Marks of a Strong Chapter

By Doug Whallon

This section has been excerpted from Doug's research project, "What Makes a Strong InterVarsity Fellowship?" To collect his data, Doug interviewed 14 staff from some of our stronger chapters in the United States. The following nine "Marks" were consistent responses to his questioning.

1. Strong Student Leaders/Leadership Teams to Serve and Lead

• Vision
• Calling to commitment
• Leadership selection
• Continuous process; every class (year) of students

2. Partnership of Staff and Students

• Trust
• Openness
• Close partnership

3. Community (in large group)

• High-quality relationships
• Good large group meetings: worship, music, teaching

4. Evangelism

• Corporate and Individual

5. Small Groups

• Training of leaders
• Implementation of clear sense of vision
• Development of new and future small group leaders
• Accountability: protect leaders and small groups from detaching

6. Training

• Establishment of life patterns in various areas
• Focused topic on strategy for training

7. New Student Outreach

• Relational welcome
• Structural integration

8. Prayer

• Dependence on God

9. Traditions which:

• Lead to progress
• Make constructive contributions