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TRANSCRIPT
Prospective Staff Handbook (updated Nov 2014)
Red River RegionTexas - Oklahoma - Arkansas
Table of Contents
Overview of InterVarsity USA
What are our core commitments? 3What is our doctrinal basis? 4National Overview 5Regional Overview 7
InterVarsity Staff Roles & Responsibilities
Campus staff positions 9Campus Staff Member 10What kind of people are we seeking? 11Ministry Intern Program 12
The Hiring Process
What is the appointment/placement process? 13Time line of events 14
Funding the Ministry and Staff Benefits
What will my salary be? 15Sample Staff budgets 16How will I raise the ministry budget? 17How are “overhead” funds used? 18What benefits do we provide? 19
Life on Staff
How will I be supervised and trained? 21What about my future? 22What is the impact of staff life on singles? 23What is the impact of staff life on married couples? 24
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What are our Core Commitments?
Context College and University: We are called to be a redeeming influence among its
people, ideas and structures. Formation
Scripture: We encounter the living God through scripture and are transformed by the Holy Spirit as we read, study, teach and obey His Word.
Prayer: We express our faith, love and dependence on God through lives of prayer and worship.
Spiritual Formation: We cultivate intimacy with God and growth in Christ-like character through personal and corporate spiritual disciplines, empowered by the Spirit.
Community: We promote authentic relationships and redemptive communities marked by God's grace and truth.
Discipleship of the Mind: We engage in learning and thoughtful Biblical reflection in every area of life.
Leadership Development: We develop women and men to serve as leaders at every level of InterVarsity and ultimately for the Kingdom of God, honoring God's gifts and calling in them.
Expression Evangelism: We proclaim and live out the gospel with love and boldness,
calling people to repentance, faith and new life in Jesus Christ. Whole Life Stewardship: We proclaim Jesus as Lord over all creation and
culture, striving to integrate faith, life and vocation in serving Him. Ethnic Reconciliation and Justice: We pursue ethnic reconciliation by
practicing mutual empowerment, grace and truth and by promoting personal and systemic justice.
Church: We partner with churches in campus ministry and equip students, faculty and staff to be lifelong active members in local congregations.
Missions: We serve God and partner with His people to extend His kingdom cross-culturally on campus and around the world.
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What is our Doctrinal Basis?
We believe in:
The only true God, the almighty Creator of all things, existing eternally in three persons– Father, Son, and Holy Spirit–full of love and glory.
The unique divine inspiration, entire trustworthiness and authority of the Bible.
The value and dignity of all people: created in God's image to live in love and holiness, but alienated from God and each other because of our sin and guilt, and justly subject to God’s wrath.
Jesus Christ, fully human and fully divine, who lived as a perfect example, who assumed the judgment due sinners by dying in our place, and who was bodily raised from the dead and ascended as Savior and Lord.
Justification by God's grace to all who repent and put their faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation.
The indwelling presence and transforming power of the Holy Spirit, who gives to all believers a new life and a new calling to obedient service.
The unity of all believers in Jesus Christ, manifest in worshiping and witnessing churches making disciples throughout the world.
The victorious reign and future personal return of Jesus Christ, who will judge all people with justice and mercy, giving over the unrepentant to eternal condemnation but receiving the redeemed into eternal life.
To God be glory forever.
Adopted by the Board of TrusteesOctober 20, 2000
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National Overview
Collegiate MinistriesIn 2012-2013, InterVarsity had 909 chapters on 590 campuses. Many campuses have more than one chapter, which may include separate outreaches to international students, sororities and fraternities, and ethnic minority groups, as well as career-specific graduate student chapters. During the 2012-2013 school year, 38,580 core students and faculty were actively involved in InterVarsity, 59% of the students were women and 41% men. There are 1,025 InterVarsity field staff who minister to these students and faculty.
Multi-Ethnic Ministry
Approximately 36% of the college population (not counting internationals) identify themselves as ethnic minorities.
Of the 37,040 active InterVarsity students, 13,673, or 36%, identify themselves as ethnic minority or multiracial students.
InterVarsity has 160 Asian American staff, 55 African American staff, 38 Hispanic/Latino staff, four American Indian or Alaskan Native staff, two Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander staff, and 24 “two or more races” staff.
Specialized areas of ministry include Black Campus Ministries (including 17 BCM chapters), Asian American Ministries (31 chapters), and Latino Fellowship (including 9 LaFe chapters) with a Native ministry emerging.
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Graduate and Faculty Ministry
191 chapters are primarily oriented to graduate students, professional students, and/or faculty.
1,540 faculty members are involved with InterVarsity and 4,705 graduate students are actively involved with InterVarsity.
Nurses Christian Fellowship
During the 2011-2012 school year, 1,073 students participated in 95 Nurses Christian Fellowship groups in Schools of Nursing. 21 students came to faith through the ministry of NCF.
1,081 professional nurses were involved in Nurses Christian Fellowship during the same period.
Many other students and professionals are reached through the Journal of Christian Nursing and conferences which focus on applying a Christian worldview to the field of Nursing.
Evangelism
3,279 first-time professions of faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord reported by chapter leaders (more than double the same number from seven years ago).
3,626 students attended the 1,656 GIGs (Groups Investigating God) held during 2012-2013.
47,936 seekers participated in evangelistic events. 67,853 students followed-up after New Student Outreach.
International Student Ministry
International students in the United States number 819,644 from 219 countries, according to the Open Doors 2013 Report from the Institute of International Education. China sends the most students, more than the next four countries combined: India, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Canada.
124 InterVarsity staff members work to develop international witnessing communities on campus, including official volunteer staff.
4,169 International students are regularly involved in both undergraduate and graduate fellowships, including 54 fellowships specifically for International students.
Greek Ministry
Currently, there are 750,000 fraternity and sorority students on over 800 campuses across the United States. These students hold a
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disproportionate amount of leadership on campus and historically hold significant leadership positions after graduation.
A total of 3,120 students were involved with Greek InterVarsity on 75 campuses, including 29 campuses with fraternity and sorority specific
fellowships.
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Red River Regional Overview
30 campuses - 41 chapters - 55 staff - 1,800 students
Strategic Staffing in Red River (more details if applicable)
Austin College Austin Community Colleges Rice U San Antonio Community Colleges Stephen F. Austin U Texas A&M Asian American IV & South Asian IV Texas Tech U Trinity U (Int'l Student Ministry & Multiethnic) University of Central OK U of Oklahoma (South Asian IV & Multiethnic) UT Austin AACM (Female Staff) UT Austin One Way South Asian IV UT Arlington South Asian IV UT Dallas (Multiethnic & South Asian IV) UT San Antonio
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Red River Regional Directors
Regional DirectorJason Thomas
Associate Regional DirectorAndrea Thomas
Area Directors
Central Texas Area DirectorAndy [email protected]
North Texas State Area DirectorLinson [email protected]
North Texas Private Area DirectorErin [email protected]
Oklahoma/Arkansas Area DirectorChris [email protected]
South Texas Area DirectorAna [email protected]
Texas Gulf Coast Area Director Josh [email protected]
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Campus Staff PositionsCampus Staff Member (CSM) position involves staffing one or two campuses, with additional responsibility in the area and region as assigned. (See job description). CSM's generally are asked to make a four year commitment.
Campus Interns (CI) work on one campus under the supervision and training of a senior staff member. Except in rare circumstances, all new staff spends a year as CI's to receive training and orientation to staff work. Each CI takes one day per week away from campus work for directed study related to InterVarsity staff.
A Ministry Intern (MI) is a one-year, limited-term position in which the individual receives intensive training and is paid a monthly stipend. A supervisory decision is made at the end of the year as to whether or not the individual will transition to ongoing staff or leave staff altogether.
Campus Affiliates (CA) are folks who wish to, or are able to work part time, requiring only a portion of a full salary from another organization. This opens up the possibility of a "tent maker" type of service, where the staff person is a full member of the staff team and is present at all/most events. This is a great way for some to try out staff while paying off student loans or working in their field of study.
Campus Volunteer (CV) positions range from people who work 10-20 hours a week on a particular campus, to people who volunteer at special events.
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Campus Staff MemberPURPOSE: Campus Staff Members provide leadership for the implementation of the Purpose of InterVarsity: to establish and advance at colleges and universities witnessing communities of students and faculty who follow Jesus as Savior and Lord: growing in love for God, God's Word, God's people of every ethnicity and culture, and God's purposes in the world.
Personal Be a maturing disciple of Jesus Christ: growing in love for God, God's Word, God's
people of every ethnicity and culture, and God's purposes in the world.
Leadership Establish and advance witnessing communities of students and faculty who follow
Jesus as Savior and Lord at assigned campus by:o Developing student leadership teamso Training, providing teaching, resources and opportunities for students and faculty
to grow in their love for God and the Scriptureso Instructing and assisting students and faculty in growing in their love for God’s
people of every ethnicity and culture and for God’s purposes in the worldo Encouraging and exhorting a prayerful lifestyle in students and faculty, growing
from and feeding a love for all people who do not follow Jesus as Savior and Lord
o Praying and working for opportunities to proclaim and demonstrate the Gospel of Jesus Christ in every part of campus life
o Recruiting students and providing leadership for conference eventso Providing pastoral care for leadership team, students and faculty o Guiding chapters in the development of strategic thinking regarding witness to
the university
Administration Assure compliance with InterVarsity policies and procedures by:
o Adhering to the risk management policieso Following the budgeting and expense reporting guidelineso Fulfilling monthly reporting requirementso Fulfilling national reporting requirements
Fund Development and Public Relations Maintain sound financial status for the area by:
o Securing personal financial and prayer supporto Nurturing donor relationships through visits, phone calls and regular prayer
letterso Ensuring compliance with national fund development guidelines (30 days per
year)o Maintaining expenses within allocated budget
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What kind of people are we seeking?While we are serious about looking for people who live out the following qualities, skills, and knowledge, we realize that no one perfectly embodies them, except Jesus Christ. Equally important to their presence in the life and ministry of prospective staff is a lifestyle of continued growth and development in each of these areas.
Personal Life
A conviction of God's present call on you to student ministry A deep commitment to live out Christ's Lordship in every aspect of your lifeAbility to take risksInitiative to shape life rather than waiting for life to shape youInternal motivationBasic spiritual disciplines establishedFaithful involvement in a local churchAbility to work comfortably with others, seeking their best in team situationsCommitment to finding personal role in world evangelizationA person that it would be good for others to imitate - (1 Cor. 11:1, 2 Tim. 2:2, Heb. 13:7)
Skills
Discipling ministry in the lives of other peopleCompetence in leading a small group through community, worship, nurture, and outreachClear and motivating written and oral communicationAbility to share your faithAbility in recruiting others to participate in events and programsAbility to develop students into leaders through biblical influence
Knowledge
ScriptureUnderstanding and commitment to the InterVarsity Doctrinal BasisA pattern of Christian study and integrationAwareness of personal issues of dysfunction and growth towards health
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Ministry Intern ProgramPurpose: This is an opportunity to “try on for size” what it’s like to be on InterVarsity staff for a one-year commitment. You will make an impact on campus while receiving training in the basics of campus ministry. This is designed for those who are still discerning God’s call to make a longer commitment to InterVarsity staff or who are unable to make a 4-year commitment. This is also an opportunity for InterVarsity leadership to assess character, skills and giftedness of potential full time staff.
Requirements: Term: 1 Year May to mid-August spent in Fund Development mid-August to May at campus assignment Campus Time: 20-30 hours/week on campus Maximum of 30 hours/week at other paying job, if necessary Fund Development: Raise budget in commitments prior to New Student Outreach Covers a stipend, ministry expenses and training expenses Need to arrange for your own health insurance outside of InterVarsity
Training & Objectives: Fund development training in May Regional training retreats in August and January with Ministry Intern class Development of annual plan and learning objectives by Sep 1 Mentoring and development by Intern Trainer through on-the-job training, writing
assignments and monthly meetings Emphasis on New Student Outreach, evangelism, leadership, Scripture teaching,
vision casting, student discipleship and personal spiritual maturity Participation in regional student training events (e.g. Breakthrough & one Rec
Week) Potential participation in and development at Area Team events and Regional
Staff Conference Honest assessment of suitability to InterVarsity staff
Application Process: MI Application & references due according to Area Interviews in defendant on area Announcement of MI teams and campus placement by March New Staff and MI Fund Development Training in May Campus Staff Member Application & references due by January 31st of following
year
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What is the appointment/placement process? Assignments in the Red River Region of InterVarsity are determined on the basis of four factors, combined with a deep desire to hear the will of God in prayer.
1. The current strategic ministry need.2. InterVarsity's ability to provide adequate training, supervision and support.3. The right fit for the prospective staff member's gifts, interests and potential
funding with the available assignments.4. The personal preferences of the staff member.
The decision-making process for staff placement is as follows:1. An individual either seeks out InterVarsity or is recommended by an
InterVarsity staff member for consideration.
2. The area director or staff person who is first involved with the potential staff person does an initial interview.
3. On the basis of the initial interview, the staff directors decide whether or not to invite the individual to enter the formal paper application process.
4. For the next academic year, the potential staff member fills out the application and submits it before January 31st. No incomplete or late applications will be accepted. The application is reviewed by all the staff directors, and possibly others in InterVarsity. Having reviewed the applications, a decision is made as to whether or not to offer the candidate a final interview.
5. If a final interview is granted, the candidate is interviewed by the staff directors’ team and possibly other InterVarsity staff. (These interviews occur at the end of February or beginning of March). During these interviews, and before, the candidates will be made aware of our placement options and asked about placement preferences.
6. All candidates receive a phone call within a couple of days of the decision, with letters of appointment going to each individual to whom we offer positions.
7. Placement decisions are made in conjunction with our hiring. When a staff position is offered, it will most often be in conjunction with a placement within the region.
8. After appointment and placement decisions are made, applicants have a week or so to decide whether to accept or reject the offer and notify the staff director in writing.
9. If the decision is to join InterVarsity staff, formal fund raising training is provided in April over a weekend - and fund raising begins immediately.
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Time Line of Events (2014-15)
All references and applications must be emailed by the deadlines noted above to
Heidi Kennedy [email protected]
Rather than requiring a hard copy of these documents signed in ink, a copy of the document will be accepted by email with both the:
1. Appropriate name, as it would be normally be signed,2. Last four digits of the individual’s social security number typed in place of the
formal ink signature or zip code is acceptable.
All hand-written references and university transcripts can be mailed to:
InterVarsity Christian FellowshipAttention: Heidi Kennedy2200 San Antonio StAustin, TX 78705
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All References DueJanuary 17th
Applications Due January 31st
Interviews and DecisionsFeb. 24-26th
Fund Development TrainingLate May
Orientation for New StaffMid-End of June
What will my salary be?Believing what Jesus says that “the worker is worth the wage,” InterVarsity's goal is to pay staff a salary comparable to what peers would receive if working in the field of secondary education.
Campus Staff/Campus Interns
Under the supervision of the Regional Director, Area Directors set salaries using a national salary scale and the following guidelines:1. A person joining staff right out of college begins at either a Campus Intern
level or Level 1, depending on the status of their appointment.2. If a person joins staff with graduate degrees and/or years of experience in a
parallel profession, that person enters at a level commensurate with their formal training and/or experience.
3. Full salary begins when staff member raises 100% support or has enough funds in escrow to warrant full salary, while the rest is raised.
Each year a person serves on staff, he/she is eligible for an increase in salary. Increases are conditional on the raising of additional financial support.
Campus Affiliates
Most campus affiliates earn their salary from a part or full time job with a secular organization or company. Their work for InterVarsity is considered volunteer or on a "tent maker" basis. This is a great way for some staff to work in their field of study or pay off student loans while seeing if staff work and life is for them. In some cases CA's can draw a small salary. In all cases they may raise support to cover all ministry-related expenses.
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Sample Staff Budgets
Ministry Intern CSM
Hours per Week: 40 401. Salary & FICA:
a. Salary Level MI Level 1b. Annual Salary 23,916 26,796c. Annual FICA 1,830 2,050
Total Salary and FICA 25,746 28,846
2. Benefits -medical, life, long term disability, pension, R$P match, fellowship fund, worker comp. 96 7,5963. Training - ONS, NISET, FCM 2,275 4. Supplies 150 300 5. Telephone, FAX, Internet 200 505 6. Postage 300 500 7. Office Rent, Utilities8. Equipment Maintenance
Equipment New9. Copier, Printing, Books 150 250 10. Travel (Auto, Air, Hotel) 300 500 11. Business Meals 250 350 12. Conf. - Other & National Staff Conf. -$225/yr 285
Conf. - Team Meetings-Regional/Area/ME Staff 600 650 13. Other Expenses
Describe:14. Allocations15. Administration Services
a. Regional Director - provides leadership for student training programs and supervises Area Directors 750 1,500
b. Area Director - provides leadership for campus staff in pioneering and campus penetration 1,000 2,000
c. Divisional Directord. Other - Describe
16. Budget Subtotal before National Overhead (1-15) 29,542 45,55217. 13% National Overhead (#18 minus #16) 4,414 6,80718. TOTAL BUDGET - Line 16 divided by .87 33,956 52,358
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How will I raise the ministry budget?An important part of serving on InterVarsity staff involves procuring resources to build the ministry. This involves building a team of people, churches, and foundations who will partner with you. Each staff needs partners who will pray, offer wisdom, participate in the work where appropriate, and support the ministry financially.
BudgetsBudgets are made by Area Directors within guidelines given by national and regional leadership. They include entries for salary, benefits, ministry expenses, training, team meetings, and overhead.
Is it Right?Key to raising financial support is your sense that fund raising is acceptable before God. Talk with your Area Director about passages of Scripture to study for perspective about any questions you might have. InterVarsity believes that approaching people directly to ask them to join your partnership team is totally appropriate Biblically and effective in building partnerships that allow us to expand our work with students. Numbers 18:21-24, Luke 10:7, 1 Kings17:8-16
TrainingYou will receive training in this partnership building process through videos, a handbook, Orientation for New Staff, and one to one work with someone designated by your Area Director. Our approach involves the building a ministry plan that communicates clearly to potential partners what your work involves and how they can join your team. You will build a list of people, churches, etc. to contact. Your Area Director may add to that list other potential partners who have a connection with IV in general or the campus(es) you will serve in particular.
How Long?The partnership building process takes widely varying lengths of time. Key elements are numbers of contacts, ability of contacts to give, your hard work, and the work of the Holy Spirit. We've seen it vary from four months to two years. As a result, it is vital that you consult your AD before leaving your present job or moving so that you are not put in a precarious financial situation. You can begin your ministry on campus only when the goal your supervisor sets with you is reached.
Practically what does it look like?The fund development process requires preparation. It is a process of training, prayerful dependence and action. It consists of: phone calls, appointments, writing letters, sending thank you notes, keeping track of donors and visiting churches. But most of all it requires faithful prayer and the understanding that fund development for ministry is biblical.
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How are “Overhead” funds used?InterVarsity’s Pledge to Financial Accountability through charter membership in the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA). InterVarsity believes in and subscribes to the ECFA’s standards of responsible stewardship. (The ECFA standards can be accessed at www.ecfa.org) - Copies of our audited financial statements are available upon request.
How are “Overhead” funds used?Staff budgets include salary, benefits, training and other personal ministry costs, and an overhead assessment to fund the administrative and strategic functions needed to support the ministry. This is an assessment of 13% on gifts received. In addition, areas and regions may charge an overhead. What is overhead used for?
National Overhead is used to fund three types of expenses: Classic Overhead Costs (7.3%). These are the
costs of national leadership expenses, and services such as income processing, accounting, information systems, human resources, legal services and national facilities such as the National Service Center building.
National Development - Advancement (2.8%). This includes communications, public relations, national development administration, direct mail, donor relations, annual reports, other brochures, planned giving administration, and fund development training.
Shared Ministry (2.9%). These funds are used to support ministry programs and to provide grants to ministry teams. Also included are our commitments to multiethnic ministry, minority ethnic staff, Graduate Student Ministries, Evangelism, the Student Leadership Journal, 2100 Ministries, etc.
The National overhead assessment on gifts covers approximately 67% of the above functions. The balance is covered by gifts raised by administrative staff, interest income, undesignated gifts, overhead assessed to national conferences, overhead assessed to IVP, and overhead assessed to camps.
The above financial percentages are based on fiscal 2003/2004 information.
Area/Regional Overhead (about 5%):Area and regional overhead covers some of the costs of staff directors and their offices as they provide supervisory and administrative support to their staff teams. The amount of area and regional overhead varies, in part because different areas and regions cover costs differently. For example, expenses such as area and regional team meetings may
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Shared Min-istry; 2.9%
Classic; 7.3%
Advance-ment; 2.8%
Functional Breakdown of the 13% Overhead on Gifts
be included in overhead, or staff may be assessed separately for the cost of these activities. For further information, please contact the local staff director.
What benefits does InterVarsity provide?Group Medical Plan The group medical plan is a benefit available to employees working at least 30 hours per week and becomes effective upon official employment. (For eligibility requirements for temporary employees, please refer to the appropriate section of the Staff Handbook.) There is a lifetime maximum of $2 million for medical coverage. This plan is funded through InterVarsity, your flex plan, and payroll deductions where applicable.
All eligible staff will be enrolled in a self funded PPO. After meeting your annual deductible amount and a $20 office visit co pay, the self-funded plan generally pays 90% of major medical inpatient and outpatient care, prescription drugs, chiropractic care, functional nervous disorders, mental illness, counseling, maternity care and nursery care for newborns. The plan descriptions further explain benefits and PPO coverage and limits on coverage.
Group Term Life Employees are covered by life insurance. The coverage in the case of natural death is equal to two times the employee's annual salary (minimum $20,000). An amount equal to twice this amount would be paid in the case of accidental death. This plan is funded through InterVarsity.
Optional Life InsuranceEmployees may pay for additional life insurance for themselves, their spouses, and their dependent children. This plan is funded by employee payroll deduction.
Retirement Savings Plan Employees may save for retirement through the 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan. InterVarsity adds 35 cents to each $1.00 you contribute up to 4% of your annual salary. A variety of investment funds are available to you through Vanguard. This plan is funded by pretax employee deduction and InterVarsity's matching contributions.
Social Security All employees (except those in the clergy housing allowance program) are covered by the retirement insurance provisions of the federal Social Security Act. As required by law, deduction is made each pay period from every employee's pay which is, in turn, matched by a contribution from InterVarsity. When an employee retires and otherwise meets the requirements of the Act, he or she may draw a pension based on years of coverage, average income and other criteria. This plan is funded through InterVarsity and payroll deduction.
Flex plan InterVarsity has a flex plan which gives eligible employees who enroll the opportunity to tailor their benefit plan to better meet individual and family needs. InterVarsity's contributions to your flex plan and your own pretax contributions may be spent on
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certain optional benefits and for certain unreimbursed benefit expenses you incur. This plan is funded through InterVarsity and your pretax payroll deductions.
HolidaysInterVarsity employees receive the following paid holidays: New Year's Day; Martin Luther King, Jr. Day; Memorial Day; Independence Day; Labor Day; Thanksgiving Day and the following Friday; Christmas Day. There is a noon closing on Good Friday and December 24. An eligible employee may take one floating holiday anytime during the year. Occasionally student-training events need to be scheduled on one of these holidays to coincide with breaks in student schedules. When that happens, staff can take time off later in the year to make up for holidays that are missed.
VacationVacation is calculated monthly per fiscal year (July 1 to June 30). Our “workweek” is Sunday through Saturday. Full-time employees will normally work five out of seven days. Vacation for employees working less than 40 hours per week is prorated according to the number of scheduled hours.
Campus Staff: Twenty working days of vacation per fiscal year are available.
Leaves of AbsenceA leave of absence for personal reasons is available for staff who have completed one year of full-time service with InterVarsity and who plan to return to active employment with InterVarsity at the end of the LOA.
· An unpaid LOA (no salary / no benefits) may be granted for up to one year, with extensions available to a maximum of 3 years. This LOA will require annual check-ins with an InterVarsity staff director, including annually signing the Annual Certification of Agreement.
A paid leave of absence for medical reasons is available during periods of disability, based upon funding available in the individual staff account. This applies to both full-time and part-time employees. If the staff member will be absent from work for more than 8 weeks, their supervisor should notify HR that the staff member will be on a medical leave of absence by sending in a Staff Profile form. (Medical leaves of absence extending beyond 26 weeks will be considered for Long-term Disability.)
Long Term Disability InterVarsity provides an income replacement program to eligible employees should they become disabled for an extended period of time. Regular employees working 30 or more hours/week are covered after a 30 day waiting period. (Temporary employees must meet eligibility requirements set out in the staff handbook.) If you are disabled more than 26 weeks and found eligible for benefits, a percentage of your pre-disability income will be paid. Benefits continue until coverage limitations are met or you return to work. This plan is funded through InterVarsity.
Fellowship Fund
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InterVarsity maintains a pool of money to assist employees in times of financial emergency. Guidelines for use of the funds are set out in the staff handbook. This plan is funded through InterVarsity.
Adoption Assistance FundInterVarsity assists eligible employees with at least one year of service who are adopting a child. Please refer to staff handbook for details on expenses reimbursed.
Worker's Compensation Insurance This insurance pays covered medical charges and provides an income to employees injured and/or disabled as a result of a job related accident. All job related injuries, accidents or illnesses must be reported immediately to the Human Resources Department at the National Service Center. This plan is funded through InterVarsity.
Unemployment Compensation You may be eligible to receive state unemployment benefits provided by InterVarsity's reimbursements to the unemployment compensation fund if you become unemployed. Eligibility depends upon your meeting the requirements of your state's Unemployment Compensation laws. This plan is funded through InterVarsity.
Publications/BooksDiscounts are available on most InterVarsity Press books and reduced subscription rates to some publications are offered. Eerdmans and Zondervan discounts are also available.
Sabbatical LeaveFull-time salaried campus staff or senior leadership staff who have been with InterVarsity at least seven years may apply for sabbatical. Lasting up to twelve months at full pay, their purpose is for study programs, writing, travel to observe other ministries, and work for other mission organizations to gain exposure to new ideas.
These are summary statements only and do not govern actual benefits provided. See plan descriptions or call the InterVarsity Human Resources Department (608-274-4823) for complete details.
How will I be supervised and trained?SupervisionEach staff member has a primary supervisor (an Area Director, Team Leader or a Campus Staff Member) who is responsible for his/her supervision. Supervisors keep in contact with staff through on-the-job training days, phone, and time with the whole team at Area Team meetings and student training conferences. Supervisors are there to provide overall direction for the team and the individual, input to individual staff in areas where they need growth, and perspective on the ins and outs of staff work.
Staff TrainingThe staff member can also gain much from other training that InterVarsity has to offer. For new staff there is Orientation for New Staff, the National Institute for Staff Education
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and Training, various student-training conferences, peer visits with experienced staff. Staff undergo several sessions of training called Foundations of Christian Ministry that can also be used for seminary credit in Regent, Fuller, Trinity and Gordon-Conwell. There are National and Regional Staff Conferences for all staff. Long-term staff can take advantage of summer school courses at seminaries, sabbatical time, and experience ministering cross-culturally with a short-term program in the U.S. or oversees.
Staff TeamIt is InterVarsity's goal to provide an area team and supervisory experience that, in a trust environment, will allow the staff person to grow as a Christian and as a student worker. We do not expect that area teams or supervisors will or should be the primary support base for the staff worker, however. Our geographical distance from each other and our theology of the church tells us that a better primary support base is built in a local church in the community where the staff worker is living.
CommunicationCritical to a positive supervisory experience is communication on all sides. You will be asked to write monthly reports, develop a working plan for your ministry (called a "Job Planning Worksheet"), and twice a year report numerically and qualitatively on your chapter(s). Beyond that you should take every opportunity to keep your supervisor informed about the progress of your work, ask questions, and get help where you need it. Your supervisor will also check in regularly with you and set up days for supervisory visits. Additionally, they will give you an annual performance appraisal to encourage and give you constructive criticism.
What about my future?The average staff person stays with InterVarsity for about five years. This being true, it is InterVarsity's desire to help staff mature and develop. It is our goal that a staff person's tenure with InterVarsity be one that is not only fruitful in the lives of college students, but in the life of the staff member as well. Even though the average staff may only spend five years with InterVarsity, many have found their true calling on the campus, and have stayed for the entire duration of their working careers, serving 40 or more years in the movement.
InterVarsity has cooperative relationships with several institutions which give staff access to seminary opportunities around the country. The longer you remain on staff, the more opportunity you will have to spend time in study situations.
InterVarsity is also committed to helping each staff find their full potential in ministry, offering opportunities for exposure and specialization in mission, evangelism, discipleship, training, and management.
The bottom line is that we are committed to the overall health of our staff, and seek to work towards providing opportunities for the spiritual, emotional and professional development of our staff while with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.
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What is the impact of staff life on singles?AdvantagesAs singles we have much to offer students. Our focused energy and time can be devoted to students in InterVarsity. Schedules do not need to be made around spouses or children so we can be available at varying hours depending on the work. Student meetings tend to be scheduled in the evenings, so we can attend those and be flexible during the morning and afternoon hours. Work can either be done at home or away from home which is usually not the case with a family. One of the great benefits of serving on staff is that you meet lots of people through students, support contacts, conferences, training events, and other staff around the country.
Potential PitfallsAlthough we meet many people, staff life as a single can be lonely at times. Many staff work by themselves on campus. Thus, single staff may not feel like they have people around them that understand what they do or why they are so exhausted at the end of a day. Finding suitable housing and roommates can be challenging. Housing costs are too high for most staff to live on their own; and university towns are very transient. You may change roommates often because they get married, graduate, find a new job, or relocate.
Suggestions Be picky about your roommates. You want home to be a place of peace and
refuge, not a ministry or a stressful situation. Staff work often involves hospitality in the home, work in the home, and frequent out of town trips for camps and events. Your roommates must understand all these aspects of your job. Involvement in local organizations and church is critical, but not always easy because of the time spent away from home.
Along with the flexibility and people-oriented nature of the job, there is a caution not to allow ministry to become your whole life. There is no built-in accountability of family responsibilities to ensure that you take time off and have a life outside the job. It becomes our responsibility to make sure we take time off for ourselves and non-ministry activities.
As single staff, our goal should be to develop a balanced lifestyle, including time to care for ourselves physically, spiritually, and socially. It helps to have accountability in this area with roommates, friends, or a supervisor and actually write the time into our plans and schedules.
Carefully establish limits and stick to them (e.g. asking students not to call after 11 P.M.).
Utilize one day per month for a Retreat of Silence to recharge your spiritual batteries.
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Develop a support/prayer network among friends -- people with whom you can be yourself and honestly share joys and struggles. Spend time with people who refresh you.
Make friends with married people and families. They can offer much support, wisdom, stability, and an occasional hot meal!
Seek out an older Christian to pray with you, disciple you, and care for your work.
Become involved in a local church. Not only is it a good model for students, but we also need the diversity that a church has to offer. We need to minister in the church as well as be ministered to. (It doesn't need to be a college-aged ministry.) Involve yourself in a Bible study of all ages.
Being a single staff worker can be an enjoyable, challenging, and rewarding experience. It's not better or worse than being a married staff worker, just different. One thing to keep in mind is that when our lives are in transition, or we are going through a difficult time, we may tend to think that all our problems would be solved if circumstances were different (i.e. "if only I were married, life would be easy and wonderful.") Whatever our marital status, we can be assured that if God has called us to be staff, He will give the grace to handle our situation.
Impact on married couplesAdvantages:
Flexibility of staff life sometimes provides unexpected moments of quality time that can be shared with your marriage partner.
There is a lot of joy and satisfaction working together in so many aspects of life. Couples get to live together in an all-encompassing way.
When both people are on staff there is an understanding and knowledge of what each partner is going through and the blessing of being able to gain strength from one another.
A spouse can be someone who supports and affirms your ministry and is someone to confide in.
Being married on staff allows you to witness God’s provision for the both of you and requires a prayerful dependence as a couple
Potential Pitfalls: The flexibility and nature of the job [e.g. rarely ‘finished’, more to do than time
allows, weekend conferences, week-long camps] can produce stress on a marriage or family life.
There can be added “weight” that marriage carries. Life together is no longer just the two of you; it’s the two of you plus all the people you minister to. Each
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partner brings a degree of complexity that you may not have if you weren’t both on staff
When both partners are on staff you can find yourself fighting about something that has to do with work, but with the intensity of marriage partners.
Suggestions for Married Staff: Communication is paramount. There should be many conversations, on a
regular basis about expectations regarding schedule, travel, work time v. family time, boundaries of when you are working and not working.
Recognizing that marriage becomes the foundational layer with an over-layer as “ministry partners” so that you do night fight about work without also addressing relational conflicts.
Discuss and agree upon personal values that will have some bearing on your ministry philosophies such as hospitality of your home, stewardship of your possessions, confidentiality, accountability, etc. to minimize misunderstandings and maximize ministry potential.
Agree upon general time frames when you will be on campus and when you will be home.
The general Staff Director viewpoint is that the family and marriage are vital to our holistic supervision of a staff worker. We will work hard to help staff deepen their marriage and embrace the calling that both of them have embraced to be an InterVarsity staff worker. Both are called to Kingdom ministry even if only one is formally on staff. Again, being single on staff vs. being married on staff is not better or worse. It is simply different.
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