I was talking with a student of a University in the deep south. The Baptist Collegiate Ministry at his campus is not nearly as large as it used to be. He said, "We need to take Baptist out of the name."
It was his argument that students are now leery of denominations and that for the BCM to have Baptist in its name is a barrier for more and more students. Most Baptist college ministries outside the south go by a name that does not have Baptist in it. But, in the south we are Baptist Collegiate Ministry, Baptist Student Union, and Baptist Student Ministry.
A few years back Campus Crusade for Christ became simply CRU. Is this a conversation that Baptists need to have?
I will be honest....I do not think we are there yet. For one thing in most places the ministries are simply BCM, BSM, or BSU. So, BAPTIST is not the first thing that you hear. It is not hidden, but it is not blaring either. Also, I think the reputation of a ministry on a particular campus..... and even if a ministry is well known enough to have a reputation.... are the key factors for now.
I will admit to the fact that a few years back a student said he did not continue to come to our ministry because we were Baptist, instead.......he was attending one at......a Baptist church. While the reason he gave for not becoming involved in our ministry was Baptist, I think it was actually a choice of "styles". Right now, I believe "style" of the ministry is a bigger factor.
Right now I am sticking with Baptist. But, it is interesting to think what we might call it, if and when that time comes.
What do YOU think?
Arliss Dickerson is the author of five books on college ministry available in eBook format on Amazon.com for 99 cents each. His book, FIXING A BROKEN COLLEGE MINISTRY, is also available in paperback. On Facebook check out "College Ministry Resources by Arliss Dickerson".
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