Since 2001, Lee Floyd has served as director of the Angelo State University Baptist Student Ministry in San Angelo, Texas. From deep in the heart of one Texan, he shares his background and thoughts on ministering to today’s college students. To suggest a Baptist General Convention of Texas-affiliated BSM leader to be featured in this column, or to apply to be featured yourself, click here.
Background
Where else have you served in ministry, and what were your positions there?
- Alvin/Brazosport colleges in Texas: BSM Director for 2.5 years
- First Baptist Church Wills Point, Texas, for 4.5 years
- Lexington Baptist Church, Corpus Christi, Texas, for 3.5 years
Where did you grow up?
Bracketteville, Texas
How did you come to faith in Christ?
I began attending FBC Bracketteville as a high school student through the invitation of a friend. I met Jesus through relationships with several people at this church.
Where were you educated, and what degrees did you receive?
- Bachelor of Arts: Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
- Master of Arts in Religious Education: Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Ministry
Why do you feel called into campus ministry?
College students possess great potential to impact the world for the kingdom of God. I am very drawn to helping students discover their potential.
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What is your favorite aspect of campus ministry? Why?
I love to pour into college students through discipling relationships. There is great joy in watching “light bulbs” turn on and to see the growth in the life of a student through the variety of experiences God uses in their lives.
What one aspect of your ministry gives you the greatest joy?
When alumni come back and talk about the impact BSM had in their lives and how it has prepared them for what they are doing now. To see how they invest their lives in building the kingdom of God through their career in the secular world or in full-time ministry.
What would you like more people to know about campus ministry?
To see the importance of the ministry. BSM is a frontline ministry on the campus. We are reaching the creatives, policymakers, investors and shapers of the world. When we reach the campus, we can change the world.
What priorities or goals guide your ministry?
I want to see students connected to God (in a personal relationship with Jesus), to others (in life-changing community) and to the world (through leadership development and missions).
What is the most exciting or joyful thing that has happened in your ministry?
It is always when we have a student get involved in our group that we have met on campus. They join one of our small groups, meet Jesus and get deeper involved in our ministry and begin to be discipled. They join our leadership team and replicate the process with someone else.
What is the most heartbreaking thing that has happened in your ministry?
To see students walk away from a faith that seemed so vibrant.
Based upon what you have observed from campus ministry, what do you think about the future of our country and/or world?
I am both hopeful and concerned. Our world is facing some great challenges, but there is tremendous potential in the young adults entering it now.
Based upon what you have observed from campus ministry, what do you think about the future of the church?
I am hopeful and concerned. The church faces many challenges, but I believe the students coming can have a great impact.
How has your ministry or your perspective on ministry changed?
Authenticity is important. Don’t settle for the status quo. Be consistent and committed,
If you could launch any new ministry, what would it be? Why?
Not sure – but it would have to be something where I could invest and pour into the lives of others.
Name the three most significant challenges and/or influences facing your ministry.
- Staying relevant to the constant changing culture.
- Communicating a timeless message in a timely manner.
- Developing the necessary resources to continue to do effective ministry.
What key opportunities will campus ministry undertake in the next 10 years?
I think 10 years is too far to look into what may be coming. We will see culture change in significant ways every three to five years. But here are some things to expect in the next three to five years: Culture is becoming more diverse and global – the university has always led the way in this. The opportunities to reach nations is on the campus.
The rising cost of college will drive more and more students to duel credit in high school and junior colleges. Community college and junior college will be strategic places for ministry.
We will also see a growth in the number of 17- and 18-year-olds arriving on campus as sophomores or juniors and graduating at 19 or 20.
What key issues face college or university campuses today?
In our Information Age, universities are going to have to work harder at staying relevant. The rising cost of a college education creating debt for many graduates will lead students and parents to start thinking differently about how students get their education. Retention will continue to be an issue, especially with rising costs.
About Lee
Who were/are your mentors, and how did/do they influence you?
Two BSM Directors while in college: Danny Miller at Texas A&M-Kingsville and Michael Goodman at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. Both exemplified how to walk well with Jesus and love your family.
What is the impact of your ministry on your family?
Many sacrifices, but they all see life from a bigger perspective and see God’s role in the world around them.
Name some of your favorite non-biblical books or authors, and explain why.
Anything by Jerry Bridges. “The Pursuit of Holiness” and “Trusting God” are the two most significant.
What is your favorite Bible verse or passage? Why?
1 Corinthians 3:11. My life has been about helping people build solid foundations.
Other than Jesus, who is your favorite Bible character? Why?
Samuel.
If you could get one “do-over” in ministry, what would it be, and why?
Don’t know if I would take one. There are many, but if I took a do-over then I might not know what I know now.
Write and answer a question you wish we had asked.
Married to Rhonda for 23 years. We have two children: Micah, 18 years, and Megan, 17 years. We have a boxer named Spurgeon, 8 years.
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