Baptist Student Union
Encyclopedia
The Baptist Student Union (BSU) is the traditional name of a college-level organization that can be found on many college
campuses in the United States and Canada. As the term BSU became associated with other organizations, many local ministries changed their name. In areas where Baptists are strongly and positively recognized, the organization is now commonly known as Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCMs). In other areas of the country they are known as Christian Challenge, Christian Student Ministries or other similar names. Whatever they are called, these ministries are groups of student
s, faculty members and staff who are seeking to grow in their faith and to reach the world. Nationally, these groups are predominantly composed of Baptists and Southern Baptists
, but are also open to people of other Christian denomination
s, as well as those who profess other religious ties or who profess none at all. In some areas of the country, however, there are more participants from other backgrounds than from the Baptist traditions.
The BSU/BCM/etc. is supervised by state-level Baptist organizations (known as conventions), which is why they possess the Baptist moniker. In areas where the state convention is financially strong, the BSU/BCM/etc. is usually financially sponsored by that convention. In other areas of the country, the ministry staff raise their own financial support for their salaries and the programs they operate. Regardless of funding, BSU/BCM/etc is geared toward reaching out to their campus communities in service and in love for the cause of Christ
.
Most BSU/BCM groups have some set meeting place on their campus, although some have separate property on or near campus that is easily accessible to all students. Besides hosting events they sponsor themselves, these organizations are known to host campus- and student-led events as a part of their outreach including bible studies, retreats and mission trips.
College
A college is an educational institution or a constituent part of an educational institution. Usage varies in English-speaking nations...
campuses in the United States and Canada. As the term BSU became associated with other organizations, many local ministries changed their name. In areas where Baptists are strongly and positively recognized, the organization is now commonly known as Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCMs). In other areas of the country they are known as Christian Challenge, Christian Student Ministries or other similar names. Whatever they are called, these ministries are groups of student
Student
A student is a learner, or someone who attends an educational institution. In some nations, the English term is reserved for those who attend university, while a schoolchild under the age of eighteen is called a pupil in English...
s, faculty members and staff who are seeking to grow in their faith and to reach the world. Nationally, these groups are predominantly composed of Baptists and Southern Baptists
Southern Baptist Convention
The Southern Baptist Convention is a United States-based Christian denomination. It is the world's largest Baptist denomination and the largest Protestant body in the United States, with over 16 million members...
, but are also open to people of other Christian denomination
Christian denomination
A Christian denomination is an identifiable religious body under a common name, structure, and doctrine within Christianity. In the Orthodox tradition, Churches are divided often along ethnic and linguistic lines, into separate churches and traditions. Technically, divisions between one group and...
s, as well as those who profess other religious ties or who profess none at all. In some areas of the country, however, there are more participants from other backgrounds than from the Baptist traditions.
The BSU/BCM/etc. is supervised by state-level Baptist organizations (known as conventions), which is why they possess the Baptist moniker. In areas where the state convention is financially strong, the BSU/BCM/etc. is usually financially sponsored by that convention. In other areas of the country, the ministry staff raise their own financial support for their salaries and the programs they operate. Regardless of funding, BSU/BCM/etc is geared toward reaching out to their campus communities in service and in love for the cause of Christ
Jesus
Jesus of Nazareth , commonly referred to as Jesus Christ or simply as Jesus or Christ, is the central figure of Christianity...
.
Most BSU/BCM groups have some set meeting place on their campus, although some have separate property on or near campus that is easily accessible to all students. Besides hosting events they sponsor themselves, these organizations are known to host campus- and student-led events as a part of their outreach including bible studies, retreats and mission trips.
External links
- Official Website National BCM
- United States Naval Academy BCM
- University of Tennessee at Martin BCM
- University of Tennessee at Knoxville BCM
- Indiana University Baptist Collegiate Ministry
- University of Alabama BCM
- Baptist Collegiate Ministry/Baptist Student Union
- Florida Baptist Collegiate Ministries
- Michigan Baptist Collegiate Ministries
- Oklahoma Baptist Collegiate Ministries Website
- University of Oklahoma Baptist Student Union
- Northeastern State University BCM, Tahlequah, Oklahoma
- North American Mission Board Student Ministries
- BCM on VCU's campus
- Francis Marion BCM
- University of Louisville's BCM
- Terre Haute Baptist Collegiate Ministry
- North Carolina Baptist Campus Ministries
- Sam Houston State University Baptist Student Ministry
- Ole Miss BSU
- University of the Southwest & New Mexico Junior College BSU
- University of Notre Dame BCM
- Indiana University South Bend (IUSB) BCM
- Mizzou BSU
- Truman State University BSU
- Baptist Collegiate Ministries at Virginia Tech