UKirk SMU

Presence changes everything. In college, questions of identity, belonging, and faith are never theoretical—they are lived every day. At UKirk SMU, students experience a ministry where God’s presence is made real through worship, community, and care.

At the heart of this ministry is presence—and to meet the needs of students, we need a full-time campus minister. Right now, our minister serves part-time, but the needs of students are full-time: pastoral care in seasons of struggle and joy, guidance in leadership and service, and discipleship that lays a foundation of faith into adulthood.

Now entering our seventh year of ministry, UKirk has become a vital witness on campus. We have weathered significant challenges—losing our longtime worship space and aging out of start-up grants—yet God’s Spirit continues to sustain and grow this ministry.

• Weekly worship is the heartbeat of our community, where students are drawn to Christ and reminded they are not alone.

• Student leaders and seminary interns are equipped for service in the church, writing sermons, leading fellowship, and organizing events. Two of our former interns have gone on to become clergy—including our current interim campus minister!

• Pastoral care is offered consistently as students wrestle with deep questions of faith, identity, and belonging.

• Retreats, meals, fellowship, and outreach events build community and provide students the chance to rest, grow, and serve.

And because UKirk remains the only Christian ministry on campus fully open and affirming to LGBTQIA+ students, our presence is essential. In a time when political debates threaten marriage equality and question the dignity of queer lives, UKirk is a place where students are reminded that they are beloved in the fullness of their God-given identities.

This North Texas Giving Day, your generosity will sustain UKirk’s presence at SMU by funding:

• The salary for a full-time campus minister

• Programs like retreats, fellowship events, and discipleship opportunities

• Weekly meals and outreach events that welcome students into community

Together, we can ensure that students at SMU continue to encounter God’s love through a ministry rooted in presence, compassion, and Christ’s call to be fully with us.