FAQs
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 is a welcoming and diverse Christian fellowship in the heart of the Louisiana State University of Alexandria campus. Our “home” is Baptist Student Center, located on the LSUA Campus. BCM provides opportunities for spiritual growth, making friends, leadership, service, and missions. We have a place that is just right for you!
BCM exists to encourage LSUA students to become lifelong followers of Jesus. Our mission is to equip students to reach our campus and the world with the Good News of Jesus Christ. We value learning God’s word, the Bible, and applying it to our lives. We want to help you build meaningful friendships and get involved in a local church.
Do I have to be Baptist?
Absolutely not! In fact, lots of us, including members of the Lead Team, are not. BCM is a diverse group of people who first and foremost want to follow Jesus. The name “Baptist” simply indicates something about our heritage and the way our ministry gets financial support. So come on by the BCM, everyone is welcome!
How do I join?
Just start coming! We don’t have a membership, we just have events and people come. Our events are open to any LSUA students and our group is friendly and diverse.
Are you 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 your building?
The Baptist Student Center is open Monday - Friday for you to relax, study, meet friends and play games. We have comfy couches, a kitchen, ping pong table, and a cabinet full of games. It’s a great place to hang out and meet people. We hope you will come by often!
What kind of things do you do?
We have activities almost every day of the week: large groups, small groups, Bible studies, and socials. We have small groups for committed Christians and for those who are just investigating the Christian faith.
How can I join the Lead Team?
The BCM Lead Team is a group of students who are each “in charge” of a different ministry. Many are small group leaders or Bible study leaders; other lead ministries like Free Lunch, Worship, and Campus Outreach Team. Interviews take place each November and April, so pick up an application and consider joining the team!
How can I get more involved?
There are plenty of ways to get involved. Just about everything at BCM is done by students who volunteer their time, and we can always use more help! Join a small group; get involved in a ministry; volunteer at Free Lunch or Worship; apply for summer missions; apply to join the Lead Team. There are lots of opportunities.
What if I’m a transfer student?
Lots of transfer students come to BCM. Many join our lead team in their first or second semester at LSUA. So don’t hesitate to get involved.
Do you do missions?
We love missions! We do local mission projects throughout the year. We take a mission trip every spring break. Every summer, we send our fellow LSUA students on missions through GOLA Missions, NAMB, IMB, and others.