The Central Baptist Student Union (BSU) in Warrensburg began in January 1931. While we don’t know much about the early history, records show that by 1950, Audry Parker was serving as the student secretary. She was followed by Mrs. Kenneth Stockard in 1952 and Judith Borchers in 1953.
In 1953, a Chair of the Bible was established at CMSU, with Dr. Curtis Hutcherson serving as the professor. Judith Borchers was succeeded by Noel Breeden as student secretary, who served until 1955.
During the 1960s and 1970s, the ministry expanded to include both the Baptist Student Union and the Baptist Chair of the Bible. It was during this time that accredited Bible classes were offered. The campus minister was Bill Blasé. Bible professors included Dr. Lemoine DeVries (1975–1979), Dr. A.J. “Chip” Conyers (1979–1983), and later Dr. David May, who served until 1991, when the university withdrew from the program.
The major focus of the BSU during that era was missions. Activities included attending national mission conferences such as Freedom ’76 in San Antonio and Mission ’80 in Nashville. Student groups also served in urban mission projects in cities like St. Louis, Denver, New Orleans, and Houston during spring breaks. Additionally, for several years, an ongoing afternoon children’s ministry was held at a local Baptist church in Warrensburg.
Many students served in summer missions through the SBC Home Mission Board and Foreign Mission Board. Other staples of BSU life during this period included Bible study groups, Lunch Encounter, Glorieta Student Week, the State Student Convention, international student ministries, drama teams, and the BSU singing ensemble Testimony. Students were consistently encouraged and challenged to give their best to God and to impact the world for Christ.
The purpose of the BSU remains the same today as it was then:
“To transform the campus through the Gospel and love of Jesus Christ.”
Over the years, the BSU has developed strong, mature followers of Christ—church members, missionaries, church planters, ministers, pastors, and campus missionaries—who continue to serve faithfully in many areas of ministry.