InterVarsity Reinvents Itself after Being De-Recognized

InterVarsity Christian Fellowship announced this week it is "developing a new style of campus ministry" that doesn't "rely on established campus structures."

The change is in response to being de-recognized by California State University campuses, America's largest university system.

Greg Jao, InterVarsity's national field director for the Northeast, called it an "opportunity to reinvent campus ministry."

"InterVarsity is introducing creative new ways to connect with students and share the Gospel message, though doing so as an 'unrecognized' student group will prove considerably more costly," Jao said in a news release.

InterVarsity leaders believe it's worth it, considering as the Christian organization gets closer to its 75th anniversary, it hopes to increase last school year's record rates of participation and evangelism.

According to the news release, more than 3,500 people "profess[ed] faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord for the first time."

That's nearly double the commitments to Christ that InterVarsity recorded a decade ago.

CBN News reporter/anchor Mark Martin spoke with Jao about InterVarsity's reinvention of campus ministry in California, including why it was booted in the first place.