March and April are months of rapid transition for our ministry to the University community. Most notably, it is the time when we are selecting and installing new student leadership for the upcoming academic year. We have been exceptionally fortunate to have several dedicated and competent leaders over this last four years. This year marks the completion for many of them of their time in study at UTC. Their graduation leaves a real void within our ministry. Furthermore, it means the face of our ministry is once again changing as we select new leadership the faces are much younger and less experienced. Nonetheless, God has been faithful to provide another “crop” of excited young men and women to disciple and train for Christian service. For this we are thankful.

A personal observation of concern, however, is a disturbing trend that has been apparent over the last several years. The Christian young men and women…the church-going young men and women… that are arriving at our doorstep each year are, seemingly, less mature and knowledgeable spiritually than ever before. This means for us that our discipleship efforts are increasingly starting at a much more rudimentary place. Without understanding “why” there seems to be a real disconnect between what they have heard and what is “real” and of value to them. For example, increasingly students have a highly developed sense of passion for environmental concerns and social welfare concerns but seem to have no understanding regarding the connection of their faith with matters of environmental stewardship and care for fellow man. It is vitally important that those of us teaching these young men and women are able to draw the lines of connection between issues such as these and faith or my guess is that increasingly faith will become increasingly irrelevant to this generation. 

Other areas of transition which were the theme for the past two months were: alumni, intern recruitment and pre-marital counseling. 

Of course this is the natural time when we celebrate past participants. But is also the time when we begin to introduce today’s graduates to their opportunities to continue involvement through our alumni group. 

Our interns for this year are completing their service (David Hixson and Jesse Pendergrass) and we are making preparations for our new intern (Jordan Jackson). In addition, I have spent a great deal of time in attempting to assist our state in the development of a more comprehensive and structured approach to intern recruitment and placement. This meant a trip to New Orleans Seminary to address a Collegiate Ministries class, a trip to Carson-Newman for recruitment as well as a couple of days at the University of the South working with one of our TBC Executive Board committees.

Graduation is not all that happens in the Spring. It is also the time when young men and women decide they want to be married. This means that every Spring is a busy time for me in helping many of them have some necessary discussions in preparation.

Lastly, we end our year in a way that we hope says much about what Baptist Collegiate Ministries is. As I’m writing this a team of young men is on mission in Boston, Massachusetts serving with a Baptist church in the area. Led by David Hixson, this group will share their faith and their labor on behalf of New Hope Church in hopes that another might find themselves into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.

Respectfully,