Alphabet Soup: IVME, AAIV, GCF, and more

We are often asked, "Why are there so many Christians at the U of C?" Okay, we don't usually get that question (we wish we did!). But a similar question often arises: "Why are there so many Christian groups on campus?"

At the University of Chicago, "Intervarsity" refers to 3-6 different student groups, depending on how you count. Such a division may seem negative, knowing we are to make "every effort to keep the unity" (Ephesians 4:3). So why divide ourselves into so many groups?

Undergraduate IVME and AAIV

The question comes up most frequently as people compare the two undergraduate chapters: the multi-ethnic chapter (IVME) and Asian-American chapter (AAIV). Its answer comes by understanding how we see God working at the U of C. We believe He is shaping each chapter into a unique witness on our campus. As Paul writes, "Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone." (1 Cor 12:4-6, ESV). Both groups, then, are surely united under the same Spirit, but minister in specific ways using the unique gifts God has provided.

When considering which fellowship to join, the questions should be, "What is God calling me to right now? What challenges should I be seeking in worship, and what type of witness is he shaping me to be?"

Is God calling you specifically to be a witness to your Asian-American friends, or do you want to learn more about how the tradition of the Christian faith meets and intertwines with Asian-American culture? Or is God asking you to challenge yourself by stepping away from your cultural ties to understand how he works in many traditions?

Each person may answer that question differently. My friend Clarence, an Asian-American, answered the questions one way--and served four years in IVME, including two years on the Ministry Team. His younger brother Philip answered the questions differently--and had a fruitful ministry as a musical worship leader in AAIV. Both of them made the right choice.

Both groups work with the same vision in mind: to be a witnessing community for Jesus Christ on the U of C campus. But we know that God calls us to be specific witnesses at specific moments. Challenge yourself by seeking how the Lord might teach you and use you during your time here in either chapter.

Graduate GCF and other groups: CBSA, CLS, PCF

We used to have one chapter of both undergraduates and graduate students. We found that, while all members are united in the Holy Spirit and Christian love, the concerns and challenges facing graduates and undergraduates are different. For instance, all students face the question of "vocation"--but for an undergraduate this may mean, "where is God leading me after college?" A graduate student, on the other hand, may ask: "Now that God has led me into academia, what does it mean to be a Christian mathematician or a Christian chemist?"

Another example difference is in witnessing: for undergraduates this often means sharing Christ with friends, classmates, and roommates. Graduate students do this too, but also wrestle with other questions--for instance, if and when a Christian TA or lecturer can share his/her faith with their students.

Our fellow Christians in the professional schools face their own set of challenges. B-School students, for instance, feel keenly the issues of financial stewardship and employee relations. Law School students serve the Prince of Peace in a largely adversarial system of justice. Students in the Pritzker School of Medicine grapple with questions of bioethics, patient dignity, and intellectual pride. To meet these needs, Christian students formed the Christian Business Students Association (CBSA), the Christian Legal Society (CLS), and the Pritzker Christian Fellowship (PCF), and InterVarsity staff support and advise them.

We, the undergraduate chapters, find our graduate brethren a source of wisdom and encouragement, and we have both formal and informal contacts.

The future: more or less?

Will there ever be a merger of all groups into one single uber-fellowship? Probably not, though all groups remain open to God's will on this matter. The history of IVCF, both in general and at the U of C, seem to indicate that bigger is not always better. At present, our divisions strengthen our ministry, as we proclaim God's love for every person in the University, from President Randel to the newest first-year.

Whatever your academic status or University affiliation, Intervarsity welcomes you.