What is 'ECM' ?


The Ecumenical Campus Ministry at Kansas State University is the campus home of the Christian, Congregational, and Presbyterian Churches in Manhattan, Kansas.  We offer discipleship programs and worship gatherings, consistent with the mainline Protestant tradition, to the over 21,000 young people who call K-State home.  ECM provides pastoral support to staff and students, leadership development opportunities for church leaders both on and off-campus, and is an important link between the K-State campus and local faith communities.  ECM is a vibrant community of faith that adds an important perspective to the on-campus learning community at one of Kansas’s most reputable universities.

What does ECM at KSU value?

We value people. We value differences. We value celebrating those differences. 

ECM is a place to be yourself and to learn about yourself in a community of people who care. We do not pretend to have everything figured out, but know that's totally fine. Religious, spiritual, or not? ​Gay, straight, transgender? English not your first language? Want to make the world a more fair place? Love sustainable practices? You belong. Without any question. That is the ECM way.​
We value your passion. Your ideas matter. We take your community-minded ambitions seriously. 

​ECM values your ideas. Looking for a place to make a difference? Want to try something, but don't know where to start? ECM provides resources for students and community members to pursue their passions, like offering spiritual mentorship when you feel stuck, learning to grow your own food, or editing your community-focused grant application. You can make a difference. We know it.
We value growth. We value a space to ask questions. We value purposeful change. 

​ECM encourages the big questions. What does it mean to figure our your career path? What does it mean to 'adult'? What does it mean to live with people who come from a different place or speak a different language? Maybe you'll find answers or maybe you'll find people who want to figure it out together. ​

​What does 'ECM' mean?

What is Ecumenism?
​Ecumenism is a movement within the Christian tradition, that promotes collaboration and understanding across denominational lines. The Body of Christ is an image from scripture that lifts up the value of Christian unity, even amidst our diversity - and it is this belief that undergirds the Ecumenical movement.
​In our context, Ecumenism comes in the form of commitments from our denominational partners to support campus ministry. Denominational partners are those church traditions that support the ministry financially from their national or regional bodies. Currently, these partners are the Christian (Disciples of Christ), Congregational (United Church of Christ), and Presbyterian (Presbyterian Church USA) churches - but there is always room for more. 
Ecumenism also comes in the support we receive from local churches and individuals, within or beyond those denominations. We have, and continue, to receive support from people with a broad range of Christian backgrounds.
​​
​All are welcome!
​
Most importantly... all are welcome to participate in the ECM community, regardless of faith background or lack thereof.
Ecumenism is also lived out in the commitments we have to be in good partnership with other Christian groups on campus and in the community. The interfaith work that we do is a natural extension of the Ecumenical spirit at our core.
Ecumenism involves compromise, dialogue, and a willingness to prioritize an outward mission into the world. It is different than non-denominationalism in that it doesn't hide the tensions and rough edges that comes with partnership, but names and owns the difficulties that exist. Ecumenism is not easy work. It can be bumpy and messy. But when it is done in good faith, and with the impulse to serve, it can be one of the most inspiring and dynamic aspects of Christian faith - especially in divisive times such as these.