Faculty members integrate ethical issues into their classes, and these tenets are strengthened through lectures featuring noted guest speakers. The Lutheran tradition cherishes education, faith, and freedom of inquiry and encourages the expression of Christian values. The intersection of faith and reason is a cornerstone of the university's identity, and the spiritual development of every student is an integral part of the educational process. Worship lies at the center of community life at CLU, with a Wednesday morning ecumenical chapel service, Sunday morning and Wednesday evening worship services, and a Catholic Mass offered weekly during the academic year. To reinforce moral values and assure spiritual growth, Campus Ministry conducts Bible studies in residence halls, Global Peace and Justice seminars, urban plunges, social ministry programs, and a Faculty Faith Stories series.
Every effort is made to be inclusive of all faiths.
The Community Service Center, founded by student leaders and run by a full-time administrator, provides a place for the university community to connect with volunteer and service opportunities on and off campus. Faculty members utilize the center and its resources to integrate service-learning into their curricula. Students, faculty, and staff participate in ongoing service projects including programs that connect students with developmentally disabled individuals, provide clothes for needy elementary school children, offer tutoring for disadvantaged minority children, and glean nearby fields to feed the needy. Advocates a drug-free lifestyle CLU prohibits alcohol and other drugs on campus. Violators of the campus alcohol policy receive educational sanctions such as community service or planning and implementing an alcohol prevention program.