Joe was an atheist when he started his MD-PhD in neuroscience at New York University. He believed that Christianity and the sciences were utterly irreconcilable.
Through the witness of several of his neuroscience colleagues and a powerful experience of the Holy Spirit, Joe became a follower of Jesus and eventually a student leader in InterVarsity’s Graduate & Faculty Ministries at NYU.
Today, Joe loves God with all his heart, soul, mind, and strength.
It is precisely in moments like these—that you’ve no doubt experienced throughout your time on staff—that God uses us to play a strategic part in the development of the next generation of Christian leaders in the academy and professions.
Vocational Stewardship Project
The Challenge
Despite many experiences like Joe’s, relatively few resources exist to enhance this crucial aspect of our work--which tends to be slow, intensive, methodical, and both spiritually and intellectually demanding. Operating without tested templates or guidance on best practices, we as GFM staff can often find ourselves developing our own tools for our respective campuses. The downside of this circumstance is that a lot of energy has been spent on reinventing the wheel. The upside, however, is that we have developed a lot of really good wheels.
Next Steps
We (David Williams and Pete Williamson) are spearheading the Vocational Stewardship Project over the next year in coordination with other GFM leaders. This one-year research program will collect information on how GFM staff across the country are helping students and faculty to integrate their faith with their learning and practice, one of our core ministry values. By gathering a learning community of 35 of you—our GFM colleagues from every region—and analyzing the relevant aspects of ministry plans, the project will provide a snapshot of what our movement is currently doing to foster integration and vocational stewardship.
We will then administer a series of surveys with the beneficiaries of these ministry efforts and gather much needed data on the relative effectiveness of our various strategies and programs. Together the survey data and ministry plans will help GFM to identify best practices in helping students and faculty discern their callings and to be faithful in their respective fields.
Join! And Get a $500 Staff Account Credit
There is still room for several more participants in the project. By participating, you will each receive a credit of $500 to your staff accounts. If you or someone on your team is interested in participating in this strategic research program, please email David Williams or Pete Williamson before June 1.
May God use this project as an opportunity to help us reach more grad students and faculty!
