located on Chester Boulevard, and West Richmond, near the Earlham campus, are both semi-programmed. Clear Creek is unprogrammed and meets on the Earlham College campus. Several more Friends Meetings, as well as congregations of other faith traditions, are within easy driving distance in both Indiana and Ohio.
Quaker Organizations
Richmond is a contemporary worldwide center for Quakers. The central office of Friends United Meeting (FUM), the international headquarters for the largest group of the Religious Society of Friends, is located in Spring Grove, Richmond. Students have access to FUM’s national staff as well as the Quaker Hill Conference Center and the Quaker Hill Bookstore, a Christian retailer at the same location.
LIVING IN RICHMOND
Richmond, Indiana is a small city that’s just a short drive from major metropolitan areas like Indianapolis, Dayton, Cincinnati and Chicago.
Housing in Richmond is plentiful and affordable. Options include rental houses and apartments, as well as guest rooms in homes within a walk or short drive of ESR.
SELF-CARE FOR STUDENTS
Graduate theological education places considerable demands on students in terms of time, attention and focus. As such, it’s important to have strong support networks and to know how to access resources that can help you navigate issues as they arise.
Happening on campus
Mental Health First Aid Training & Certification (Virtual)
Time: 9:00 amMental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adults.
Mental Health First Aid Training & Certification is taught by Kelly Burk, a certified trainer.
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Sing a New Hymn
Time: 7:00 pmJoin us as we explore new directions with hymns inspiring seekers and Quakers today. Amy Duckett Wagner leads this engaging session. Register & find out more at https://SingaNewHymn.eventbrite.com! Learn about…
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Beyond Consensus: Discerning the Mind of Christ Clerking Meetings of the Society of Friends (Workshop with Dave Goff)
Time: 7:00 pmThis workshop led by Dave Goff explores the basics of clerking a meeting within the Society of Friends. The primary focus is clerking committee meetings, but the principles can be used at all levels of Quaker business. These principles of discernment are effective whether one is clerking at the Monthly, Quarterly, or Yearly Meeting level or beyond.
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Mental Health First Aid Training & Certification
Time: 9:00 amMental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adults.
Mental Health First Aid Training & Certification is taught by Kelly Burk, a certified trainer. There are only 30 seats available for this in-person opportunity. Fee of $150 includes the interactive workshop, course certification, lunch, and resource materials for each attendee to keep.
Mental Health First Aid Training & Certification is taught by Kelly Burk, a certified trainer.
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Sing a New Song
Time: 7:00 pmJoin us as we come together to discern how we are being called to follow the biblical & spiritual imperative to “sing a new song” – whether literally or metaphorically. Join QLC to engage in music ministry and the “musicality of ministry” with Nate Macy & Melinda Wenner Bradley @ ESR in Richmond IN. Register & find out more at QLCSingANewSong.eventbrite.com!
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