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Have you understood the victory? No weapons of ours were stained with blood; our feet did not stand in the front lines of battle; we suffered no wounds; witnessed no tumults…
The cross did all these wonderful things for us; the cross is a war memorial erected against the demons.
The Cross is the Father’s will, the glory of the Only-begotten, the Spirit’s exultation, the beauty of angels, the guardian of the church.
-John Chrysostom
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Greetings,
As we follow Jesus, we are continually being redeemed and called into God’s ongoing redeeming, restoring, and healing work on earth now, just as it is heaven. Yet, how will we respond? The quote above encourages us to point beyond ourselves to the Cross. Victory was won non-violently, where we now see the cross as something other than torture and death, paradoxically, we see life. Simply, we are to be a people not of destruction, but of restoration.
The promise is true, that God rose Jesus from the dead and now we have a crown of beauty for our ashes, a garment of praise instead of despair. Let us walk in this new life abiding with Jesus and serving others as Jesus did. Let's seek to be people who recognize the unmerited grace we’ve received and in turn sow grace, hope, and love. For God so loved, let us love.
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In this issue:
- Ministering in the Present Movement: FREE Webinars
- Discipleship Care: Prayer, Scripture, Redemption
- Pastoral Insights: Seminary Now Church Scholarship Program
- InterVarsity Recommendation: After IV Podcast, NEW IVP Video Bible Study
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Ministering in the Present Moment:
Church Resource Webinars
Our webinars seek to unpack ways to engage with our congregations and communities in creative and flourishing ways. Be a part of our next FREE webinars. More information & registration.
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Walking, Growing, & Learning together with this next generation.
Featuring: Jason Gaboury, National Director of Alumni Relations and Author of "Wait With Me".
Date: Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at 2:00pm (EST)
11:00am (PST) 1:00pm (CST) 8:00am (Hawaii)
Reaching young adults has at times been a struggle for the global church. Presently, we are experiencing a great exodus from the church, including with GenZ recent graduates. Nearly 70% of young Christian teens are walking away from the Church. How might local churches even begin to reach out when a lot of this generation associates the Church with sexism, racism, and injustice?
Let’s learn together ways in which we can connect with a generation who’s expressed a deep desire for honest and safe community, vulnerable mentors, spiritual conversations, and social justice for all. Join us and leadership from our Alumni team as we explore together innovative ways to embody the beauty of the Bride and in turn, connect with this next generation of young adult graduates.
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Discipleship Care: Prayer, Scripture, Redemption
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Prayer:
Approaching Conflict Theologically with Hospitality and Humility
In a time of overwhelming divisions on campus and in our culture, learn how to approach conflict theologically, with hospitality to students and faculty from every background. Since October 2023 many U.S. campuses have been divided on the issues surrounding the conflict in Israel and Palestine. InterVarsity campus staff and students have asked for a resource to help them bring this situation and the people suffering in it before the Lord in prayer. Below is a prayer guide compiled and written by our Multiethnic Initiatives, Spiritual Foundations, and Scripture Engagement teams. This has been intended to be used on campus – but we believe helpful for the Church- as we all intercede for our siblings.
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Scripture:
Looking for a way to go deeper in Scripture? InterVarsity is known for the way we teach students inductive manuscript study, using the three phases of Observation, Interpretation, Application.
"The way we study the Bible with InterVarsity. . . . everyone’s on the same page, like no one knows more than someone else. We’re all starting off at the same level.” ––former InterVarsity student
Learn how to study the Bible, how to lead Bible studies for others, and find pre-made studies you can go through with your church small group, friends, and family by clicking the button below.
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Redemption:
Freshman Find Community Through InterVarsity: Elon University
"I was like 'I need someone to talk to about God' and she was like, 'Great, let's meet up!'"
Check out this video about how these students at Elon University are finding faith community through InterVarsity!
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Pastoral Insights: Seminary Now Church Scholarship Program
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Invest in Your Church's Growth – Scholarships Available
Is your church eager to grow in biblical knowledge and ministry impact, but facing financial limitations? Seminary Now is here to help!
Our Church Scholarship Program for under-resourced communities could cut your costs by 50%, giving your church access to expert-led video courses on theology, leadership, and more.
Benefits of Seminary Now:
Applying only takes five minutes!
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InterVarsity Recommendations
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Post Grad Resources!
Our Alumni department is postured not only to help our students transition flourishingly post-graduation, but they long to help the ecumenical family be resourced in reaching, connecting, and lovingly disciple a generation of young adults navigate being a faithful Jesus follower in faith and life. Be sure to check out them out on their socials, After IV Podcast, and main Landing Web Page.
What has your post-graduation experience been? The After IV podcast exists to provide expert advice and stories from alumni just like you to help navigate this new season.
AFTER IV: THE PODCAST FOR INTERVARSITY ALUMNI.
Subscribe: Apple Spotify Google
Socials: Instagram Facebook SpeakPipe
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New IVP Bible Study Guide!
Over and over again, Scripture reminds us of God's faithfulness and mercy. God's stunning promises to his followers in Isaiah 40–48—I am with you, I will strengthen and help you, I will uphold you—offered reassurance and comfort during difficult days. The good news is that God's promises spoken through the prophet Isaiah are also true for us today!
Using IVP's new Bible study guide Upheld alongside weekly teaching videos, your group can join Bible teacher Kori de Leon in a new six-week Bible study experience on Isaiah!
Upheld is the first of a new kind of Bible study experience from IVP. These new Bible studies, including the upcoming Moms at the Well, Hear My Prayer, and Live in the Light, offer you a fresh opportunity to engage with Scripture.
Each study includes:
• weekly sessions for a group of any size
• access to weekly teaching videos
• five days of individual study and reflection each week
Discover this refreshing, accessible, and insightful content from trusted Bible teachers that will encourage you in your faith!
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Grace & Peace,
Tim Whetstone-Espada
National Director of Church Engagement (& Resources)
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READ AND ENJOY MORE RESOURCES HERE