A few years back, I presented a funding proposal to a large foundation for an evangelism project. I’ll never forget the director’s response: “InterVarsity is a discipleship ministry. Stick with your strength.” While I took umbrage with the implication that we focus too little on presenting the Gospel, I did appreciate his sense of our historic commitment to developing disciples.
As the Fellowship begins to implement a new Strategic Plan for 2012-2017, discipleship is one of our top three priorities. Why? Because today’s freshman is often less mature in his faith, less knowledgeable about Scripture, and less missional in reaching others than past generations. In addition, as American culture becomes increasingly post-Christian, being a faithful follower of Jesus has become more costly.
We will focus on seven areas:
1. Daily Devotional Life
When asked about the best predictor of developing mature faith, my response is always the same: daily time in Scripture and prayer. Unfortunately, only 10% of Christian young adults regularly exercise these spiritual disciplines. Far too often, at best, they engage in drive-by quiet times. The result? Cloudy convictions, spiritual anemia, and passive faith.
2. Sexuality and Relational Health
Concepts such holiness and sexual purity are countercultural on campus today. Personal freedom and experimentation are the name of the game. Unfortunately, this trend is also impacting believers. In a recent survey conducted by Relevant Magazine, 80% of unmarried evangelical young adults said that they’ve already had sex. The tragic irony, of course, is that holiness leads to both better sex lives and healthier long-term relationships.
3. Biblical and Theological Literacy
When asked to name their favorite Bible verse, Americans most often select “God helps those who help themselves.” Of course, this “verse” is not from Scripture at all, but is a Benjamin Franklin aphorism. Similarly, when given four quotations, all purportedly from the Sermon on the Mount, only 37% of respondents can identify the right one. Developing mature and biblically knowledgeable next-generation disciples is imperative.
4. Ethnic Identity and Cross-Cultural Competence
Currently, about 30% of college students are people of color, a figure that will continue to increase in coming decades. To be salt and light in this multiethnic environment will require believers to be secure in their own ethnicities and to possess sophisticated cross-cultural wisdom. We need look no further than the apostle Paul to find a role model — trilingual, dual citizenship, and cultural boundary crosser. No wonder he was the greatest missionary and apologist of all time.
5. Vocational Discipleship
We boldly proclaim the lordship of Jesus Christ. Not only is He Savior of the world, but Lord over all things — including academic disciplines and careers. Students must be equipped to better integrate their faith with their fields of study — be they accountants, musicians, lawyer, or social workers. And faculty must be developed to better mesh faith, research and teaching.
6. Discipleship of the Mind
Up to 43% of American adults do not read a single book a year (according to a CBS News report). What a tragedy. Our minds are precious gifts from God to be shaped and sharpened under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Jesus’ first and greatest command is to “love the Lord your God with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength.” Fully-orbed discipleship is much wider than just worship, fellowship and service.
7. Vision and Heart for the World
With Urbana 12 just around the corner, InterVarsity continues its seven-decade commitment to sending missional students into the world. Last year alone, over 6,000 participated in domestic and global ministry activities. Since Urbana has challenged thousands of students to dedicate their lives to God’s global mission, is it any wonder that so many alumni serve as missionaries with churches overseas? Or with ministries such as World Relief, Servant Partners, International Justice Mission, and World Vision? It is our intent to keep this pipeline flowing.
As we diligently pursue these seven areas of emphasis over the next several years, please pray for Jason Jensen, who is heading our Discipleship Initiative, and for the working group he leads. So much is at stake.
Alec Hill is the president of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA.
