Report: Equip Leadership Lunch Highlights Fruitful Ministry and Vision at UK BCM

[Lexington, KY] Pastors and church leaders from across the region gathered at the University of Kentucky’s Baptist Campus Ministry building for the recent Equip Leadership Lunch—a time of fellowship, encouragement, and powerful updates from the frontlines of campus ministry. Over Chick-Fil-A box lunches, attendees reconnected and reflected on God’s work at UK through the BCM, which is celebrating its 90th year of ministry.

The lunchtime gathering was more than just a meal. It was a window into the impact of the BCM’s mission to not only disciple college students but also equip and send them into the local church and the world.

BCM staff members Cameron and Taylor opened by thanking churches for their cooperative giving and for sending students to UK who have become vital parts of the campus ministry. “We are very grateful for your churches' cooperative giving which provides resources for the ministry to happen here,” they said. “And, we also thank you for sending your students to BCM which enables us to broaden our reach to this campus.”

This year, the BCM has seen significant fruit. Twenty-three students have made professions of faith during the school year. One of the highlights has been the implementation of a homegrown discipleship resource, Foundations of the Faith, which has helped students come to Christ and grow in their walk. Taylor shared a story about “Dakota,” a student whose faith had been more cultural than personal—until discipleship and involvement in a local church led her to genuinely surrender her life to Christ. Dakota marked this decision by being baptized in her home church on Easter Sunday.

“This story shows what happens when BCM and the local church work together,” Taylor said.

The ministry also launched affinity groups this year—small communities aimed at reaching students based on their interests or academic fields. These groups help bridge the gap between faith and daily life, showing students that the gospel speaks into every part of their world.

BCM continues to be intentional about sending students out into ministry, not just gathering them for programs. One recent example is a UK senior who was just called to serve as the new children’s minister at Buena Vista Baptist Church.

In closing, ministry leaders challenged attendees to consider how they can continue supporting the BCM. Opportunities include:

• Continuing CP (Cooperative Program) giving

• Praying for gospel impact and student strength

• Bringing and serving meals on Tuesday nights

• Partnering financially with UK BCM

• Volunteering for campus outreach events like Move-In Days, KWeek, and DanceBlue

David Stokes, reflecting on the current generation of college students, left attendees with a compelling charge:

“This generation of students has the potential to be the next greatest generation to impact and change the landscape of church life. Previous generations have dropped the ball and this one stands primed to step into that space and do things right.”

As BCM celebrates its 90th year on campus, the vision remains bold: to be a gospel light at the University of Kentucky—and to launch the next wave of faithful leaders into the church and beyond.