It has been interesting to me to see the evolution and use of different titles for those who do college ministry in Baptist life. I think some have been intentional to convey a specific understanding of the role and I think some have also been more accidental.
Student Secretary was the primary term used during the 50's. I don't know what the intent was for this title. That title also reflects how college ministry used to be called "Student Ministry" in the 50's and 60's. But, youth ministry began to use this term during the 60's and 70's. If you were to use this term today, almost no one would think it tied to college ministry.
BSU Director came to be the term used from the 60's through the 90's. One of the purposes of this title was to emphasize the emphasis of that time that it was to be a ministry done by students for students. It was often said and my supervisor said to me, "If you are up front all the time, you are not doing your job." You were to be an equipper. The students were to be the prime do'ers.
Campus Minister has come to be the predominant term during the 2000's. One of the reasons for the intentional use of this term has been to emphasize that college ministry is a God calling just like that of a pastor or Youth Minister, etc. Many had seen college ministry as just something you did while you were young or until you could get a real ministry job at a church. In the 60's through the 90's some of the best known BSU Directors were women. I think one of the unintentional results of the switch to Campus Minister was to cause fewer women to be able to serve in this role as a result of the use of the term "Minister".
Campus Pastor is one of the newer title evolutions. I will confess to liking it the least as it conveys the idea of the college ministry being a church. That has been the thing that Baptist collegiate ministry has worked hard not to be, but to be a ministry of the local churches. Now, there are churches being started on campus by some and perhaps this would be the best title for them.
Campus Missionary is perhaps the latest term. It has been used primarily by most who are serving a one or two year term on campus under a veteran Campus Minister. A few long term folks are taking this title. The obvious purpose of this to help people in the churches to see and understand the importance of reaching college campuses and to give it the same emphasis as Foreign Missions.
Which title do YOU prefer? Or, what do you see as the next evolution of the title?
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