Association of Baptist Students: Building Faith and Community

By WHITNEY SPARKS
Baptist Progress Writer

Reflecting on these contributions, Texas A&M ABS Director Nick Kerry adds, “ABS is important to a college community because it furthers the Great Commission by making student disciples. ABS gives students an avenue to share the gospel through a loving and supportive space.”
 
Texas is blessed to have three ABS organizations: Texas A&M University and Blinn College in Bryan/College Station (Nick Kerry, director), Tyler Junior College and the University of Texas at Tyler (Keith Brown, director), and Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches (Tim Brewer, director).
 
When the Association of Baptist Students began in 1966, the BMA Missions Department “had been paying the salary of the ABS director, but in 1973, the Youth Committee assumed full support of the work” (Cochran, 1994). Now these organizations rely fully on designated funds from churches and associations.
 
The offerings given toward the Association of Baptist Students help support many parts of its ministry. They help maintain the ABS building where students frequently gather, provide meals and snacks for the students and fund activities or trips to build community along with connections. These offerings also provide financial support for the director and others who help oversee the organization.
 
Please pray for those who serve diligently to make disciples at ABS while providing the love and support needed to help students spread the gospel.

The ABS building at SFA, a typical setting where ABS students gather

ABS students at TJC, spending time together outside meetings

Do you remember starting a new life straight out of high school and saying goodbye to family and friends? Leaving home at 18 to pursue an education can be exciting but also overwhelming.
 
Adjusting to college life can often cause students to feel lonely or disconnected. A large university can especially feel daunting for a student who grew up in a small town. Imagine walking on the campus of Texas A&M University where more than 70,000 students are currently enrolled.
 
A study titled 2024-2025 Healthy Minds Study was recently conducted at UCLA. Researchers discovered that 37 percent of college students suffered from moderate or severe depressive symptoms, while 11 percent contemplated thoughts of suicide. When surveyed, students reported feeling lonely or left out due to a lack of companionship and isolation from others (Inscore, 2025). These statistics are proof that connections are important in the life of a college student.
 
This is why ministries like the Association of Baptist Students (ABS) are vitally important.
 
This Christian organization allows students an opportunity to gather together and plug into a small group throughout the week. Students are able to bond with one another over a hot meal and build lasting relationships which foster a strong foundation for their future. At Texas A&M, their ABS slogan reads, “[ABS is] a home away from home for any student that finds their way through our doors.”
 
Read the testimonies of three former college students to learn how ABS became home away from home.

• “The ABS building changed my life, or really, the Jesus inside that building did. It’s where I met my wife, my best friends, and where I surrendered my life to ministry.” - Jordan Burrell
• “I met friends, grew and strengthened my faith and learned to serve while attending ABS.” - Paige Ferrell Sanchez
• “ABS was a safe, welcoming and leave with your heart and belly full kind of place for everyone.” - Katie West

 
The Association of Baptist Students not only gives students the opportunity to form lifelong friendships but also helps strengthen their faith in Jesus to share the gospel on their college campus.

Texas A&M students, studying the Word is an essential part of ABS

Texas A&M ABS students lead worship through song

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