We are thrilled to announce the addition of Lesley Joseph as Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM) director for Allen University and Benedict College. Lesley attended the University of South Carolina and John Hopkins University before going back to USC for his PhD, where he is currently an adjunct professor.  Lesley is married to Jonita Joseph, “JJ,” who will be joining Lesley often on both campuses as they seek to meet and engage students. JJ is currently pursuing her Master’s in Professional Counseling at Columbia International University. Both Lesley and JJ have a heart for college ministry, particularly to historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), so when the job opened, they both knew that Lesley should apply. “We want students to know that we are both committed to them and to their flourishing,” Lesley said.

The Josephs feel called to college ministry because of their own college experiences. “We feel a specific yearning to meet these students in a time when they are vulnerable to different perspectives and views. I think it’s one of the best times to engage students with the Gospel.” Lesley and JJ are also excited to be bringing one of the first, if not the first, campus ministry to two HBCUs. “We feel the burden of going to campuses that really are mission fields – that feel unreached, in a way, because of the lack of engagement on campus.”

As they are preparing for a strong campus presence in the fall, Lesley and JJ are currently reaching out to local churches to serve and work alongside them. “We want our Baptist family churches to be praying for how they could serve a college campus and walk alongside students.” Lesley said that while churches will be partners in sending meals, blessing the campuses, and seeing and meeting needs, they should also “ensure that the people who are benefitting from their support understand who God is and what Jesus has done for them.” 

In the coming months, the Josephs ask for prayer. They said that “God will decide how the ministry progresses. We need his divine power and intervention to make it work and make it something that would honor him and enlarge the Kingdom as a whole.” They ask for prayer for more churches to have a heart for these students, for an open door to share on campus, and for financial support as the ministry grows. “Prayer is the most important thing,” Lesley said. 

Please join us in covering the Josephs, Allen University, and Benedict College in prayer. If you or your church would like to partner with these campuses, go to www.scbaptist.org/bcm for more information and to get involved.