What are the educational requirements?
Four-year bachelors degree.
What is the time commitment?
This is a full-time position. Campus Missionaries typically serve one fall and one spring semester. CMs can serve as little as 1 semester or as long as 2 years.
On which campuses do Campus Missionaries serve?
Usually the campus from which you graduate, but sometimes on another campus. The BSM Director, the Campus Missionary candidate, and the state office staff will make that decision together.
Do Campus Missionaries raise part of their financial support?
Yes, Campus Missionaries raise a portion and the local BSM where they serve raises the other portion, as well as provides housing, utilities and all BSM-related expenses like retreats, mission trips, etc.
Are Campus Missionaries allowed to take graduate level classes while serving as a CM?
Because of the short-term nature of being a CM and the expectations of the role, it is not recommended that a CM take more than one graduate course per semester. Taking graduate classes is permitted so long that course attendance and assignments do not conflict with CM's responsibilities.
Are Campus Missionaries allowed to take graduate level classes while serving as a CM?
Because of the short-term nature of being a CM and the expectations of the role, it is not recommended that a CM take more than one graduate course per semester. Taking graduate classes is permitted so long that course attendance and assignments do not conflict with CM's responsibilities.
What about pay?
CMs are volunteers. Think of it as a mission trip to a college campus. They are provided housing and a monthly stipend of $850.
Does student debt preclude me from service?
Many students graduate with debt, including student loans, credit cards, and car payments. While debt may not preclude you from serving as a CM, BSM does not want you to make an unwise financial decision that imperils your future livelihood. If you have debt, please research the terms of your loans, including interest rates, conditions for deferral, etc., before applying for the CM program. Also, consider the availability and potential earnings for your post-CM employment opportunities given your chosen major. Then, with the help of a trusted adult advisor (like a parent or mentor), formulate a clear and realistic plan to address your payments during your CM term. You will be asked about your debt during CM interviews, and if your debt is over $10k, we will want to see and consider your plan.
Excessive debt without a realistic payment plan will preclude you from being appointed. Because every case is different, we do not have a standard acceptable amount of debt. However, here are some hypothetical scenarios for reference.
Excessive debt without a realistic payment plan will preclude you from being appointed. Because every case is different, we do not have a standard acceptable amount of debt. However, here are some hypothetical scenarios for reference.
- Less than $10,000 in debt - appointable
- $25,000 in student loans that can be deferred with plans to get a marketplace job after CM service - appointable
- $30,000 in student loans, but parents will make payments during CM service - appointable
- $30,000 in student loans, unsure about loan terms or payments, no thoughtful plan in place to address debt - not appointable
- $60,000 in debt with a desire to pursue missions, seminary, or BSM Coordinator after CM service - not appointable (suggested to take 2-3 years to pay down debt)
- Since every situation is different, it's recommended that you share your situation with the CM program director for advice on whether we would be able to appoint you.
How to apply?
Check out the Apply page.
Still more questions?
Ask your BSM Director or contact Gary Stidham at [email protected]
Texas BSM | [email protected] | txbsm.org