College is a place where students learn and grow in relationships and experiences with God, themselves, the world and others.  It's a lot like climbing a mountain where there are common experiences at different altitudes, no matter how far we are on the journey.  If you're an alpine hiker, you know there are different band of vegetation from the base to the summit of the mountain.  Topsoil gives way to rock.  The air gets noticeably fresher by stages as you ascend.  At some point you enter the clouds and start walking in midst.  And ultimately, you have to pay more attention to your breathing. 

As students begin their time at LaGrange, they will have to pay attention to their breathing as they hike the steep climb up the mountain from who they once were towards who they will become. Students, quickly discover this truth about LaGrange, both metaphorically and literally, since the main campus where the majority of classes are held resides on the tallest peek in the city and is affectionately known as the "hill."  Whether it's trying to figure out whether or not to take courses in Organic Chemistry or Moral Traditions and Contemporary Social Problems or trying to scale the steep incline from Hawkins Hall to Manget for class, students tire easily and become exhausted when surrounded with a multitude of paths and possibilities. Sorting out these paths can cause students to wrestle with new ideas about themselves, the world and God. And while many students may choose many separate ways of finding God in their lives, it is important to remember the common journey of the "mountain climb" that we are all taking towards the sacred to make life more meaningful.

Growing out of its history of service and its affiliation with The United Methodist Church, LaGrange is committed to helping students to "catch their breath" by creating a caring and ethical community that challenges students' minds and inspires their souls along their mountain trek. The College offers a number of opportunities for students, faculty and staff members to celebrate life and explore God's intention for human living, especially as it relates to living and working on a college campus. Included in these opportunities are occasions for make sense of life, God, self and others through worship, prayer, fellowship, service, advocacy, Bible study, and faith development.

Mission of Religious Life
Religious Life seeks to encourage a Christian witness among students through spiritual growth, community service, worship, religious tolerance and social awareness.