Northwestern State University provides students with an on-campus religious community, allowing them to express their religious beliefs in an accepting environment. The campus’ religious organizations include the Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM), the Catholic Student Organization (CSO), Cadence and River Campus Ministry. These organizations provide unique chances for involvement around campus and involvement with their local supporting church.
From Waffle Nights to Speed Friending, the BCM hosts a variety of Demon Days events throughout the first semester to welcome students to campus. They are supported by a plethora of Natchitoches Baptist churches and meet throughout the week for book studies, worship services and late-night fellowships. Alyssa Nugent’s, freshmen, favorite part of the BCM is signing during worship nights and has enjoyed the opportunity to make new friends. “The BCM is a great way to connect Christian people together,” Nugent said.
Simultaneously, the CSO hosts a weekly mass, bible studies and student meetings for NSU’s Catholic students. Gracie Ancelet, a sophomore radiology major, started her own Bible study this year after participating in her church’s discipleship program. “My favorite memory this year would be getting to meet new freshman girls who are just coming into campus through my Bible study and being able to be friends with them,” Ancelet said.
Cadence is an apostolic student ministry that meets every Monday for various events like worship night, Bible study and Coffee and Convo. Kidron Pagels is a sophomore hospitality management and tourism major and is the president of Cadence. Pagels has been a part of Cadence all her life, from tagging along with her father as a child to now leading the group. “I’m in Cadence now to be a beacon of hope,” Pagels said. “Whether you’re bogged down with school or not having a good day, it’s a safe environment to go into and learn about God.”
Supported by the River Community Church, River Campus Ministry is NSU’s final religious organization. River Campus Ministry leads a Tuesday service and strives to inspire a heart of servitude in all participants. They are working to send missionaries out on campus, in the state and abroad.
The campus ministries at NSU work to bring the love of God to the city of Natchitoches. These organizations cater to a variety of students and provide services for an enriching relationship with Christ. Everyone is welcome and can find their place within a campus ministry if they feel a calling.
