Office of the Chaplain

The Chaplain at Queens University of Charlotte supports students, faculty, and staff in their exploration and expression of their religious/spiritual identity. Providing pastoral care to students, faculty and staff, the Office of the Chaplain promotes personal growth and wellbeing, allowing all to access the religious, spiritual, and secular practices and traditions, in compliance with the Mission of Queens.

The Office of the Chaplain facilitates educational, spiritual, and religious opportunities on campus, serving as a resource to the campus and greater community of all backgrounds and affiliations.

Office Location

The Chaplain’s office is in Belk Chapel, room #118, located in the corridor next to the rotunda and behind the sanctuary. Feel free to make an appointment with Chaplain Adrian Bird via email (birda@queens.edu), phone (704-337-2491), text (803-319-1439), or simply drop in to say hello.

Why Contact a Chaplain?

The Chaplain is a confidential resource, providing a nonjudgmental listening ear to anyone in need of support. Here are some reasons you may wish to contact the Chaplain:

• Struggling with grief or other life-changing events;
• Curious about other faiths or cultures;
• Seeking mind, body, and spirit balance;
• Questioning who you are and aspects of your identity;
• Family or interpersonal challenges;
• Wanting to create an event or conversation with others on campus;
• Requesting a chaplain’s visit while in hospital.

These are just a few examples of what you could discuss with a Chaplain.

Five Pillars Grounding the Office of the Chaplain

The Office of the Chaplain is anchored on five pillars:

Civic Good

The Queens education equips students—in the classroom, on campus, and beyond—to care for the world to which we belong. Our motto, “Not to be served, but to serve,” connects this goal to Christian tradition while promoting service that extends to all people.

Fostering Knowledge

As an academic institution, we value both appreciative inquiry and critical appraisal as we explore core teachings (book knowledge) as well as the diverse human expression of those world views (personal and socio-political knowledge).

Nurturing Relationships

At Queens, we affirm the deeply relational nature of learning, which extends beyond academic instruction. Campus organizations such as Belk Chapel, the Stan Greenspon Center, and DICE (Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement), help build bridges of understanding and cooperation across different world views.

Religious & Philosophical World Views

Members of the Queens community understand “ultimate concerns” in diverse ways. Many find life’s meaning through religious world views, while others do not. Our life together, both at Queens and in the wider world, depends on our ability to probe and reflect on our common humanity, in light of shared and disparate views.

Pluralistic Approach

Religious pluralism goes beyond mere tolerance to promote conversation and collaboration across difference. By understanding others on their own terms, we appreciate both our common values and our distinctive convictions. Pluralism enables us to value one another, to work together, and to disagree well.