Giving leadership away to students!

One of the aspects of InterVarsity that I love is that InterVarsity depends on student leadership to run almost every aspect of the group. As they lead in college I believe their faith grows immensely and they go on to become leaders in the church, in their work and in their families that bring people closer to Jesus. They are becoming World Changers starting by leading the the people in InterVarsity and on campus right around them.

Students lead:

• Bible Study Small Groups
• Worship team
• Large Group
• Outreach/Evangelism
• Service - (homeless hygiene kits)
• Disciplsehip
• Fun Events
• Prayer Meetings
• ...

Our role as staff is to empower and train students in spiritual leadership to develop students in these different areas through:

• Spiritual Formation
• Active Discipleship
• Large Group teaching
• Bible Study leadership meetings
• Leadership meetings
• Coaching
• Vision Casting
• Challenging students and the fellowship
• ...

For me student leadership was how I grew the most in my faith. As I was responsible to lead a bible study I really invested more in my own personal study and devotionals in God's Word. As I was called to more and more leadership I was challenged in new ways and I had to depend on God more.

From this year a few stories of student leadership:

Aris Doike. 

This year he was a junior. He is a cello player and music is his major. He came into this year with a lot of potential but not a lot of experience or solid foundation. Through leading a bible study together we went through the ups and downs and I was able to encourage and challenge Aris in his faith and leadership. It was amazing to see him step up and become really passionate about InterVarsity and God's mission! A big step was when we split our small gorup bible study and he had to start leading on his own and developing Grace a freshmen to colead with him. This really stretched him but he is glad he did it. During that time I was able to disciple and coach him through meeting regularly and debriefing and praying for his small group. 

Another amazing story was how Aris felt his cello playing was separate from InterVarsity and God. I continually challenged him to invite God into his music. Then he shared later how in praying into that God gave him a vision of playing his cello in a white room and as if he was playing all for God's glory. When his arm muscles tightened which is a major problem he faces Jesus came and wrapped Aris in his arms and eased the muscles. When Aris performed at his junior recital which is a major part of his career in music I attended with most of the InterVarsity group of like 50. He said he had never felt so at peace in a performance because this time he was playing for God and not for an audience or to look good. What a beatiful story of God transforming hearts. And what beautiful music God has enabled Aris to play to his glory!

I believe Aris might be called to InterVarsity staff, but even if he goes in the music world I believe he is going to Change the World through the people around him!