"For everything we know about God's word is summed up in a single sentence: love others as you love yourself. That's an act of true freedom." — Galatians 5:14 (The Message)
Community Ministries' volunteer groups serve in various locations throughout San Diego, serving with a variety of people groups. We pray that every PLNU student will find a place where they enjoy serving amongst the variety of options. No special skills or abilities are required, just a desire to give, receive, and be blessed by the rich relationships formed in Christian ministry, and the opportunity to be the hands and feet of Christ here on earth. We provide transportation and student leaders that oversee each ministry outing, and partner with amazing nonprofit organizations here in San Diego that invite us and are excited to have us join them in their work.
Ministries
Homeless Ministries
We offer four weekly opportunities to visit with our unsheltered neighbors. Three nights a week we make sack dinners and coffee before driving downtown to build relationships, share food, pray, worship, and encourage our friends on the street. Join us to prepare food, serve, or both! We serve indoors twice a month, sharing a hot meal at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ocean Beach.
Tuesdays: Bread of Life
Meal Prep: 5 – 6 p.m.
Service: 6:30 – 9 p.m.
Contact: breadoflife@pointloma.edu
Wednesdays: Wednesday Night Outreach
Meal Prep: 5 – 6 p.m.
Service: 6:30 – 9 p.m.
Contact: wednesdayoutreach@pointloma.edu
Fridays: Beacon of Light
Meal Prep: 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Service: 6 – 8:30 p.m.
Contact: beaconoflight@pointloma.edu
SALT
Tuesdays: 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
SALT meets weekly, alternating every other week between serving our homeless neighbors in Ocean Beach and gathering for alternate service projects on the other two Tuesdays.
Contact: salt@pointloma.edu
Children & Youth Ministries
If you have a passion to serve K-12 students through homework help and mentoring, Children & Youth Ministries is the place for you! It is a blessing for the after school programs we serve with to have college students share their experiences and knowledge with the younger students, and encourage them in their studies, their college, and vocational goals. No experience required!
ALIMA
Tuesdays: 4–8 p.m.
ALIMA Children & Youth Ministry partners with the East African Cultural Center in the Rolando neighborhood, offering tutoring and a safe place for after-school activities for K-12 students who are recent immigrants from Africa. Dinner is provided.
Contact: alimatutoring@pointloma.edu
T.H.R.I.V.E.
Wednesdays: 4–7 p.m.
T.H.R.I.V.E. Children & Youth Ministry partners with Kupanda Kids to tutor K-12 students who are refugees from around the world, now living in City Heights.
Contact: thrive@pointloma.edu
Visiting Ministries
Join us as we share our lives with local seniors, children, youth, and adults with disabilities, and medically fragile kids living in the hospital by using creative activities and talents to build relationships and spread God's love.
Agape
Weekly activities
Agape Visiting Ministry partners with Therapeutic Recreation Services to serve children and adults with special needs, form relationships, and grow closer to God in an inclusive community. Our schedule varies, so we will email our weekly activities in advance (usually held on Friday nights and Saturdays).
Contact: agape@pointloma.edu
Beloved
Day & Time TBD
Beloved Visiting Ministry engages with medically fragile children living at Rady Children’s Hospital through interactive and creative activities. Note: this ministry is currently on hiatus until volunteer groups are allowed back into the hospital when COVID restrictions are lifted. We will email those who have expressed interest when we are scheduled again.
Contact: beloved@pointloma.edu
OWLS (Older Wiser Loving Souls)
Saturdays: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
OWLS (Older Wiser Loving Souls) Visiting Ministry partners with a local senior living residence. We build relationships with the seniors through friendship, prayer, kindness, and love.
Contact: owls@pointloma.edu
Want even more options? Explore other student volunteer opportunities outside of PLNU.
Are you a community organization interested in partnering with us? Please submit your information here: Community Ministries' Partner Inquiry Form
