As summer approaches, the time is also approaching to make our plans for the next academic year. We all desire to see our chapter grow, to see more students and faculty transformed through our evangelism, to make more and stronger disciples, and to see more students and faculty developed as leaders in our fellowship. International students and faculty represent one of the largest, and fast growing, groups of people on the campuses we serve. Making even a little bit of intentional effort to reach, welcome and include internationals will go a long way toward seeing your chapter grow. Here are a few best practices and resources to help you do that:
Include Internationals In Your NSO and NFO Plans
If you haven’t already, check your campus’s calendar for the dates of international student orientation – likely the week before the graduate student orientation. Plan to be on campus those days. The ISM multi-language welcome materials are a great resource for tabling and publicity that communicates our value of multi-ethnicity. And, when you make plans to take your New Faculty Outreach welcome gifts to new faculty on your campus, be sure to seek out foreign-born faculty, who are often very eager to make new friends.
Include Internationals In Your Evangelism and Discipleship Plans
Non-Christian internationals, especially those from China, are often much more interested and open to studying the Scripture and discussing religion than the typical American. Capitalize on this by offering a Bible study for international students. The ISM Department’s I-GIG is a great, 4-week study that does a terrific job of contextualizing the gospel for internationals coming from honor/shame cultures. When your international evangelism efforts bear the fruit of new converts, disciple them using the “I-DIG” international discipleship resource.
Develop International Leaders
International students and faculty are arguably the most underestimated groups on campus. Too often, internationals are seen as the recipients of outreach and ministry, and not as potential leaders of a fellowship. The cross-cultural barriers are real and significant, but so is the potential that often goes untapped. Get the conversation started with missional Christian internationals in your fellowship using this video created by the ISM Department.
