Established in 1941 Intervarsity Christian Fellowship boasts a rich history. Intervarsity’s roots trace back to a British university student movement. It spread to Canada before reaching the US. The first US chapter formed at the University of Michigan in 1938. Three staff members initially came from Canada. Stacey Woods served as the organization’s first General Secretary. Intervarsity became a founding member of the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students in 1947. By 1950 it had 35 staff workers and nearly 500 chapters.
Intervarsity’s growth continued. By the 1970s the on-campus staff exceeded 200. Today Intervarsity’s impact is significant. It has chapters across hundreds of American colleges. Its collegiate members participate in Christian student activist movements. The organization has faced legal challenges. The University of Iowa and Wayne State University violated the First Amendment by expelling Intervarsity chapters. This was because of the chapters’ requirements for leaders to uphold Christian beliefs.
Intervarsity’s commitment to Bible study is a cornerstone of its ministry. Paul Byer developed the Manuscript Study method. This inductive Bible study approach is widely used. Early staff members Jane Hollingsworth and Barbara Boyd also significantly shaped Intervarsity’s Bible study programs. Hollingsworth trained staff and authored early study guides. Boyd developed Bible and Life Training Courses used for decades. Intervarsity also plays a vital role in global missions. As a member of IFES it sends staff to work internationally.
The organization maintains several training centers across the US. These centers host conferences and training sessions. They also provide retreats for staff and alumni. Intervarsity Press publishes books booklets and Bible study guides. In 2016 Intervarsity clarified its staff requirements. It asked staff to affirm traditional views on sexuality. This policy change sparked controversy among LGBTQ Christians and their supporters. Despite this controversy Intervarsity continues its mission to transform campuses. It strives to renew communities and develop world changers. It maintains a high level of accountability and transparency in its operations.