Hardin-Simmons Welcomes New BSM Director: Efrian Gonzalez

Hardin-Simmons University is proud to welcome the new Baptist Student Ministry (BSM) Director Efrain Gonzalez. He is known by many as “Big E”, serving in youth ministry for 25 years at churches across Texas. Throughout his ministry, he has enjoyed spending time with students, building relationships, and helping them grow their faith. 

Outside of ministry, Gonzalez has a photography business, and he loves capturing special moments for his clients, spending time with his family (his wife, and two children who are both married and is expecting to have grandkids in spring), and watching the Cowboys. 

Gonzalez grew up in a pastor’s home, making ministry a big part of his life. He first accepted Christ at the age of 9, and said he felt God calling him into ministry while attending youth camp at age 13. That call was reaffirmed during his college years. 

For the past 25 years, he has walked along side students during some of the most important years of their lives. He said, “Seeing students come to know Christ, grow in their faith, and begin serving Him has continued to fuel my passion for ministry.” 

Although Gonzalez was not looking to leave youth ministry, he began to feel God was preparing him for something new. When the opportunity at Hardin-Simmons arose, he began to pray about the decision and quickly became excited about the possibility to work with college students. 

After spending many years working with middle and high school students, the opportunity to continue investing in their lives during college really interested him. 

He believes that college is such an important time in a person’s life. It’s when students begin to make decisions about their future, discovering who they are and figuring out what they believe. 

Gonzalez hopes to be someone who encourages and challenges students while helping them build faith that will last long after graduation. He wants every student involved in BSM to feel welcomed and supported. 

“I want every student who walks through our doors to know three things: they are loved, they have value, and God has a purpose for their life,” Gonzalez said. 

As the new BSM Director, Gonzalez has several goals for the ministry. One of his main priorities is creating opportunities for students to connect with one another and grow spiritually. He wants to see more small-group Bible studies, discipleship opportunities, mission projects, and events that bring students together. 

He also wants to help students discover how God can use their gifts and talents to make a difference, both on campus and beyond. 

“My goal isn’t just to help students get through college. I want to help prepare them to live out their faith for the rest of their lives,” he said. 

What excites Gonzalez most about joining Hardin-Simmons is getting to know the students and becoming a part of the HSU family. He is excited to step into something new after 25 years of youth ministry. He remains focused doing what he loves most: investing in students and helping them grow in their relationship with God. 

Gonzalez also shared Romans 12:1-2 (CSB) as his favorite bible verse.  

“Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship. This verse calls believers to reject conformity to the world, be transformed through the renewing of their minds, and discern God’s good, pleasing, and perfect will.”  

He wants to share this message with college students. 

“Don’t just simply follow what the world tells you to be. Allow God to transform your life, discover His purpose for you, and live in a way that brings Him glory.” 

Come Meet the New BSM Director 

Faculty, staff, and students are invited to a come-and-go reception to meet Gonzalez and welcome him to the Hardin-Simmons community. 

The reception will take place Thursday, November 12, from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Connally Missions Center. Attendees will have the opportunity to introduce themselves to Gonzalez and join the HSU community in celebrating his addition to the Spiritual Formation team.