These types are arranged from the least amount of training and time commitment needed to the most. They are also not mutually exclusive, e.g., a Leadership Partner can also do the activities and functions of a Service Partner.
Service Partner
Service Partners volunteer where their particular gifts are best used. This could be anything from hosting a dinner for international students, to helping with a weekend conference, to sending mailings on the staff’s behalf.
Possible Partnership Activities:
Driving international students to grocery stores
Hosting a gathering for international students
Volunteering at a conference
Coordinating food for a large event
Providing food for large events
Giving international students a tour of the city when they first arrive
Advocating for ISM at church or other places
Sending an ISM staff’s prayer or alumni letter
Coordinating logistics for an international student event
Faithfully interceding for ISM
Hosting a reentry retreat for departing students
Friendship Partner
Friendship Partners invest in students or a small group of students. This could be having a conversation partner or leading a Group Investigating God (GIG). Friendship Partners will build relational trust and practice evangelism, discipleship, hospitality, and leadership.
Possible Partnership Activities:
Leading a small group for internationals
Discipling one or more international students
Leading prayer gatherings in the community for ISM on campus
Being an English Conversation Partner
Regularly inviting an international student (or a small consistent group) into your home
Leading a Group Investigating God (GIG)
Leadership Partner
Leadership Partners develop American and international students to become leaders in their chapters and communities. Instead of taking evangelism, discipleship, and leadership roles directly, Leadership Partners mentor and train international students to step into them.
Possible Partnership Activities:
Discipling and developing one or more students
Coordinating and training Groups Investigating God (GIG) leaders
Coordinating and training Small Group leaders
Training students in the Leadership Team or Core Team
Training other volunteers
Modeling and debriefing evangelistic activities
Training international student apprentices
Praying regularly with and for an international student leader
Campus Partner
Campus Partners shepherd ISM’s work on a particular campus from New Student Orientation to preparing graduates for reentry. They take part in evangelism, discipleship, leadership development, coordinating, and liaising with InterVarsity ISM.
Possible Partnership Activities:
Coordinating New Student Outreach
Leading the Core or Leadership Team
Mentoring and Developing international student leaders
Liaising with InterVarsity ISM about the chapter
Training students in evangelism
Coordinating events alongside students leaders
Hosting a reentry weekend for departing students
Planning outreach events
Recruiting other volunteers to partner in ministry
