Proud to Be IV: Why Our New Campus Staff Chose InterVarsity

Across the country, InterVarsity communities create spaces for college students to thrive and become world-changers. But InterVarsity wouldn’t be the life-giving space it is without our thousands of faithful staff who have dedicated their lives to this mission. 

This year, hundreds of new staff, many of them Gen Z, have answered God’s call to campus. Many were InterVarsity students themselves and want to continue serving the community that impacted them. Others have a special heart for students and the college campus. And others chose this because they are in love with InterVarsity’s mission and how God uses it for his kingdom.

No matter their reason for joining staff, one thing remains the same; our new staff are proud to work for InterVarsity, and they won’t hesitate to tell you why!

Serving Because They Were Served

“Because of InterVarsity, I had a place where I could discover my own faith for the first time,” Bryce, a new campus staff at the University of Oregon, said. “In college, away from my family, I had to learn how to take my mental health seriously on my own, but the discipleship, Bible studies, and large gatherings allowed me a place to figure it out with people who really cared about me. It is a joy to say yes and see what God can do on a college campus and inside of my own heart.”

For A’Lvinia, having a place for Black students on campus to follow Jesus together was transformative. On staff, she dedicates herself to maintaining that space on her alma mater, Michigan State University. 

“When I was a freshman, my now mentor had casted vision for what Black Christian community could look like on our campus, and it instantly drew me in,” she said. “So, I joined staff because I want to continue to build that community and help mentor students spiritually in the same way I was mentored.”

“InterVarsity was where I learned how to share my faith with others and develop a heart that actually loves others,” Isaac, a new campus minister in California, said. “And I've witnessed others impacted in the same way: unlikely students becoming missional leaders in the chapter.”

A Heart for the College Campus

“I said YES to coming on staff with [InterVarsity] because I LOVE students!” a new Greek IV staff, Gabby, said. 

“College students are just so curious!” Cale adds, describing the chapter he staffs at in Minnesota. “It is only in Christ that someone can find the truest life many are searching for, and college students are in a season where they are searching for it. I said yes to InterVarsity because this is a ministry sharing Jesus’s message of true life with a population in dire need of it.”

For Ethan, a staff at Weber State University, campus ministry isn’t just important; it’s crucial.  “[InterVarsity] reaches a demographic that I believe is overlooked. Your young adult years are crucial in defining who you want to become. Having a space where people can learn about Jesus and the gospel message is important, because the gospel saves lives!” he said. “My generation (Gen Z) is hurting. There's a lot of hurt, injustice, and loss in the world. We need Jesus more than ever and InterVarsity is one of the movements at the forefront of reaching those who are seeking something more.”

In Love With the Mission

For many campus staff, it was InterVarsity’s unique mission and culture that influenced their decision to say yes. This was the case for Douglas, a staff in Utah.

“I really like how faithful InterVarsity is. They really know how to balance denominational differences with unity in Christ, and I think that's super important as students make the faith of their youth their own!”

Jennifer, a staff at Ohio State University, agrees: “It’s incredible to work for a ministry that acknowledges the vastness of God, whether that be theologically, racially, as a creation, or in our diverse identities.”

For Ellie, staff at the University of Montana, it’s the tangible impact of the ministry that inspires her: “Part of InterVarsity’s mission is to develop world-changers and I love getting to play a small part in that. It’s inspiring to me to be part of teaching students to follow Jesus with their whole lives, for the rest of their lives.”

Our movement starts with the college campus, but it doesn’t end there. By ministering to the college campus, we can make an impact on the world.

Sound like something you want to be a part of? We’re hiring! Explore opportunities here.