What is Intervarsity Christian Fellowship all about?
Adrian Villarreal
(ready to use)
Coauthors
jessica bannon
Adrian Villarreal |
EXPLORE
About the ethnographer
I enjoy watching and playing just about any sport, and my favorite would have to be basketball. |
Unit Keywords
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Intervarsity, Christian, Fellowship, subculture, organization, religion, Ethnography of the University
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Partner Projects
| Ethnography of the University |
INQUIRE
Rationale of the Unit
What subculture have you chosen to research and why? What do you know about this group and what do you want to know? List your intial research questions.
What type of communication occurs during bible study?
How intense do they become?
Are they just a bunch of religous fanatics?
Why did they bring in a religous speaker to a public University?
What is their mission or goal?
What are their views on Christianity and how do they see God through their own eyes after joining Intervarsity?
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Project diary
Research Plan
Discuss your initial research method. How will you begin to seek out answers to your research questions? Where will you begin taking field notes? Who are you considering as a possible informant?
Since I am good friends with two people from Intervarsity, I plan to interview each of them. So far I have spoken to one of them dealing with the organization and he offered me good insight on the topic. He happened to give me the main website and I have already taken a look at it. It looks like the website could be useful. If I have a question that neither of my friends could answer, I would be willing to attend one of the small group activities to ask the group the question. |
Project diary
Readings, Keywords, and Constructs
Discuss what sources, other than your own field notes, that you consult for your project.
Recently, I learned from my friend that they meet every Friday at the Loft. There they have offices where information on Intervarsity can be obtained. I went there and I received three brochures from them. Also, I have set up times for the interviews with both of my friends which will soon take place. This will provide me with the bulk of the information. If I need anything else, I will visit the website. |
Project diary
11/4/03
Evaluating source: Brochure
I am evaluating an old brochure strictly on intervarsity christian fellowship. It appears to be a few years old because of the color of the pictures. Neverthless, the photos in the brochure represent unity in a sense that there are people together while hugging each other. At the heart of the brochure is a message that reads "we welcome everyone whether you are a committed follower of Christ or someone just asking questions about God's reality and the Christian faith." This really emphasizes what Intervarsity has to offer.
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Field Notes
Use this space to discuss what interesting, significant, revealing, and/or strange information you've recorded in your field notes. What are you learning about your chosen subculture? You might also begin to synthesize the information you are getting from your observations and the other sources you consult.
My initial interest in Intervarsity Chrisian Fellowship began on Quad Day, when a girl from Intervarsity Christian fellowship offered me a glass of water only if I said yes to the existence of God. With my thirst for water I easily said yes to her question. I thought this was a rude way to approach someone and I wanted to clarify my point. I asked my interviewee and he said that it must have been a mistake because Intervarsity does not pressure anyone into believing in God. I have learned that Intervarsity Christian Fellowship accepts anyone's belief and does not judge people by matter of a question. However, to be a part of Intervarsity, you have to agree to certain rules and ethics specifically geared toward Biblical truths. They are the unique divine inspiration, entire trustworthiness and autority if the Bible; the deity of our lord Jesus Christ; the necessity of Jesus death to pay for our sins and give us right standing with God, and that Jesus rose bodily from the dead; the presence and power of the Holy Spirit who empowers us to follow Jesus; the expectation of the personal return of Jesus.
On another occasion, during the worship that I attended, the speaker told us to take out our Bibles if we wanted to follow along. Of course I did not bring a Bible because I did not know what to expect. Sarcastically, I mentioned aloud that I forgot my four bibles back in my dorm room. In a matter of two seconds, a guy sitting two seats next to me handed me a Bible. It caught me off guard and I almost burst out in laughter. It was one of the funniest things in the world. This shows how devoted some of these members are to God and their faith.
The Loft is a Christian Student Center located in the heart of campustown. It has room for large group meetings, a stage, media control center, kitchenette, and small tables for a coffee house, socializing, homework and games. Several student groups including Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, Veritas (Twin CIty Bible Church's Sunday night seeker service) meet here. Plus, it is a fun Christian hang out place Saturday nights where all are welcome. |
Project diary
Findings
Discuss your findings.
This past Friday I attended an all campus Christian worship. I was surprised that we began the worship with a half hour of singing. The singing was upbeat and exuberant. I am estimating that 99% of the people that packed the Foellinger Auditorium were singing at the top of their lungs. It was nothing like I had ever experienced. People had their eyes closed and feeling the music that they just reached out to God with their hands. It reminded me of the infomercials when they try and sell Gospel music. After a period of singing, a member of the band spoke for about 15 minutes. He mentioned that you can feel God through the music and that God never gets boring. Our entire life is about knowing God. Nevertheless, God has come to us through Jesus Christ, our savior of the world. The way to promote Godliness is to preach the Gospel. As a matter of fact, there was a guest speaker who did just this after more singing. People were so engaged with his speaking that many people had pen and paper at hand to take notes on his preaching. Some of things he mentioned was that our old self is already crucified to sin. Also, being dead to sin can be struggling at times. Nevertheless, joy brings freedom from sin.
Interview #1: (Name disclosed), Junior, 3rd year in Intervarsity Christian Fellowship
1)How has your perception of God changed over time through Intervarsity?
*Coming in to U of I, GOd did not play an important factor in his life. Now, it has been a humbling experience for him and he is thankful to be able to have the chance to meet other people who relate to God in many ways.
2)What are some Friday activities within Intervarsity Christinan Fellowship?
*There are large group worship meetings. They are held at the Loft and generally a speaker comes in to preach about God. The loft is just a place for anybody to hang out relax with friends.
3)What is Biblel Study?
*Every Thursday there are Bible study groups in each resident hall. The study group varies each week depending on how engaging they become. A certain student chooses a passage in the Bible. Students ask questions about it and others answer them.
4)What is the goal/ mission of Intervarsity?
*The goal is to build good, solid communities. Also, to help other people in their walks of God. Nevertheless, their mission is to reach out to all believers/nonbelievers.
5)Why be a part of Intervarsity?
*It is a good community that is biblicly based. There is good teaching, while being able to build strong friendships. It is a great environment to grow and foster a relationship with God.
Extra Comments:
Intervarsity accepts everyone's view of Christ, but tries to convert people to Christianity. Also, Intervarsity is not just at U of I, but rather nation-wide. It is a non-denominational organization and it is student led. On the other hand, Intervarsity is part of an ever larger group called International Fellowship of Evangelical Students. The goal of this organization is to have a gospel witness on every campus.
Interview 2: Benjamin Onofrei, Freshmen, 1st year in Intervarsity
1)How have you viewed God, since joining Intervarsity?
*Since joining Intervarsity, it showed Ben that God cares so much about people since there are so many people involved with the organization.
2)What are some of the Friday activities that you have participated in so far?
*He has played Volleyball after worship sessions. Also, he went ice skating for the first time. He has had a lot of fun especially on these types of activities.
3)What occurrs during the Bible studies?
*There is one passage that is read aloud. Then they analyze and try to connect it to their daily lives.
4)What do you feel is the goal of Intervarsity?
*The goal is to try as bring as many people into Intervarsity as possible.
5)Why should I be in Intervarsity?
*Intervarsity connects to real life and they help to get through University problems much easier.
6)What should a person do if they are slightly interested in joining Intervarsity?
*They should come out to at least one gathering and if they enjoy it, they should come back again.
Extra comments:
"Do unto others as you would like to have done to you." That pretty much sums up everything.
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Project diary
11-11-03 Intro
What makes a subculture special? There are an infinite amount of things that interpret the attraction of a certain subculture. For instance, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship offers a Christian perspective on the world. People think that they only accept die hard Christians, but that is not true. They welcome students from all Christian traditions and even students with no church background. |
Refer to other EOTU work
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