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Spiritual Life

In today’s increasingly challenging and complex world, higher learning in a Christ-inspired community is more essential than ever. OUAZ seeks to develop the whole person intellectually, spiritually, physically, artistically, financially, vocationally – all areas that make them unique individuals who can lead a life of significance. As a steadfastly Christian university, proudly affiliated with the American Baptist Churches USA, and positively open and inclusive, OUAZ empowers students from every background to become whole individuals who develop lives of stronger personal faith, balance and joy, while growing intellectually and in preparing for leadership in a global economy.
 
A key aspect of OUAZ’s Personal Growth Days is Spirit Life, where the entire campus community gathers weekly for worship, encouragement, and to be challenged to impact our culture with the grace, love, and mercy exemplified by Jesus Christ. Music at Spirit Life is energizing and the speakers are dynamic.
 
Students can grow spiritually and develop meaningful relationships through participation in organizations and events such as Young Life College, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Bible studies, concerts, getting connected with local churches, ministries, and OUAZ Alliance member schools.
 
OUAZ student affairs and spiritual life team members are always ready to talk with students about their spiritual needs and to help them find ways to get connected and involved in the spiritual life on campus.

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes reaches out to student-athletes by sponsoring activities. Representatives from each athletic team lead the group's weekly meetings. Meetings generally include discussions and feature pizza and soda - a break from the athletes' usual diets.
Regardless of a students’ religious background, Young Life College offers a fun, accepting community to be a part of while exploring or deepening their faith.  As caring adults venture with them, college students are nurtured, guided and encouraged to become young adults who are committed followers of Jesus Christ.
 
College students can also be great Young Life leaders for middle and high school students. We are excited to train and include college students as valuable members of our Surprise Young Life teams.  At OUAZ, leader training starts in January, applications are due mid-February and new leader placement happens before spring break.
 
We are people wanting to figure out what it means to enjoy life, know God, and to make real friends in the process. Young Life College at OUAZ is a community of students and young adults...everyone is welcome.  Come as you are! Club is at 8pm on Wednesdays in the Community Room!

You can get involved on whatever level you desire. We have an awesome community on our campus that you can be a part of: You can train to become a Young Life leader and lead kids at a school here in Surprise...or you can just get involved through our weekly club, a small group Bible study, fun events, Mexico Mission Trip, Work Week and Summer Staff at Lost Canyon, and more. We have a great college Young Life community here at OUAZ that we want you to be a part of!
 
Contact Jana McDonald, at 623-312-5677, check out website at surprise.younglife.org or email at janamcyl@gmail.com for more information!
The Ottawa Alliance for Quality Christian Education
 
“Building on its foundation as a Christ-inspired community of grace and open inquiry, Ottawa University prepares professional and liberal arts graduates for lifetimes of personal significance, vocational fulfillment, and service to God and humanity.”
 
Ottawa University, a pioneer in not-for-profit higher education for traditional, adult, graduate, and international education in ground and online learning modalities, announces the creation of a new opportunity to strengthen and expand quality Christian education.  Now in its 151st year and its 40th year in Arizona, to strengthen relationships and build partnership with Christian schools, churches, and organizations around the world, to coincide with the historic launch of its new residential campus in Surprise, Arizona, and in support of its mission, Ottawa University has created the Ottawa Alliance for Quality Christian Education.  Participation is complimentary and robust with benefits for Alliance members.
 
The Ottawa Alliance for Quality Christian Education is a network of not-for-profit missional organizations that are also interested in supporting a Christ-inspired community of grace throughout our institutions and the world.  Participants are faithful to strengthening the relationship between schools across the Christian education spectrum.  Members benefit from reducing the cost of Christian education, increasing enrollment at Christ-focused schools, and in encouraging enrollment at Ottawa University.
 
Current Alliance Members
Christian Schools:
  • Bourgade Catholic
  • Faith Christian Academy
  • Gilbert Christian High School
  • Joy Christian Academy
  • North Valley Christian Academy
  • Northwest Christian School
  • Paradise Valley Christian Preparatory
  • Phoenix Christian Preparatory School
  • Scottsdale Christian Academy
  • Valley Christian High School
  • Valley Lutheran High School
Churches:
  • Cross Church - Surprise
  • Desert Springs Christian Church - Goodyear
  • Freedom Valley Church - Surprise

Para Church Ministries:
  • FCA
  • Younglife 

For additional information, contact Jeff Penzone, Community Enrollment Executive  by email at jeff.penzone@ottawa.edu or phone at 602-377-1720 or David M. Barnes, EdD, Executive Director for University Advancement by email at david.barnes@ottawa.edu or phone at 602-920-9474.
Ottawa University Arizona and its Fredrickson Center for Faith and Church Vitality bring the Pastor Development Cohort to Arizona pastors. The cohort concentrates on the training, development and resource needs of current pastors. In encouragement and support of Arizona pastors, institutional priorities in spiritual leadership, and start-up funding from the Thiel Charitable Trust enable pastoral participation at no cost to individuals or their churches including meals, materials (and lodging, if needed). This is a 10 month program of leadership skills, business education, faith-based psychology and individualized mentoring for current pastors. It will consist of (3) two-day (on campus) training sessions each quarter and church-site mentoring and self-discovery activities in the intervening months.

Conceived by University Chancellor, Dr. Kevin Eichner in 2011, this program has the express mission; “To strengthen the skills, knowledge, spiritual formation, personal behavior patterns and relationships which will enable pastors to be more effective and fulfilled in their ministry for Christ’s purposes”. Under the direct supervision of Dr. Eichner and with active consultation from Rev. Dr. Holzhüter, the Center is currently accepting registration applications.

Session topics include:
  • Understanding your flock
  • Finding balance
  • Financial statements and budgeting
  • Building interpersonal versatility
  • Tangible servant leadership
  • and many more!
For more information, contact:
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