Jon Smith - Missouri Southern State University
Jon Smith
Missouri Southern State University
Ministry: Baptist Student Union
Campus Missionary
Mission Statement:
We are a community of believers that desires to 1) see the name of Jesus spread on our campus, 2) make disciples who love God, love Southern and serve the world, and 3) create generations of Southern students who are passionate about Jesus Christ.
We are a community of believers that desires to 1) see the name of Jesus spread on our campus, 2) make disciples who love God, love Southern and serve the world, and 3) create generations of Southern students who are passionate about Jesus Christ.
Tell us about your journey to becoming a Campus Missionary:
I remember being a student, uncertain about my future—who I would be and what I would do with my life—and seeing a friend of mine who was involved in campus ministry. I watched his family and his life’s work closely as he poured himself into those around him and realized that if I could just do that, it would be the most valuable thing I could do with my life. I’ve been a campus minister since 2001 and have been at MSSU since 2005, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything. God brought me from the University of Oregon to Indiana University to Missouri Southern, and at each place I learned important lessons, met good friends and saw God do great things in the lives of students.
I remember being a student, uncertain about my future—who I would be and what I would do with my life—and seeing a friend of mine who was involved in campus ministry. I watched his family and his life’s work closely as he poured himself into those around him and realized that if I could just do that, it would be the most valuable thing I could do with my life. I’ve been a campus minister since 2001 and have been at MSSU since 2005, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything. God brought me from the University of Oregon to Indiana University to Missouri Southern, and at each place I learned important lessons, met good friends and saw God do great things in the lives of students.
What do you love about doing ministry on your campus?
Doing ministry at Missouri Southern is awesome for any number of reasons, but the one that stands out from the conferences, retreats, camps, mission trips, etc., is the opportunities I’ve had to build relationships with people that are life impacting.
Doing ministry at Missouri Southern is awesome for any number of reasons, but the one that stands out from the conferences, retreats, camps, mission trips, etc., is the opportunities I’ve had to build relationships with people that are life impacting.
Tell us about yourself and your family:
I have an incredible wife, Mandi. We've been married since 1997 and have three phenomenal adult kids, Alyssa, Nate, and Anna. We honestly believe that just being a great family is part of serving the Lord. Outside of family, though, what really revs me up is the great outdoors. Hiking, kayaking, fishing, hunting, camping… you name it, I’m down for it. I LOVE the view from the top of a mountain, the sound of line as it screams off a reel, and the warmth of a good campfire. I also love a good book. There are always several scattered about my office and beside the bed at home.
I have an incredible wife, Mandi. We've been married since 1997 and have three phenomenal adult kids, Alyssa, Nate, and Anna. We honestly believe that just being a great family is part of serving the Lord. Outside of family, though, what really revs me up is the great outdoors. Hiking, kayaking, fishing, hunting, camping… you name it, I’m down for it. I LOVE the view from the top of a mountain, the sound of line as it screams off a reel, and the warmth of a good campfire. I also love a good book. There are always several scattered about my office and beside the bed at home.
What do you hope to see happen on your campus/within your ministry in the next few years?
In the next few years we are hoping to see a resurgence of passion for Jesus that overwhelms our campus and grows ministries and churches in our community. We want to see students engaging with the gospel as they hear about Jesus and what it means to follow Him.
In the next few years we are hoping to see a resurgence of passion for Jesus that overwhelms our campus and grows ministries and churches in our community. We want to see students engaging with the gospel as they hear about Jesus and what it means to follow Him.
What are some of the things your ministry does?
If you want to connect with the MSSU Baptist Student Union, the best way, of course, is to come to one of our meetings (7pm on Tuesday night at the Baptist Student Center). If that seems intimidating or you have a night class, try stopping by on a Wednesday during lunch. We have a bunch of local churches that serve a free meal from 11:30-1:00. It’s better than the caf and usually made by grandmas (and you KNOW they can bring it in the kitchen)! Finally, give us a call, shoot us a text, or connect via Facebook or Instagram (MOSOBSU). If you’re serious about checking us out, the methods are many. Hope we see you soon!
If you want to connect with the MSSU Baptist Student Union, the best way, of course, is to come to one of our meetings (7pm on Tuesday night at the Baptist Student Center). If that seems intimidating or you have a night class, try stopping by on a Wednesday during lunch. We have a bunch of local churches that serve a free meal from 11:30-1:00. It’s better than the caf and usually made by grandmas (and you KNOW they can bring it in the kitchen)! Finally, give us a call, shoot us a text, or connect via Facebook or Instagram (MOSOBSU). If you’re serious about checking us out, the methods are many. Hope we see you soon!