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Bethany Kilpatrick
BY BETHANY KILPATRICK
Managing Editor
I will never forget the day two girls my age stopped me while walking through campus and prayed for me. The students then told me they were a part of Tarleton’s Baptist Student Ministry (BSM).
The BSM is a student-led organization that meets weekly and partners with local churches and associations. The goal of the BSM is to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ as it is recorded in the Bible.
“We are a group of students who are seeking to love Jesus on our campus, to the ends of the Earth and everywhere in between,” the BSM’s official website states.
According to the Christian faith, the Gospel is the story of God sending his perfect son, Jesus, to die a sinner’s death on Earth to atone for the sins of humanity.
Through his death and resurrection three days later, all have the opportunity to be forgiven of their sins and spend eternity in Heaven with God if they choose to accept salvation.
Students Parker Hause and Sarah Schneeflock recently became engaged and met through their involvement at the BSM.
“It is a very simple-minded community of Christ-like people,” Hause said. “Everything is geared around the idea that we want to be like Christ, and we are going to do that together.”
The BSM hosts multiple events throughout the week for students to attend.
Every Monday, the BSM hosts an event called Manifold from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the BSM building located at 401 N. Mcllhnay St. across from Heritage Park.
Manifold is the event that brought Hause and Schneeflock together.
“We meet at the BSM, and we do evangelism training,” Schneeflock said. “They teach us how to go out and share the Gospel with people. Then we get into groups of two, we pray together and then we go for 45 minutes to an hour. We just walk around campus, ask to pray with people and share the Gospel.”
Manifold is the gathering that crossed my path with the two students who did not allow any fear to stop them from what they felt called to do for Tarleton’s campus.
Not only does the BSM offer prayer to its community, but food as well.
Every Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m., the BSM hosts its Noon Lunch, inviting all Tarleton students and faculty to enjoy a free meal in the BSM building.
After Manifold and Noon Lunch, the BSM prepares for 402 Worship in the BSM at 8 p.m.
Students engage in a time of worship with a student band and are taught a lesson by either BSM Director Megan Trotter or Associate Director Luke Johnson.
“We come in, there is worship for however long and there is a teaching,” Schneeflock said. “It is usually a topical teaching that is very applicable to college students specifically. Then there is discussion time afterwards. They ask us questions that will help us apply the message to our week and life in general.”
In addition to Monday, Wednesday and Friday events, there are also small group Bible studies called Journey Groups to become a part of. Upperclassmen groups vary in time and location, but freshmen meet at the BSM on Tuesdays at 7 p.m.
Students are encouraged to start their involvement by coming to 402 Worship on Thursday. Students can then fill out a connection card and easily meet others involved.
“They are very inclusive,” Schneeflock said. “They welcome anyone who comes in. They are very intentional about getting to know people individually.”
Apart from their weekly events, the BSM prepares and plans for large outreach events as well.
“For spring break, we have a big mission trip to South Padre Island,” Hause said. “It is called Beach Reach.”
Students travel to South Padre to offer van rides and food while sharing the Gospel with all they meet in the process.
“The whole time you are there,” Hause said, “you are being intentional about taking every opportunity you can to share the Gospel.”
As the BSM prepares for their mission trip to South Padre, they also continue to focus on growing their community and love for others and Christ on campus.
“Just come on Thursday,” Hause said. “Do not be scared to ask questions and connect with people.”
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