InterVarsity Christian Fellowship
Transforming the Academy for Christ
At St. Bartholomew, our Mission & Outreach (M&O) ministry recognizes that some of the most influential mission fields are found where ideas are born and leaders are shaped. That's why we support InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, a movement that has been transforming university campuses since 1941, establishing witnessing communities of students and faculty who follow Jesus with their whole lives. Our connection runs deep through our own Don Paul Gross, who serves as Regional Director of Graduate Student and Faculty Ministries, giving us a front-row seat to see how God is moving in the academy.
Faith Meets Academia
InterVarsity Christian Fellowship operates on over 700 campuses nationwide, creating spaces where students and faculty can explore how their faith intersects with their intellectual and professional lives. Their Graduate and Faculty Ministries specifically serve those in advanced education: MBA students learning to integrate faith with business, law students preparing to shape society's institutions, healthcare professionals called to compassionate care, and international scholars from around the world.
The ministry equips Christian scholars to become redemptive influences in universities and beyond, understanding that today's graduate students and faculty will become tomorrow's leaders in every sector of society. Through Bible studies, conferences, mentorship, and community building, InterVarsity helps believers see their academic work as kingdom work.
This is Colossians 3:17 in action: "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Why This Matters to Us
The university represents one of the most influential mission fields in our world. Graduate students and faculty shape ideas, conduct research, and train the next generation of leaders across every sector of society. When Christians in academia are equipped to integrate their faith with their vocation, they become redemptive influences in institutions that desperately need the hope and truth of the Gospel.
InterVarsity's Impact:
Active on over 700 campuses with diverse specialized ministries
Graduate and Faculty Ministries serving MBA, law, healthcare, and international communities
Urbana Missions Conference has inspired over 300,000 students since 1946
Training Christian leaders who will influence universities and professions
Part of the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students with a global reach
How St. B's Members Can Support InterVarsity
Financial Partnership
General Support: Give to InterVarsity's broader ministry reaching students and faculty nationwide
Graduate and Faculty Ministries: Direct support specifically for academic communities through specialized giving
Contact: InterVarsity Donor Services at (866) 734-4823 for more giving options
Prayer Partnership
Campus Ministry: Pray for InterVarsity's work on over 700 campuses nationwide
Academic Leaders: Lift up Christian graduate students and faculty as they integrate faith with their vocations
Don Paul's Region: Specifically remember the western states campuses he serves
Student Connections
Campus Referrals: Help college students and graduate students connect with InterVarsity chapters
Young Adult Ministry: Encourage young professionals to consider campus ministry involvement
Academic Vocations: Support church members pursuing advanced degrees or academic careers
See Their Work in Action
Play the video below to learn more about how InterVarsity Christian Fellowship is transforming universities through graduate and faculty ministries, including the work of leaders like our own Don Paul Gross.
