It's got a well-earned reputation as a party school, but one group has plans to earn a different kind of reputation.

Members of the Baptist Student Union at Georgia Southern University have a list of goals. One of those goals says that students may come to school to party, but at some point they'll also run into Christians. And when they do, there will be no doubt they've met a Christian.

The Statesboro school is the fastest growing university in Georgia.

Currently, it boasts the second largest residential population of any school. About 16,000 students live on the sprawling campus.

Of those students, about 600 are actively involved in Baptist student ministries.

The weekly worship is attended by about 300 students - which is more than the tiny meeting room can really handle - and another 150 meet in small group Bible studies each week. The numbers may seem like a small percentage, but the impact is big.

It's the leadership training aspect of the Baptist campus ministry that sets students apart.

"Leadership development is the backbone of our ministry," said Jerry Johnson, campus minister at Georgia Southern for the past six years.

"Our goal is to reach as many students for Christ, as deeply as possible in order to prepare them for a lifetime of leadership service in churches, communities, businesses and the world."

There are four areas of leadership involved in the work of Baptist Student Union: campus, community, discipleship and Primetime Together, which is the weekly worship meeting. Within those four areas, teams develop about 30 different ministries. For instance, in community ministries students work with Habitat for Humanity, a local residential home for boys, a nursing home and in youth revival teams.

To be involved, students must fill out a detailed application form that includes their Christian testimony, information about where they have served before, and their current grade point averages. Everyone is encouraged to apply.

"We try to figure out their gifts and their passion and place them in a position that fits them," Johnson said.

Alley Childers, a senior who will graduate in December, became a Christian during her first month at Georgia Southern. "From that point on BSU has prepared me to build relationships with people. I've enjoyed working with international students and going on mission trips. But I came back and realized the mission field is right where you're at. BSU has changed my life."

While reaching and discipling new Christians is at the top of the list for BSU leaders, they also want to help Christian students begin to understand the Lordship of Christ, sometimes for the first time.

"I grew up a Christian," said Rebekah Lee, a senior from Locust Grove. "My perception of Christianity was Sunday and Wednesday services. Being here has changed my outlook on how I should live my life. Now I tell other people about Jesus Christ."

After graduation, Lee, who has been on the leadership council since her freshman year, will head for seminary.

 

Jerry Johnson and Donna Blackburn are both full-time campus ministers at Georgia Southern University. There are 42 full-time campus ministers, including eight part-time and seven volunteer campus ministers on 52 college campuses in Georgia.

Their work is funded through your gifts to the Cooperative Program and the annual state missions offering.

 

You and your church may send State Missions gifts to:
Dr. J. Robert White, Executive Director
Georgia Baptist Convention
2930 Flowers Rd., South
Atlanta, GA 30341-5562