By Emily Hughitt | The Baptist Student Ministry is a Howard Payne University student-led organization that focuses on campus ministry and outreach. Bryan Pate has been the BSM Director for two years and believes the goal of the BSM is to make and grow disciples.
“Our vision is that we would see every student that steps on campus be engaged by BSM,” Pate said. “When we engage with students, we want to know their names, where they are from, and their majors, but we also want to know their faith.”
One of the many ways that BSM connects with students is through their various ministry.
“Campus Celebration” occurs every other Thursday night at 9 p.m. in Grace Chapel. Students gather for an hour of games, student-led worship, and free iced coffee.
Sophomore and BSM Lead Team member, Cody Feist, said that Campus Celebration is a great time to connect with other students, get involved, and grow closer to God.
“Since it is student-led, we welcome people who want to share their testimony, lead worship, or just have a message to share,” Feist said. “We want students to develop a better relationship with Christ and with each other.”
Another great thing the BSM does for students is host free lunch every Tuesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Hub. Each week, these lunches are provided by local churches and ministries in the community. Pate said that nearly 20 percent of the HPU campus attends the free lunches each week.
“It goes beyond providing free food,” Pate said. “It’s a huge opportunity for us to start building relationships with students. With our lead team we are very intentional about having conversations with people we don’t already know and including them.”
The BSM hosts many other opportunities to get involved and go to events throughout the school year. The staff and lead team have a desire to know the students on the HPU campus and share the gospel with them. Feist said that BSM helps students grow.
“For students who are thinking about joining the BSM Lead Team, BSM, or just want to know more, I can 100 percent say that it is a valuable investment of your time,” Feist said. “It will help you grow in your faith, find a community, and just serve Jesus better.”