Spiritual Life at UPIKE

The University of Pikeville’s Office of Spiritual Life seeks to empower others to engage in their studies with passion while also serving the community with a servant’s heart.

“I believe that the role of Spiritual Life is to be gracious and hospitable to all beliefs, help shape spiritual formation, provide pastoral care, companionship with others in finding their life’s work, and create a network of community and global servants who seek to live out the social justice heart of Jesus.” – Rob Musick, UPIKE Chaplain

To reach Rob, or schedule a visit, please call (606) 218-5762 or email RobertMusick@upike.edu. UPIKE’s Chaplain coordinates spiritual life activities and programs on campus and is available for one-on-one or small group spiritual guidance.


Missions at UPIKE are centered on Jesus’ work in the world and are done in response to the call from him to reach out in love, service and partnership to all people.

As you prayerfully consider joining in the mission please know a few important things. Mission trips are the opposite of vacations. Missions are selfless-giving, hard work and cultural learning/appreciation. It’s also important to remember that when you travel to a new area, you are a guest. You should not expect to be totally comfortable at all times. Mission work pushes you out of your comfort zones. Often, we expect things to be comfortable and we live in a self-serving culture, but being on mission requires that we maintain an attitude of being a guest. Therefore, we are thankful for any food that is offered, the living conditions will be appreciated and we will joyfully participate in any/all activities our hosts deem appropriate for our time of service. During our mission trips, we always keep our eyes on Jesus, who is the chief servant.

You can join a compassionate mission trip during fall, winter, spring and summer breaks. Previous trip locations include:

  • Atlanta
  • Haiti
  • Mexico
  • Spirit Lake Reservation in Tokio, North Dakota
  • Washington, D.C.

The purpose of Convocation is to bring together the entire campus in a shared enriching event which allows us to be collectively challenged to explore the depths of God’s truth and love through the liberal arts. Convocation is led by a committee which seeks to enhance learning and scholarly activity by challenging students with issues of the day and providing meaningful community worship.

The Convocation series is held on Tuesdays at 11 a.m. in Booth Auditorium. The weekly convocation is the manifestation of UPIKE’s firm commitment to preparing students for the future through intellectual, cultural, religious and economic opportunities.

Bahá’í Community of Lexington, Kentucky and the Bluegrass
http://lexingtonbahai.org/

B’nai Jacob Synagogue (Traditional)
1599 Virginia St E
Charleston, WV
(304) 346-4722
http://www.bnaijacob.com/

Dwelling Place Monastery at Mt. Tabor (A Contemplative Christian Retreat Center)
https://mtabor.com/
150 Mt Tabor Road Martin, KY 41649
(606) 886-9624
dwellingplaceky@outlook.com

East Kentucky Islamic Cultural Center
8 Masjid Avenue, (606) 889-0626
Prestonsburg, KY 41653
Friday Prayer at 2:00
https://www.salatomatic.com/spc/Prestonsburg/Islamic-Center-of-Eastern-Kentucky/y6q3QbhiHd

Furnace Mountain Zen Retreat Center
http://zenmind.org/menu.html
PO Box 545 Clay City, KY 40312

India Center**
800 Green Road
South Charleston, WV 25303
(Shoba Sampath at (304)-342-2533)
indiacenterwv@yahoo.com

Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Hall
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kingdom%20Hall%20of%20Jehovahs%20Witnesses/117330591617953/
249 Thompson Rd, Pikeville, KY 41501
(606) 437-2396

Sikh Association of Bluegrass
257 Swigert Avenue 859 550 1457
Lexington, Kentucky 40505

Temple Israel (Reformed)
2312 Kanawha Blvd E 304.342.5852
Charleston WV 25311
http://www.templeisraelwv.org/

Any questions or need more information:
Rob Musick, UPIKE chaplain
Ext. 5762 or robertmusick@upike.edu

Fellowship of Christian Athletes is touching millions of lives… one heart at a time. FCA  has been challenging coaches and athletes at UPIKE to use athletics to impact the world for Jesus Christ. FCA seeks to present to athletes and coaches and all whom they influence the challenge and adventure of receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, serving Him in their relationships and in the fellowship of the church. For more info: Coach Rob Staggs at rstaggs@upike.edu or 606- 218-5357

Baptist Campus Ministry (BCM)
BCM is a Baptist funded group for Christians and anyone who wants to develop a closer relationship with God, Jesus and other Christians. Everyone is welcome. Contact Pastor Josh Howell for more info text: 205-310-0554

Bible Study if you are interested in learning more about the Bible in a small group setting, please reach out to Dr. Hannah Han at GuichunHan@upike.edu

Blessed Unity of God (B.U.G.)
BUG is an interdenominational Christian organization dedicated to spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, and promoting Christian values and morals.  Meetings are conducted by UPIKE students and they engage in Bible studies, singing, and performing interpretative sign language to Christian music.  Everyone is welcome! BUG meets on Thursday nights at 8:30 in the chapel. Contact Shena Shepherd for more info:  ShenaShepherd@upike.edu

Dorm/Coffee Shop Bible Study if you are interested in joining either of these types of studies, please connect with Chaplain Rob Musick at robertmusick@upike.edu or text him at 419-560-6381

Higher Ground Worship
Are you ready for a life changing experience? Then Hope Fellowship is for you! Every Wednesday night at 7:30 in the chapel students gathers for church at UPIKE. Offering hope and healing to people of ALL ages on the UPIKE campus. Focused intentionally on those at UPIKE who are seeking God’s will and way in their lives.  Come and see what the Father is doing among us.

Honest Athletes meets every other Monday at 8 pm in Armington 417. This group helps is a platform for college athletes to share their stories. Join us as we work to break the stigma surrounding mental health. For more, contact Taylor Day at taylorday@upike.edu

Meditation Every Thursdays at 11 am in the chapel with Norman Ramsey, for more info email: normanramsey@upike.edu

Roman Catholic Spirituality If you would like more information about options for Roman Catholic students email Father Rob Adams:   radams@cdlex.org

Small Groups
Want to join a small group that will help you dive deeper into your faith? Connection Church wants to plug you into community. Do not do college alone, join a small group. Groups range from exercise groups to bible studies, and devotional groups.

Yoga join professor Sumer Bingham Musick in the chapel on Tuesdays at 11 am for yoga. Email at sumerbingham@upike.edu

Below is a short list of some of the many volunteer opportunities available for students. For a complete list or for more information, contact Chaplain Rob Musick at RobertMusick@upike.edu.

student painting playground during service day 2021