Academic Disciplines

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With only eight students and no identified student leaders, InterVarsity staff Dave and Erin Foster began their 2007 ministry year at Columbia College Chicago, a respected art school. By the end of the academic year, thirty to forty students were regularly attending chapter meetings, almost all of whom had strong leadership potential.

God has blessed the chapter by developing it into a thriving arts ministry in a short period of time. “We built a standard of leadership among the students which led to a culture of trust and encouragement that ricocheted around the chapter,” said Erin. They challenged their students to take active roles in the chapter, even though there were as yet no formal leadership positions.

Early on in the school year they kept their eyes open for students who were available, teachable, and displayed faithfulness and commitment to God. One student, Terry, demonstrated the transformation the chapter went through and exemplified the kind of students that could lead the chapter.

With Dave’s encouragement, Terry began an ongoing Critique Night – an emotionally safe place where Christians could show their artwork and get honest feedback about their pieces. Through his leadership of Critique Night, Terry’s faith grew tremendously, and Dave and Erin saw in him qualities that set him apart – leadership, creativity, and faithfulness to God. Terry’s excitement to lead has continued to grow, and he has begun to passionately communicate InterVarsity’s vision to the chapter.

The Fosters believe that if you challenge students to express their abilities with passion, the joy they find in leading ripples through the group.

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