A new kind of campus ministry
College is a place to explore who you are and what you believe. It’s a place to challenge the status quo, wrestle with tough questions, and fight for social justice.
Identifying and addressing student needs
At Urban Abbey, we welcome people with different theological viewpoints, from various races and cultures, and of every sexual orientation and gender identity. We offer students a safe space to talk, debate, listen, and have fun — to be themselves, whoever that may be.
Whether you are Christian, non-Christian, or even annoyed by Christians, we invite you to join us as we learn from each other and journey as a whole people of God.
We have a presence at the University of Nebraska Omaha, College of St. Mary, Metropolitan Community College, and Creighton University, where we reach out in new and innovative ways that seek to identify and address student needs.
On campus, we visit student groups, bring coffee, and host listening sessions to find out what students are worried or hopeful about, and how the Urban Abbey can help improve things or make dreams grow. The Name Tag Project and De-Stress with Dogs arose out of one of these Listening Sessions, as did QueerFaith on Campus.
Urban Abbey is an inclusive space for students to study and for community members to gather. Their commitment to Omaha is apparent in their support of local non-profit partners each month. I accidentally found the Abbey when looking for a place to study, however, the friendliness of the staff and their continued commitment to the community have kept me coming back.
— Elias Witte, UNO Graduate and UNMC Student
Campus ministry regular events
Intergenerational Worship
Every Sunday!
9:00 am + 11:00 am | Urban Abbey
Join other colleges students and our intergenerational community as we center ourselves in God and in the community that reflects God's image. Worship is open to all people, of every age, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, and class. All are welcome!
Vet’s Coffee Talks
Every Wednesday (during academic school year only)
9:30 am - 10:30 am | UNO Military-Connected Resource Center
Urban Abbey, UNO’s Military-Connected Resource Center, and a local chaplain hold weekly “Coffee Talks,” a space for confidential and honest conversation about the joys and challenges of life as a college student and military veteran.
QueerFaith on Campus
Every Sunday (during the academic school year, no summer meetings)
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm | Urban Abbey
Join us for important conversations about sexual orientation, gender identity, and faith identity. We are proud to be a campus ministry where people are welcome to love themselves, love their LGBTQIA+ family and friends, and love a sense of spirituality.
We are finished meeting for the 23/24 academic year, but join us when we re-start for the 24/25 academic year on September 8, 2024!
What students are saying …
When the Urban Abbey says anyone is welcome, they truly mean ANYONE. A lot of churches/worship groups say that they are "all inclusive" and open minded, but I've never seen a community committed to this idea as much as the Abbey.
While the church/coffee shop/bookstore is officially United Methodist, meeting the diverse worship group reveals a community featuring people from all different walks of life and faith backgrounds (or no faith background!).
I for one am a fan of faith conversations that help reinforce my understanding of Christianity, and the Abbey has been one of my catalysts for these opportunities ever since I arrived in Omaha. The Abbey has provided a conversational, musical, and non-traditional worship space for me to explore and live out my faith to the degree I choose.
Cameron Nielsen
Creighton University Student
Toward the middle of my college career, I began to discover things about myself; I was questioning my spirituality and the conservative way I had been raised, not to mention discovering that I belonged in the queer community. I spent a long time feeling lost and not sure where I could turn with my questions. Through friends, I discovered Urban Abbey, and my entire life changed.
The Abbey became a place where I could bring my questions, doubts, fears, and insecurities. It was the first Christian setting where I could proudly be myself — both the good and the bad — and not be afraid of judgment or betrayal. I felt accepted and safe, and it was so helpful to know that I could come in with questions and, even if there were no immediate answers, I was not faulted for them.
The staff and members were so loving and felt so much like family that I eventually became a part of the staff myself so that I could offer the same warm welcome, care, laughter, and delicious coffee that I received when I first walked in!
Krista Bergren
Creighton University Student
Get in Touch
Have questions about Urban Abbey? Looking for more information on how to get involved? Or simply want a freshly brewed cup of coffee? Our team is here to help!