September 19, 2024
The Baptist Collegiate Ministry serves Arkansas churches by reaching next generation leaders with the gospel.
“BCM is the most intentional ministry in what I consider the most strategic mission field in the world, and that is the college campus,” University of Arkansas at Monticello BCM Campus Minister Jeremy Woodall said.
A large percentage of students that hear the gospel on college campuses are not staying on those campuses or in those communities long-term. They are moving back to their communities and taking the gospel with them.
“That’s the mission in a nutshell at the BCM – take the gospel on the campus to every student, faculty and staff member and then as they go about their life, wherever they go in their life, they’re taking that message of the gospel with them,” Woodall said.
Arkansas State University BCM Campus Minister Tyler Hoffpauir described BCM as a ministry of Arkansas Baptist churches on college campuses sharing the gospel and discipling the next generation of church leaders.
“Every Sunday when you step foot in churches across Arkansas you feel the impact of BCM. There are pastors and church staff members, deacons and Sunday school teachers, lay leaders, and nursery volunteers all over our state that BCM played a key role in their story. Many of these are people who went to college lost, lonely, or unsure of how to follow Jesus in this new season and through the impact of BCMs they now live missionally and lead well,” Hoffpauir said.
Adam McCampbell, campus minister at Arkansas Tech University, said one of their mantras at Tech BCM is that they don’t want students just to be a part of a community, but they want them to experience community.
“Every one of our leaders are a part of a Huddle where they pray for one another, hold each other accountable, read and memorize the Word, and serve missionally throughout the year. It is through these and other avenues that these students build their community from becoming best friends, playing pickleball, and just spending life together,” McCampbell said.
McCampbell referenced Hebrews 10:24-25, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
“We want to build a place where students can connect into that community, grow closer to Christ, and go on mission for Christ. We have not been called to simply gather together, but we have been called to encourage one another and urge one another on towards love and good deeds,” he said, adding that BCMs help students experience community, not just be a part of one.
Furthermore, Hailey Walker, a senior student leader at Conway BCM, said BCM has helped her find a community of believers her age and has helped shine a light on how the Lord’s plan is always the best plan.
“BCM has also helped me become a leader and grow in my walk with Christ. I pray that the Lord brings many people to Him this fall. I also pray that He gives our leaders the wisdom and strength to share the gospel and lead our ministry well,” Walker said.
University of Arkansas student Ashlyn Carter has been involved in leadership with the BCM on campus for the past three years.
“I have gone on several mission trips and spent summers serving thanks to encouragement and opportunities provided by the BCM and staff. Without this ministry, it would have been a much bigger challenge to find Christian community and friends who push me to chase after God’s plan for my life. The joy, clarity, and fellowship that comes from being a part of the BCM is unlike any I witnessed before finding my place here,” Carter said.
Not only have Carter’s years at the BCM given her a community and friends she never would have met otherwise, but she has also “had the opportunity to grow in ministry and missions in amazing ways and further the relationship I have with Christ to bring Him glory and seek His will.”
Jayla Newburn, a junior at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, has also been significantly impacted by BCM. Throughout the two years she has been at the BCM, Newborn said she has met new people and made lasting friendships that have influenced her college experience.
“One of the most significant relationships I have formed is with Matt (Hall), our campus minister. Matt not only wants the best for us in life but also strives to deepen our walk with Christ. He is always approachable, ready to discuss any topic, and provides the best possible insight,” Newburn said.
“Attending Thursday night services has been very impactful for me because it challenged me to continuously build a personal relationship with God. I am extremely grateful for being welcomed into the BCM with open arms and for the love and generosity shown by all the leaders. The BCM is a great organization, and I am truly proud to be a part of it.”
Southeast Arkansas College computer science major Benjamin Miller said the BCM at SEARK has been a tremendous help to understand the Bible and grow as a Christian.
“The weekly lessons not only teach us about what happened in the time it was written, but also how to apply it to our daily lives. Matt and Roy are great people and are always willing to help answer questions I have. This will begin my second year at SEARK BCM, and I look forward to the fellowship and progressing on my journey in Christ,” Miller said.
Woodall shared the personal impact BCM had on his life. He was discipled in this ministry on the campus of UAM.
“This is where I learned how to follow Jesus closely through the impact that my campus minister had on me. If you talk to many of our BCM directors, you would see that the same would be true of them,” he said. “I was a follower of Jesus when I came to college. I developed a passion for God’s Word. I learned how to follow Jesus closely. I learned how to share the gospel articulately because of the investment of my campus minister and because of the impact of the BCM all my life.”
BCM falls under the Evangelism + Church Health Team of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention, which actively works to evangelize, develop leadership and discipleship, mobilize the next generation, and strengthen church networking.
“We meet with individuals and groups of students throughout the day and that means we can answer tough questions from students exploring faith and coach students as they grow in faith and leadership,” Hoffpauir said.
“Most of our BCMs are reaching more students than we can individually disciple and train. We need pastors and lay leaders to come along side us with their time and resources for discipleship and outreach. This might look like sharing your call to ministry story at a breakfast, providing a meal before a service, or several church members taking in a small group at their home. Every campus is unique in their needs.”
Arkansas Baptists support more than 30 BCMs through their Cooperative Program giving. Student leaders from these campuses annually gather along with high school and middle school students from across the state for Lead Defend, a conference equipping the next generation to defend their faith through apologetics.
“What makes BCM successful is participation and partnership. Participation from students on campus, participation and development of student leaders … and buy in from them to want to see other students have the same experience they’re having,” Woodall said. “When it comes to partnerships, we’re not successful unless we have churches that partner with us and associations of churches that partner with us because we are 100% funded through giving.”
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This story was first published by Arkansas Baptist News.
