MADISON, WIS., July 15, 2004 — Dr. Alec Hill, President of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, announced today the appointment of Barney Ford as Vice President and Director of Strategic Ministries, effective August 1, 2004.
Dr. Hill said, “The Strategic Ministries leadership team focuses on niche campus groups, develops our staff and stewards many of our Core Commitments – evangelism, prayer, spiritual formation, leadership development and extending the Kingdom cross-culturally on campus.”
Mr. Ford’s new role will include supervision of the following ministries – Staff Development and Training, International Student Ministry, Greek (Fraternities and Sororities) Ministry, Evangelism, and Nurses Christian Fellowship.
Mr. Ford has been with InterVarsity for 35 years serving in a wide variety of positions – Campus Staff Member, Area Director, Regional Director, Associate Director of Campus Ministry, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Urbana Director and Dean of Leadership Development.
In accepting the position letter Mr. Ford summarized his feelings about this new opportunity:
“The life long mission of God for my life has been students and the university in the context of the ministry of InterVarsity. My understanding of God’s call, mission and the guidance that focused me on the spiritual disciplines and leadership development for our staff has not changed. It is my understanding of how the Lord would have me fulfill that mission and guidance that has changed. I am very grateful for the season of ministry apart from positional authority. I learned a great deal and that season is now complete. As I continue to learn, the time to re-engage in serving by leading has arrived…
The Scriptures teach that God gives us ministry by his mercy (2 Cor. 4:1) and that productivity in ministry is only from God (1 Cor. 3:6-7). May God’s mercy continue to be lavished upon us and may God bring a great increase of the Kingdom in the university world. In accepting your offer I am utterly dependent upon both.”
In addition to his work within InterVarsity, Ford has chaired several boards – International Fellowship of Evangelical Students (IFES), Chapel of the Air Ministries and the Christian Partnership Council. He continues to serve as a Vice President of International Fellowship of Evangelical Students.
Mr. Ford is married to Arlene. They have three daughters and reside in Madison, Wisconsin.
