Every day at Gordon offers an opportunity to grow, connect, and explore. As one of the top Christian colleges in the northeast, Gordon College campus life enriches both the spirit and the intellect.
To complement your academic and spiritual journey, we have a variety of activities, clubs, and events on campus. Read about some of them below, and discover your place here at Gordon College.
Area Churches
View the extended listing of local and regional churches →
At Gordon students are encouraged to connect with and become regular members of a local church body and to be fully involved in the life of that church. To that end, Gordon does not offer Sunday worship on campus. Students drive themselves, ride with friends or use church-sponsored rides to participate in worship services, ministry and educational opportunities.
On your first Sunday here we will provide a special Orientation worship experience in partnership with some Boston area congregations. Early in the semester the campus will host a local church fair, providing a venue for all new students to explore a variety of churches available in Boston and on the North Shore.
Chapel and Convocation
Along with the academic curriculum, the College sponsors several programs—including chapel services and convocations—to promote learning and spiritual formation as an integral part of a Gordon education, an extension of the Core Curriculum. It’s a part of what makes us a top Christian college. Each semester students are expected to attend a defined number of these services and programs.
Gordon’s programs in Christian life and worship have been designed to nurture our spirit of community. As part of our life together, we gather as believers to support one another, to share in sorrow and in gratitude, and to call upon the Lord for guidance. We believe that the discipline of regularly convening as a community can strengthen our Christian walk.
Read more about Gordon's chapel program at the Chapel Office website.
Student Ministries and Missions
Gordon College Student Ministries (GCSM) is an association of student-led, staff advised programs administered by the Chapel Office. Student ministries seek to promote spiritual growth through service, study, prayer, and relationships. Each ministry is unique in its activity, but all exist to serve the Kingdom of God by encouraging students to grow in Christlikeness and to share His life with others.
GCSM is comprised of four kinds of ministries: those which contribute to times of corporate worship; those which facilitate Bible studies and fellowship groups; those which serve individuals and communities in the Greater Boston area; and those which send students on mission and service trips around the globe. Early in the semester, the Chapel Office will sponsor a ministry fair where you will be able to explore all these opportunities.
Athletic Program
The athletic program at Gordon College is an integral part of the life of the campus community. We have a broad-based program that not only allows student-athletes to use their gifts on the playing field but also works alongside the academic program to help create the whole person.
Learning to serve and honor God through participation in athletics is a special experience. Contact the Athletic Department directly at 978.867.4335 if you have questions or want information.
Music Groups
At Gordon, we believe performing is the element that brings life to the rich musical and Christian traditions studied in the classroom. Ensemble performances draw thousands to A. J. Gordon Memorial Chapel and Phillips Recital Hall for various concerts throughout the year.
Music ensembles at Gordon are open to all students regardless of major. Over 350 students out of the 1,500-member student body participate in one or more of the ensembles.
Choral ensembles include College Choir, Women’s Choir, Men's Choir, and Chamber Singers. Instrumental ensembles include Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensemble, and an active chamber music program.
Ensemble auditions for new students will be held during Orientation. Those interested in auditioning will sign up for an audition during Orientation (Campus Connections on Saturday). If you have questions about what you should be preparing for your audition, please email [email protected].
Theatre Department
The Department of Theatre Arts at Gordon College provides a wide variety of opportunities for students to be involved in production, including technical, managerial and performance areas. Open auditions are held for each scheduled show.
Multicultural Program
Gordon seeks to promote community awareness and appreciation of various ethnic and cultural backgrounds as represented in North American and international countries. Expressions of various cultural histories represented in the student body are encouraged through programs, worship services and cultural awareness experiences.
Underlying this ministry, which is facilitated by two advisors, is the intent to provide support for students from various ethnic, cultural and language backgrounds and to enhance unity through increased understanding of the diversity within our community.
Campus Activities
The Campus Events Council (CEC) strives to unify the campus by planning creative events that encourage an individual’s involvement with the greater campus. Events include Oktoberfest, the Gordon Globes, Winter Ball, Movie Nights, numerous concerts and open mics, and Golden Goose.
CEC also provides an excellent leadership opportunity for students as they work with Gordon College staff and administration organizing and implementing events on and off campus.
Recreation
Gordon has numerous opportunities for students to enjoy recreation both on and off campus. Current students are provided free access to the Bennett Center. This 77,000-square-foot, $8-million facility offers a three-court gymnasium, elevated jogging track, three racquetball courts, indoor rock gym, aerobics room, six-lane lap pool, men’s and women’s saunas, and an extensive fitness center.
Gordon's Rec-IM program engages many students in activities within various areas of interest and ability levels. Intramurals are the students’ opportunity to play with friends, build residence hall community, promote social contact and have fun! Each team earns points toward awards and prizes over the year. In the fall we feature men’s and women’s flag football, dodgeball, and coed softball. Find a Rec-IM program at Gordon that’s right for you.
There’s a great deal to do on the North Shore of Massachusetts in the fall. The Gordon campus has some excellent trails for biking or running; there are the ocean and peaceful rivers to canoe, kayak or sail.