Nashville is a college town at its core -- Vanderbilt, Belmont, Lipscomb, TSU, Trevecca, and several other institutions fill the city with students every fall. And Nashville's church community has responded with robust college ministries, student-friendly worship, and communities that welcome 18-22 year olds as full participants, not just an afterthought. Whether you're at a big research university or a small music school, here's where Nashville college students are finding faith community.

1. Cross Point Church

Non-Denominational

Cross Point Church has become the default church for a huge number of Nashville college students, particularly from Belmont and Vanderbilt. The worship is excellent (this is Nashville -- the bar is high), the teaching is accessible and relevant, and the church runs a dedicated college ministry with weekly gatherings, small groups, and social events. The main campus location is easily accessible from most Nashville campuses, and the casual, come-as-you-are atmosphere puts even first-time church visitors at ease.

College Ministry	Dedicated college groups, weekly gatherings
Nearby Campuses	Belmont, Vanderbilt, Trevecca
Worship Style	Contemporary

📍 Multiple campuses, Nashville, TN

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2. The Belonging Co.

Non-Denominational

The Belonging Co. has exploded in popularity among Nashville's college-age population. Founded by worship leaders Henry and Alex Seeley, the church offers a worship experience that's genuinely powerful -- the kind that gives you chills. The young adult demographic is dominant, and the community is built around genuine belonging (hence the name). College students are drawn to the authentic worship, the practical teaching, and the culture of vulnerability and connection.

College Ministry	Large young adult community, small groups
Worship Style	Contemporary/Charismatic (worship-leader founded)
Best For	Worship lovers, community seekers

📍 Nashville, TN

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3. Westminster Presbyterian Church

Presbyterian (PCUSA)

Located on West End Avenue near Vanderbilt, Westminster has long been the go-to for Presbyterian and mainline students. The college ministry is well-organized, the preaching is intellectually stimulating (which Vanderbilt students appreciate), and the church offers a beautiful worship space with outstanding music. Sunday lunch for college students is a beloved tradition. Westminster also provides opportunities for students to serve in the broader Nashville community through mission partnerships.

College Ministry	Dedicated program, Sunday lunch, service opportunities
Nearby Campuses	Vanderbilt, Belmont
Worship Style	Traditional Presbyterian

📍 3900 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37205

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4. City Church Nashville

Non-Denominational

City Church draws a heavily college and young adult crowd with its urban location, contemporary worship, and genuine community focus. The teaching addresses real issues college students face -- identity, anxiety, relationships, purpose -- through a biblical lens. The church's emphasis on community groups means students quickly move from "visiting" to "belonging." City Church also partners with local organizations on justice and service projects that give students ways to engage with Nashville beyond campus.

College Ministry	Community groups, relevant teaching
Worship Style	Contemporary
Best For	Urban students, justice-oriented seekers

📍 Nashville, TN

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5. Lipscomb University Church / College Church of Christ

Church of Christ

For Church of Christ students (and anyone curious about the tradition), the churches around Lipscomb University offer an unparalleled experience. The a cappella singing with hundreds of college voices is breathtaking, the Bible teaching is thoughtful, and the community is tight-knit. Lipscomb's campus ministry provides small groups, service projects, and mentoring relationships. Even non-CoC students who visit are often moved by the beauty of unaccompanied four-part harmony.

College Ministry	Campus ministry, small groups, mentoring
Nearby Campuses	Lipscomb University
Worship Style	A Cappella

📍 Lipscomb University area, Nashville, TN 37204

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6. Immanuel Baptist Church

Southern Baptist

Immanuel Baptist's location near the Belmont and Vanderbilt campuses makes it a natural home for Baptist college students. The church runs a dedicated college ministry with weekly Bible study, social events, and mission trip opportunities. The worship is a warm blend of traditional and contemporary, and the senior adult members have a genuine heart for mentoring college students. Sunday lunch invitations from church families are common -- Nashville hospitality at its finest.

College Ministry	Weekly Bible study, mission trips, mentoring
Nearby Campuses	Belmont, Vanderbilt
Worship Style	Blended

📍 Nashville, TN (near Belmont)

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7. Fellowship Bible Church Nashville

Non-Denominational

Fellowship Bible Church offers college students something different: an intergenerational community where they're not segregated into a "college ministry" but integrated into the life of the whole church. Students sit with families, learn from older mentors, and serve alongside people of all ages. The teaching is expository and substantial, the community is genuine, and the church creates natural pathways for students to grow in their faith throughout college and beyond.

College Ministry	Intergenerational model, mentoring
Worship Style	Contemporary
Best For	Students wanting intergenerational community

📍 Nashville, TN

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8. Lee Chapel A.M.E. Church

African Methodist Episcopal

For students at Tennessee State University and other HBCUs, Lee Chapel AME is a welcoming home. The worship is vibrant with outstanding gospel music, the preaching is powerful, and the church's connection to the Black academic community in Nashville is strong. The church offers mentorship programs, scholarship opportunities, and a community that supports students not just spiritually but academically and professionally.

College Ministry	Mentorship, scholarships, professional development
Nearby Campuses	Tennessee State University
Worship Style	Traditional AME / Gospel

📍 Nashville, TN (near TSU)

Find on FaithScout →

How We Ranked These Churches

College church rankings prioritize dedicated college ministry, proximity to campuses, relevant teaching, community connection speed (how quickly can you make friends?), service and mission opportunities, and spiritual growth pathways. We also consider whether the church actively reaches out to students or simply waits for them to show up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I attend a campus ministry or an off-campus church?

Both have value. Campus ministries (like Cru, RUF, or BCM) offer convenience and a built-in student community. Off-campus churches provide intergenerational relationships and a more "real world" church experience. Many Nashville students do both -- a campus ministry during the week and a church on Sundays.

Do Nashville churches provide transportation for students?

Some do. Cross Point, The Belonging Co., and several others are accessible by Nashville's bus system. Some churches offer shuttle services from major campuses on Sunday mornings. Check with individual churches about transportation options -- many college ministry leaders will arrange rides for students.

I'm not a Christian but I'm curious -- are Nashville churches welcoming to seekers?

Absolutely. Nashville churches are generally very welcoming to seekers and visitors. Cross Point, The Belonging Co., and City Church are particularly designed to be accessible to people exploring faith. You won't be put on the spot or made to feel uncomfortable. Come as you are and see what you think.

Find Your Nashville Church Community

College is the perfect time to explore your faith, and Nashville is the perfect city to do it in. Take the FaithScout quiz to find churches that match your style, or browse all Nashville churches.

1. Cross Point Church

2. The Belonging Co.

3. Westminster Presbyterian Church

4. City Church Nashville

5. Lipscomb University Church / College Church of Christ

6. Immanuel Baptist Church

7. Fellowship Bible Church Nashville

8. Lee Chapel A.M.E. Church

How We Ranked These Churches

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I attend a campus ministry or an off-campus church?

Do Nashville churches provide transportation for students?

I'm not a Christian but I'm curious -- are Nashville churches welcoming to seekers?

Related Church Guides

Find Your Nashville Church Community