We know that starting college, joining an organization, and exploring your faith can be scary. We've put together a list of questions we get asked frequently at the BCM. We hope this will help answer some questions you have about us!
What is BCM?
Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM) is a welcoming and diverse Christian fellowship in the heart of the LSUA campus. Our “home” is the BCM Building. BCM provides opportunities for spiritual curiosity, growth in faith, making friends, leadership, service, and missions. We have a place that is just right for you!
BCM is here to help LSUA students, faculty, and staff take their first step or next step in their journey with God. Our mission is to prepare students to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ on our campus and beyond. We prioritize understanding and applying God's Word, the Bible, in our lives. We're here to help you form meaningful friendships and connect with a local church.
Do I have to be Baptist to be involved at BCM?
No, you do not have to be a Baptist to be involved at the BCM! The BCM welcomes all active LSUA students from all religious backgrounds to participate in our activities on campus. It's a diverse community where many active students belong to different churches or denominations, which we believe enriches the experience of people seeking to know and follow Jesus. BCMs across Louisiana are supported by Louisiana Baptists and have been on campuses across our state for over 100 years. So come on by the BCM - everyone is welcome!
How do I join the BCM?
Just start coming! We don’t have a membership, we just have events and people come. Our events are open to any LSUA student, and our group is friendly and diverse.
Is the BCM a church?
Nope. We are a ministry supported by dozens of area churches. BCM encourages all our students to be actively involved in a local church; we never want to take the place of church in anyone’s life. We are supported by Louisiana Baptist churches.
What happens at the BCM Building?
The BCM Building is open Monday through Friday for you to relax, study, meet friends, and play games. We have comfy couches, a kitchen, a ping-pong table, and many board and card games. It’s a great place to hang out and meet people. We hope you will come by often! We also have weekly events, such as Free Lunch and Bible study, at the BCM Building.
What kind of things does the BCM do?
The BCM does many things for both committed followers of Jesus and students who are curious about Jesus and the Bible. We have Free Lunch and our large group Bible study, Rooted, each week. Throughout the week across campus, we have Bible studies specifically for spiritually interested students curious about Jesus and the Bible called Discovery Groups. We have regular fun social events. We teach students how to share the Gospel, help them grow in their faith, give them leadership opportunities, send them on mission trips, and much more!
Can I still be involved if I live at home?
Absolutely! If you will be living at home and attending your current church, we want you to know about BCM, too. BCM allows you to get to know other students on campus and participate in spiritual growth, leadership, and ministry opportunities.
How long has the LSUA BCM been around?
BCMs have been on campuses across Louisiana for over 100 years! The LSUA BCM has been serving the LSUA campus since 1960. First known as the BSU (Baptist Student Union), Lousiana Baptists changed our name to BCM (Baptist Collegiate Ministry) in 1999-2000.
Does the BCM go on mission trips?
We love missions! We do local mission projects throughout the year. We take a mission trip every semester. Every summer, we send our fellow LSUA students on missions through GOLA Missions, the North American Mission Board, the International Mission Board, and others.
Where is the BCM located on campus?
The BCM is located on Thelma Ethridge Drive, between the Catholic Student Center and the Children's Center!