Partnership: BCM and Our Relationship with Churches and Campus Ministries

A common false understanding is that the Baptist Collegiate Ministry is a para ”extra”-church organization; it is not. BCM is an extension of all Southern Baptist churches. Consequently, we represent the beautiful representation of The Church working synergistically connecting to students and making wholehearted followers of Christ. Southern Baptists are cooperative; this is why college campuses tend to have one campus ministry on campus. We have always been associational; I pray we always will. The BCM desires to partner with all gospel-centered organizations and point students to Jesus, not just our organization. However, I believe there are 2 primary partnerships.

Partnership 1 is a partnership with all Southern Baptist Churches that support a BCM paradigm: These churches funnel students to the BCM and the BCM funnels students to them; it’s a two way street. Put differently, it’s a complementary relationship. I thank God for our churches who entrust their students with our BCM. This is a picture of Biblical unity. The BCM should utilize the help of SBC churches and vice versa in order to maximize ministry.

 Partnership 2 is a partnership with “para” church organizations and other gospel centered ministries. The BCM Prays for them and works ecumenically with them for many projects. However, students aren't funneled to and from these ministries: in other words, we don't promote each others events. In fact, at ASU, we encourage students to commit to one campus ministry and invest there rather than “shop around all semester”, leading to an altogether shallow experience. I am good friends with most of our campus ministry leaders and we talk regularly about the importance of leadership and commitment vs. campus ministry shoppers.  Each campus ministry has it’s own identity and we should celebrate the diversity and point students to organizations that fit their personality and beliefs.  

In conclusion, to maximize the advancement of the Gospel, we must understand the importance of Biblical unity and partnership while teaching commitment and leadership.