PLNU’s small group and mentoring programs provide opportunities to express your faith in a way that reflects the life of Christ — a life of faith, joy, and hope poured out for others in love. Form deep friendships, experience new ways to worship, and uncover what it means to love God and neighbor in all you do at PLNU.
We invite you to dig deeper in your relationship with Christ and others by participating in spirit-led reflections, nourishing friendships, fruitful Bible studies, men’s and women’s retreats, thoughtful discussions, and creative acts of worship.
Wherever you are on your faith journey, we encourage you to join us as we seek to know and grow in our understanding of God and ourselves, reflecting more fully God's love in our world.
Alpha Groups
Designed for first-semester freshmen, Alpha Groups provide an opportunity to build unique and lasting community by meeting together regularly to share faith journeys.
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Alpha Groups meet every Monday at 9 p.m. on each freshmen floor.
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Alpha Groups are led by an upperclassmen student leader team.
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These groups are a place to grow as you learn more about yourself, your hall mates, and your faith journey.
Contact us at alphagroups@pointloma.edu with any questions. We can't wait to journey with you!
D-Groups
Discipleship Groups (D-Groups) are designed for sophomores, juniors, and seniors, offering rich small group conversation and spiritual formation activities.
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You can join a group that fits your schedule, allowing for a convenient opportunity to open up with friends, hall mates, and D-Group leaders about your faith journey.
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All groups are guided by a D-Group leader who receives training, mentoring, and ongoing guidance from the Discipleship Ministries Office.
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We all need companions on our spiritual journey — friends to encourage, strengthen, and guide us. D-Groups allow for that type of transformative and grace-filled space, one that provides rest, laughter, learning, and lasting friendships.
If you have questions, you can contact us at dgroups@pointloma.edu.
Spiritual Mentoring
Spiritual mentoring creates an opportunity to share life with another in intentional, Christ-centered relationships. These one-on-one encounters provide the space for fruitful spiritual growth for the mentor and mentee. In mentorship relationships, both individuals grab a paddle as they journey together.
Upperclassmen Mentor Program
Mentee
Upperclassmen are partnered with staff, faculty, and friends of the university. Form a meaningful relationship with a PLNU staff or faculty member, alumnus, or community member to help you navigate the waters of your spiritual life. Request to be paired with a spiritual mentor.
Mentor
Whether you work, teach, attended, or are just a friend of PLNU, we encourage you to become a mentor. Spiritual mentoring is a wonderful way to answers God’s call to serve others in a spirit of generosity.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the program start and end?
The Spiritual Mentoring program requires a fall semester commitment. Pairs are welcome to continue on into the spring if both their schedules allow.
How does the matching process work?
At the beginning of each semester, our office reviews mentor applications and student requests for mentors. Matches are made on a first-come, first-serve basis and mentoring will begin a couple weeks into each semester. Matches are made based on interest; experience; the questions answered in the application/request forms; and knowledge, if any, of the participants. Matches made later in the semester are exceptions and depend on whether mentors or mentees are available.
How often will we meet?
Generally, you can expect to meet biweekly. We ask that mentor-mentee pairs meet a minimum of two times each month, although if a mentor-mentee pair wishes to meet more often, they are more than welcome to.
What if a match doesn't work out?
If a mentor or student feel like the match is unhelpful, please contact our office at spiritualmentoring@pointloma.edu or (619) 849-3393.
Senior – Sophomore Student Mentor Program
Mentee
If you’re a sophomore, we encourage you to get connected with a senior mentor. Delve deeper into your faith, receive spiritual guidance, and form a lasting friendship with someone who wants to join your journey. Request to be paired with a spiritual mentor.
Mentor
If you’re a senior, share your advice, wisdom, and friendship with a sophomore on campus. Guide them close to God as a trusted friend, while strengthening your own relationship with God.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the program start and end?
The Spiritual Mentoring program requires a fall semester commitment. There are four mandatory Monday meetings in August, September, October, and November for senior mentors.
How does the matching process work?
At the beginning of each semester, our office reviews mentor applications and student requests for mentors. Matches are made based on availability; the questions answered in the application/request forms; and knowledge, if any, of the participants. Matches are made on a first-come, first-serve basis and mentoring will begin a couple weeks into each semester. Matches made later in the semester are exceptions and depend on whether mentors or mentees are available.
How often will we meet?
Generally, you can expect to meet biweekly. We ask that mentor-mentee pairs meet a minimum of two times each month, but if a mentor-mentee pair wishes to meet weekly, they are more than welcome to.
What if a match doesn't work out?
If a mentor or student feel like the match is unhelpful, please contact our office at spiritualmentoring@pointloma.edu or (619) 849-3393.
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