Seeking to provide safe, comfortable, and affordable housing to Christian students in Southern Illinois.
The American Baptist Campus Ministry was officially organized in August 1966 to establish a vibrant community presence for students.
Today, the American Baptist Campus Ministry continues the work and vision of its founders by providing a student-focused Christian community that offers nurturing and support. This ongoing mission includes Bible studies, shared meals, and various student events held throughout the year.
ABCM History
The American Baptist Campus Ministry (ABCM) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale was officially organized in August 1966, and is a ministry extension of the American Baptist Churches, USA. Under its first leader, Irving Dunbar, the ministry established a vibrant community presence through monthly faculty luncheons at the student center and Sunday evening fellowship suppers for students. These early years were defined by recreational activities, such as picnics and retreats, designed to foster connection and a sense of belonging. Following Dunbar’s tenure, Glendall Toney took over in 1973, focusing on evangelism and discipleship and successfully engaging dozens of students in the ministry's mission. Today, the American Baptist Campus Ministry continues the work and vision of its founders by providing a student-focused Christian community that offers nurturing and support. This ongoing mission includes Bible studies, shared meals, and various student events held throughout the year.
Statement of Purpose
The Board of Directors of the American Baptist Campus Ministry Campus House desires to offer a safe, comfortable and affordable housing to Christian students of Southern Illinois University-Carbondale and/or John A. Logan College-Carterville. The Board strives to offer students from a variety of backgrounds the opportunity to pursue their educational goals while receiving the support of a faith-based living community.
Student residents should be aware of certain specific requirements for residence in the House. These requirements, which have Christian ethics as their guide, include the timely and responsible payment of lease and the fulfillment of the full term of the lease.
Student residents should expect to accept the responsibilities of community living with a Christian attitude. The Board expects the students to be tolerant, helpful and respectful of other residents, staff, visiting students and the House itself. Students will be expected to assist in maintaining the House (both the shared and private areas) in a clean and healthy manner.
The ABCM is open to Christian students of all denominations enrolled at SIU-C or John A. Logan College.
Life at the House
The ABCM House is open to Christian students of all denominations enrolled at SIU-C or John A. Logan College. Students seeking residency will be interviewed by the Campus Minister who will be looking for specific qualifications. These qualifications include:
The student is actively living out his/her faith or seeking to find faith.
The student is enrolled in SIU or JALC as a full-time student (12 semester hours or more).
The student has good references and/or has a good review from past residency.
The student desires to be involved in the community of the House.
The student has read the requirements of the House and agrees to abide by the Covenant and abide by House rules.