IFES CORE MISSION

As Jesus teaches, “by this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35) That is to say, part of our witness to the world is our unity and fellowship.

God created us to live, work, and serve together.  We challenge, teach, and mentor one another, sharing knowledge and resources to grow as believers and deepen the impact of our ministry.  This has been a fundamental understanding of IFES since it was founded in 1947 and continues to guide our vision as we look to reach the next generation of students with the gospel.

We heard back from 122 movements, from the most well-established ministries to those on the very first steps of being pioneered.  This gave us a clear image of the needs national movements are facing across the board.

A common need was training opportunities for staff and student leaders to supplement what the national movements were able to offer – from building organizational principles to growing in faith and theology.

Additionally, movements frequently requested for IFES to invest in projects that facilitate them building relationships and ministry networks within their regions and across the fellowship globally.  They want to share the successes and struggles they all face, so that they may collaborate more effectively to develop resources and strategies to serve new generations of students. 

Throughout the survey responses, there was a clear understanding that together they’d be able to deepen the impact of their ministry more than working on their own.

It is a recognition that our calling to reach students all over the world will only flourish when we serve and support one another in growing community.

In 2025, IFES will support and serve movements with programs that seek to deepen the impact of their ministry by responding to the following needs:

IFES will provide opportunities to develop practical and theological skills that many movements do not have the opportunity to offer on their own because of a variety reasons. 

The programs we offer are built on a principle that leadership development should reach all aspects of a person’s life, highlighting how their faith interacts with academic, professional, and personal matters.

Many national movements have only a few staff who support student groups across their country, and many leaders serve in contexts where Christian community is challenging.

  As such, events hosted by IFES next year with participants from multiple countries will provide special opportunities for them to develop ministry networks for strengthening relationships and growing collaboration among movements.

IFES will work alongside local leaders to create contextualized resources in areas such as Scripture Engagement, Indigenous Support Development to meet their specific needs.

Because our fellowship is so diverse, we will provide robust resources and online courses that develop foundational principles and practices to guide movements as they develop programs that meet their context.


Your support to our core mission is a crucial part of building community and strengthening student ministry all over the world.