What is InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA?

Updated

InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA is a campus ministry that establishes and advances witnessing communities of students and faculty. Its stated purpose is to help students and faculty follow Jesus with their whole lives, for the rest of their lives. If you are a college student, faculty member, alumnus, parent, pastor, or donor looking for a Christian community on campus, InterVarsity is organized around those identities and offers a way to join, lead, or support that work.

What InterVarsity does

InterVarsity describes itself as "a campus community that helps students and faculty follow Jesus with their whole lives, for the rest of their lives." Its mission language centers on reaching "every student on every campus with the hope of Jesus" and on "Longing for Revival on Every Campus."

The ministry's work is expressed through:

  • Campus communities — witnessing communities of students and faculty at individual campuses.
  • Spiritual formation — resources intended to strengthen faith during college.
  • Campus stories — published accounts of students and staff, such as athletes at UW-River Falls, artists, and students navigating loss.
  • Faculty ministry — equipping Christian professors to integrate faith and scholarship.
  • Alumni and donor engagement — supporting former chapters and staying connected after graduation.

Who it serves

InterVarsity organizes its site around specific audiences. The homepage asks visitors to identify as one of the following:

Identity What the site offers
Student Join an InterVarsity community on campus
Alumni Connect with other alumni; give to a former chapter; access perks and resources
Faculty Learn about Faculty Ministry; join or lead a faculty community
Donor Give to support the mission; view the annual report
Parent Find a place for a student to belong and grow in faith
Pastor Connect a student or campus to InterVarsity

How to get involved

The site provides several entry points depending on your situation:

  • Join a community — "Find your place to belong and grow your faith in college" and sign up for an InterVarsity community on your campus.
  • Start something new — Learn how to reach your campus, a corner of campus, or an unreached campus.
  • Grow in your faith — Explore spiritual formation resources.
  • Support your alma mater — Give to your former chapter or fill out the alumni form for updates and events.
  • Faculty — Learn how to connect, lead, or launch a Christian faculty community, and find tools for faculty flourishing.
  • Give — Support the mission financially and view the annual report to see impact.

Notable events and resources

  • Urbana 25 — A conference promoted on the homepage, with registration open for Dec. 28–31.
  • Alumni resources — Include IVP book discounts and a podcast.
  • Campus and staff stories — Published regularly, covering topics such as athletes, art, loss, and ministry to Gen Z.

What to check before deciding

  • Campus availability — InterVarsity communities exist at many campuses, but not all. Use the "Join an InterVarsity community" signup to confirm whether a chapter exists at your school.
  • Role-specific paths — Students, faculty, alumni, and donors each have distinct next steps; choose the path matching your current situation.
  • Event timing — Urbana 25 registration is time-bound (Dec. 28–31), so confirm deadlines if you plan to attend.
  • Giving details — The site links to giving and an annual report; specific fund designations and amounts are handled through those pages.