BCM Archives - Louisiana Baptists

Home for the Holidays

Louisiana Baptists — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 21:22:08 +0000

Written by Mark Robinson

Why Coming Back Changes Everything

The car pulls into the driveway. After months of dorm life, dining hall food, and late-night study sessions, the college student steps back into the familiar world of home. The walls haven’t changed, but something inside has. Independence has grown roots. New habits have formed. And now, two worlds collide—the old and the new.

This moment isn’t just about the first semester. It’s the beginning of a rhythm that will repeat after every break, every summer, and even beyond college—into careers, marriage, and parenthood. Life is a series of transitions, and each one reshapes relationships.

Why Does It Feel Different?

College is a season of accelerated growth. Students learn to manage their own schedules, make decisions without parental oversight, and navigate friendships that shape their worldview. Coming home means stepping back into a system of expectations that may feel outdated.

Scripture reminds us that change is part of God’s design:

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”
(Ecclesiastes 3:1)

“He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ
(Philippians 1:6)

Growth isn’t a threat—it’s a testimony of God’s work. But it requires grace on both sides.

The Parent Perspective

Parents often expect their student to “pick up where they left off.” But the truth? They’ve changed. And so must the family dynamic.

Expect Change
Transformation is normal. Romans 12:2 calls us to renewal, not rigidity.

Communicate Expectations
Talk about curfews, chores, and family time before conflict arises. Proverbs 15:1 reminds us that gentle words diffuse tension.

Respect Autonomy
Give space without abandoning boundaries. Colossians 3:21 warns against provoking discouragement.

Plan Connection
Shared meals and intentional conversations matter. Hebrews 10:24 urges us to stir one another toward love and good works.

The Student Perspective

Students, independence doesn’t erase honor. Coming home is an opportunity to practice humility and gratitude.

Reflect Before You Go Home
Ask, “How have I changed?” Psalm 139:23-24 invites us to examine our hearts.

Communicate Needs Clearly
Share your schedule without arrogance. Ephesians 4:29 calls for words that build up.

Listen Without Defensiveness
Honor your parents’ perspective. Exodus 20:12 still applies.

Balance Freedom with Respect
Independence is good, but humility is better. Micah 6:8 reminds us to walk humbly with God.

When Parents Struggle with Each Other

Here’s a dynamic few talk about: when a child leaves for college, parents often realize how much of their marriage revolved around that child. Schedules, conversations, even identity were tied to parenting. When the student returns, old patterns resurface—but they don’t fit anymore. This can create tension between spouses who now must renegotiate roles and rediscover intimacy.

Genesis 2:24 reminds us:

“Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife…”

Marriage was designed to be primary, not secondary to parenting. Seasons of transition are opportunities for couples to strengthen their bond rather than drift apart.

The Grandparent Factor

Grandparents often amplify these dynamics. Their expectations for family traditions, holiday gatherings, and time together can add pressure. They may struggle to understand the student’s independence or the parents’ adjustments. What was once simple—“everyone comes home”—now requires negotiation.

This is where grace multiplies:

“Grandchildren are the crown of the aged…”
(Proverbs 17:6)

Grandparents’ love is a gift, but families must balance honoring them with respecting the student’s new reality.

These Dynamics Repeat

Here’s the truth: these dynamics don’t stop after freshman year. They repeat after every semester, every summer, and every major life transition—graduation, first job, marriage, even parenting. Each stage brings new independence and new expectations. And each stage calls for the same biblical principles: grace, communication, and humility.

Proverbs 3:5-6 says:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

Simple Encouragement For BCM Directors

Louisiana Baptists — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 15:56:47 +0000

October is widely recognized as Pastor Appreciation Month. While pastors often receive cards, notes, and words of affirmation during this season, our BCM directors and associates are often overlooked.

As someone who has served in collegiate ministry for years, I’ve seen firsthand how BCM leaders invest in students. They disciple, counsel, pray, teach, and walk alongside young adults during some of the most formative years of their lives.

That’s where you come in.

Would you consider sending a card, letter, email or even a a small simple gift card for coffee to your former BCM director or associate this October? Whether they served you years ago or are currently ministering at your alma mater, your words of encouragement would be a powerful reminder that their labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Paul reminded the early Christ-followers, and us…
“…we urge you, brothers and sisters, to recognize those who labor among you … and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:12–13

A simple, brief message sharing how their ministry impacted your life, or a word of thanks for their faithfulness, can go a long way.

Let’s make October a month where BCM leaders feel seen, valued, and uplifted—just as they have done for so many.

You can find a current staff directory here and thank you in advance for your participation!

Are you a BCM Alumni?

We’d love to connect with you. Register with our alumni database. You’ll help us build stronger networks, celebrate what God has done through BCM, and ensure future students continue to experience the same life-changing ministry.

Blake Grundy to become BCM Director at LSU

Louisiana Baptists — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 14:00:33 +0000

Blake Grundy has served in Christian ministry for 16 years, including 11 years in college ministry through the local church and Louisiana Baptists. He is a Louisiana native and holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and a master’s in pastoral ministry.

He has been married to Lori for 18 years, and they have three children: Beaux, Coy, and Jaylee.

Blake is currently the BCM director at McNeese State University, where he has served for the past eight years. During his tenure at McNeese, he oversaw building reconstruction after the 2020 hurricane season.

The McNeese BCM continues to thrive with numerous students coming to know Jesus for the first time, receiving mentorship in their calling to vocational ministry, and integrating into service and membership at the local church.

Blake has worked to create a culture of evangelism on campus and leads an impressive student summer missions program. McNeese BCM is an anchor campus for the annual students on mission to Mexico over Christmas break.

During Blake’s tenure he worked together with retired BCM director, Keith Cating and the advisory committee to develop an annual Fund-raising banquet that has been wildly successful providing funding to facilitate a robust ministry in the Lake Charles area.

Blake will begin service on June 1, 2025, and has plans to implement some of these same strategies as the BCM Director at LSU.

There are great days of reaching students in Baton Rouge for Christ ahead.

LSU BCM Director Steve Masters to Retire May 2025

Louisiana Baptists — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 20:28:08 +0000

Steve Masters has announced his retirement from serving as the Baptist Collegiate Ministry Director at LSU, effective May 31, 2025.

Steve has served with excellence at the LSU BCM since August 1991, for a grand total of 33 years. While at LSU, Steve consistently contributed to collegiate ministry on the national level as a consultant and contributor on many committees.

He has also been a champion for Baptist Disaster Relief, sending teams to help families in crisis after natural disasters. His most recent accomplishment is the conception and development of a strategic training website for students called to ministry, www.calledtoministry.org.

Before serving at LSU, Steve ministered as BCM Intern at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, BCM Director at Arkansas Tech University, and BCM Director at Oklahoma State University.

Steve is married to Pam Masters, and they have three married daughters with eight grandchildren: Michelle and Rob Gros, Danielle and Matt Blackwell, and Lindsay and Adam Venters. His entire family has made a significant impact on the collegiate ministry community.

Steve will continue to serve the next year as the Louisiana BCM state development director, focusing on alumni relations, high school senior transitional success as they transfer into college life, and international student outreach.

A retirement celebration will be held at the LSU BCM on April 27, 2025, beginning at 2:00 p.m. Former and current students are invited to attend.

It has been the privilege of many to serve the Lord in the university community with Steve Masters.