From the sound of laughter and echoing voices to the clack of pool balls and the hum of kitchen appliances, the Baptist Student Ministry is rarely still. Since its founding in 1941, students have built a close-knit community. Some gather in the study rooms, others play pool, and many simply sit and talk. Conversations flow naturally from campus life and classes to deeper discussions about faith and personal purpose.
For Director Drew Lewis, that steady rhythm reflects the ministry’s focus.
“A lot of our mission is to help students grow closer to God and then to send them out,” Lewis said. He added the mission is to “help them grow deeper in their faith.”
Every Thursday, the BSM hosts a Connect night at 7:30 p.m., which combines musical worship, Bible study, and a time for fellowship, often wrapped up with pancakes, bacon and casual conversation.
The ministry is also seen across campus during outreach efforts and weekly events.
“We know that there are a lot of people who are far from God on campus. And so hopefully we’re meeting spiritual needs, and helping people know who God is and that there’s a God who loves them and cares for them and desires to save them. But we also seek to meet physical needs, as well,” Lewis said.
One of the most consistent ways they meet those physical needs is through their weekly lunch every Wednesday from noon to 2 p.m.
Student leader Maddie Corriveau said the ministry’s day-to-day impact is rooted in relationships.
“I engage with students on campus in a lot of spiritual conversations and prayer and really connecting with the students on our campus, while also being a student,” Corriveau said.
For Corriveau, the mission is shown in how leaders interact with students.“The main part of it is having the heart of Christ and exemplifying that to people and sharing Jesus’s love and, you know, being a light on this campus whenever darkness can be very present in our world,” Corriveau said.
Her week often includes outreach and training.“Engage training looks like going out in pairs of two. But first we start off with, kind of like, some tools that you can use to share the gospel and make it more accessible to people, for understanding reasons. Then we go out on campus and we share the gospel and start spiritual conversations,” she said.
Lewis said students are encouraged to take initiative.
“It has always been a student-led organization,” Corriveau said. “So they heavily encourage action.”
While the ministry is rooted in Christian faith, Corriveau and Lewis said all students are welcome.
“No matter what it is or where that person is in their spiritual journey. We care about all of the people here on campus,” she said. She confirmed students who believe differently are also welcome. “Their relationship with the Lord is cultivated in a welcoming atmosphere and a place that actually carries love and not condemnation, because you believe something differently,” Corriveau said.
For students hesitant to attend, Corriveau said the message is simple.
“I would want them to know that they actually are welcome and that we’re not going to judge you for being here,” she said. “They are seen and that they are loved by the most high God and the only God.”
