UCO BCM exists to stand with and for the students at the University of Central Oklahoma! Which means we will intentionally, boldly, and winsomely fight for the spiritual, physical, emotional, mental, and communal wellbeing of every man and woman at the University of Central Oklahoma. We strive to accomplish this mission by unapologetically proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ! We strive to accomplish this mission by discipling students to grow in their faith, by facilitating worship services, developing student leaders, sending students on mission, and even feeding students a free lunch every Wednesday!

Our Support Network

We are incredibly lucky to be supported by so many awesome partners. Baptist Collegiate Ministries across the state are ministries of Oklahoma Baptists, the convention of Southern Baptist churches in Oklahoma. We also have a great relationship with the Capital Baptist Association and are thankful for their support of our ministry at UCO. Several local churches have gone above and beyond in helping us serve our campus well, and we have the best alumni and friends that give sacrificially to help us do what we need to do!

UCO BCM is an unapologetic advocate for the local churches in our area. BCM is not a church, and it’s incredibly important to be involved in a church throughout college. Here are some churches that are friends of the UCO BCM and in close proximity to campus. Click the pictures to visit their websites!

Our History

In 1932 the First Baptist Church of Edmond felt like a special ministry was needed for the students at Central State College. The BCM began as a group of students meeting at the parsonage home of Dr. E. M. Ramey. They soon moved to meeting in a classroom on campus. In 1946 a two story white house was purchased on the corner of what was then College and Main. In 1956 the lot next to the house was purchased. In 1958 a center was constructed for campus ministry. Ada Ingram, Gene McBride, and John Burns were campus ministers who gave direction to the student-run organization. When the property was purchased it was surrounded by other houses. As the University obtained land the BCM Center was left an island of private property surrounded by the university. In 1984 a larger kitchen and a worship area were added onto the existing center.

In 1979, Dr. Charles Lillard came to the BCM to assume the role of Director. He retired after 33 years on August 1, 2012. He had previously served at Northwestern Oklahoma State University and the University of Tulsa. He and his wife Suzanne, who served as the Associate Director, retired after a total of 41 years of collegiate ministry.

In June 2012, Chad Coleman came to UCO to serve as the Director from the Tulsa Community College BCM after having served as the director there for 6 years. Chad took over as the State BCM Associate in the summer of 2018 and Paul Lewis took over as Director later that fall. Paul took over as the OSU BCM Director in the summer of 2021. In January 2022, Kyle Thomas came to UCO to serve as the Director from the Tulsa Community College BCM after having served there for 3 years. Kyle has been serving in some form of full-time ministry since August of 2012.

The history of the UCO BCM is rich and the future is bright!