85 Years. One Calling.
Thank You for Making 85 Years of Campus Ministry Possible.
You are this story. Whether you were involved in InterVarsity as a student or faculty member, gave as a donor, or read an InterVarsity Press book, you played a part in these 85 years of ministry.
From One Campus to an Entire Movement
The Early Years
Three staff. One mission. In 1941, students at the University of Michigan said yes to Jesus and started something that wouldn't stop. Just five years later, in 1946, that same spirit sent students to Toronto for the first Student Missions Convention — the gathering that would grow into Urbana and call generations of students into global missions.
Post-War Opportunity on Campus
Colleges were bursting with students, and InterVarsity met the moment. Interactive Bible study methods brought joy to students and attracted them to our ministry, making Bible study a foundational aspect of our movement.
Witnessing Communities in a Changing Culture
As culture and campus life changed rapidly, InterVarsity formed witnessing communities focused on evangelism, discipleship, and missions during a decade of upheaval.
Multiethnicity and Evangelism
At Urbana '70, Tom Skinner challenged students to see the gospel as good news for the whole person — body and soul, campus and society. It was a turning point: multiethnic ministry and bold evangelism stopped being separate tracks and became one calling.
Going Global
InterVarsity staff wanted to partner with movements across the globe. As a founding member of the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students (IFES), we decided to combine efforts with them and form InterVarsity Link. This unique program let U.S. staff serve at the invitation of sister student movements abroad and learn about campus ministry from them.
From the Corners to the World
InterVarsity students soon followed the lead of staff. With the establishment of Global Programs, students embarked on missions trips to serve and learn from other cultures. Ethnic specific ministries like Black Campus Ministries and Asian American Ministries also experienced growth, allowing us to reach more corners of campus.
Momentum in Outreach
As college enrollment rose in the 2000s, InterVarsity communities established new methods to share the gospel and to engage the diverse campus culture in spiritual conversation, increasing the momentum of outreach.
Setting Goals in Boldness
In the 2010s, we saw more than 35,000 students commit their lives to Jesus for the first time. After the appointment of our current president, Tom Lin, the 2030 Calling was introduced: a new initiative to establish Christian community on every college campus in the country by 2030.
Strength in Hardship
Adapting brought us strength. Amid a global pandemic and technological changes, we changed our methods to meet spiritual needs of Gen Z. Virtual ministry brought a new angle to evangelism, we learned how to better use social media to reach new students, and we created more online resources like the Ministry Playbook.
God's Work Through Generations of Students
Each InterVarsity student plants seeds during their time on campus, and Brandon was no exception. Every student’s impact multiplies, and every seed becomes a life transformed by Jesus.
Transforming Lives Through Scripture
Hear It From an InterVarsity World Changer
Brian Chung on combining Scripture with visual art through Alabaster.
Brett & Rachael Dixon on planting faith-based small groups at work.
Natasha Paradeshi's journey to creating an anti-trafficking ministry.