Hey all,

DePauw IV is in a very vulnerable place right now.  After making the decision to switch to the Wave Model earlier in the semester, we are seeing the repercussions.  Despite still feeling led to alter the way IV operated, we have begun to question the decision to implement a new model and time/day change at the same time.  The combination has resulted in a dramatic loss of members, both in attendance and buy-in.  That being said, we remain confident that God will continue moving on our campus and within this organization in the last 5 weeks as we finish our semester.  We also remain open to suggestions from the community...in fact, we altered the time of our meeting to accommodate others' needs.

For the next few weeks we have been praying adamantly before attempting to implement any programs, events, etc.  We have settled on the following schedule:
-Wednesday, April 14 at 8 p.m.: "Sustainable Leadership" talk by DePauw alum who is also a local pastor
-Wednesday, April 21 at 8 p.m.: Professor Panel in which Christain faculty have a Q & A session with students about their faith and how it is influenced by the DePauw environment we operate within
-Wednesday, April 28 at 8 p.m.: Large Group style meeting with a speaker discussing the book of John
-Wednesday, May 5 at 8 p.m.: Fellowship...bowling alley and pizza for free for all!
-Wednesday, May 12 at 8 p.m.: Senior Send-off in which all seniors have an opportunity to share experiences from the past four years.

As you can see, we have altered the Wave model a bit, but are still attempting to make events focused on the aspects emphasized in the Wave model (discipleship, fellowship, outreach, community, leadership, etc.).

Additionally, I would ask for prayer as we are currently in the middle of leadership selection for next year.  We currently have seven applicants (much smaller than in the past).  However, those who have applied are very commited and desire to see God move on our campus and feel as though IV is a place these changes can happen.  We begin interviews tomorrow (Tuesday, April 13) and will continue through the process until next week when leadership is announced.

Lastly, continue praying for the Greek ministry on our campus.  Our staff worker, Sam Spencer, has been continually encouraged by the abundance of students interested in seeing this new ministry grow, develop, and transform on the DePauw campus.  She (as well as many students) are seeing ownership of the ministry being taken on by students.  Additionally, students in the Greek population who have previously felt excluded by the IV community are beginning to find a place they feel comfortable in---awesome!!!  Please join us in thanking Christ for these awesome praises, but also continue praying for this newly-formed ministry.

Blessings,

Megan McFarland, DePauw IV Prayer Coordinator

DePauw InterVarsity is now implementing what IV refers to as "The Wave Model".  This change to our old large group format brings about a whirlwind of new things!  First of all, we will now be operating on a "wave" schedule.  Meaning, we will have large group every third week instead of on a weekly basis.  The other two weeks will be committed to an outreach-focused event and a core meeting.  I will explain these terms in greater detail:
-Large Group: Pretty normal, a few changes will be implemented so that our community can experience greater growth.  These meetings are geared toward all members of DePauw and feature worship music, typically a guest speaker from IV, and some form of prayer/fellowship.
-Outreach Events: These will vary greatly each time.  Our first outreach-driven event will begin on Wednesday, February 10th with a guest speaker talking primarily on Jesus Christ and His character.  These events will not feature worship music nor "typical Christian" things as they are meant to serve as a place for nominal, seeking, individuals.  These events are designed to be non-Christian friendly so that members of DePauw may come, ask questions, and feel comfortable engaging in conversations/discussions about Scripture and the character of Jesus Christ.  Although these events are not totally planned as of right now, the ideas of a panel discussion, split girls/guys night, and 'Stump the Chump' event have been suggested.
-Core Meetings: These meetings are for the core members of InterVarsity who are interested in receiving training and teaching.  These events will consist of planning the Outreach events as well as Large Groups.  Prayer will be a solid focus throughout these meetings as well.  This will allow for more discipling to occur so that the exec (or leadership team as it is called at ISU and Rose) are not the only leaders of the chapter.  We are excited to see others take ownership in the chapter!

Clearly, this is a HUGE change!  We desperately need prayer as we begin implementing this new model into the DePauw University InterVarsity Christian Fellowship community.  Along with these changes, we are now holding our Large Group/Outreach/Core meetings on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. as to attempt to accommodate more students' schedules.  The location will vary depending on the night (so, if you are sending a representative to visit our chapter...contact me in advance so I can get you the time/location/day).  Outreach events will not always be a structured meeting and therefore may occur on a Monday afternoon in the quad with a Proxy station...we're still figuring things out.

The largest need we have is PRAYER and LOTS OF IT!  This is a dramatic change and the community, as well as the current leaders, are joining in prayer to see what God has in store for the campus through this new change in ministry.  We are acknowledging that this could be a complete and utter flop and if that happens, we'll start back from square one and begin re-thinking our direction.  Please pray for these new changes!

I hope this was all clear, but it is much easier to speak than write, so if you need additional clarification...call or e-mail me!

-Megan McFarland, Prayer Coordinator

DePauw's InterVarsity chapter is entering into a transitional period.  With the addition of two new members to the leadership team, we believe that the community will be better helped.  The leadership team now consists of two Small Group Coordinators (one male and one female), a Large Group Coordinator, a Worship Coordinator, a Community Coordinator, and a Prayer Coordinator.  Although we are still working out some of the specific details of the latter two roles, the team is confident this will be a positive addition. 

Along with the leadership transition period DePauw is restructing the way it approaches large group.  With new chapters being planted often, a WAVE model was put into place to aid newly-formed chapters.  DePauw is adapting their own version of this model and hoping it will strengthen leaders, build disciples, and also make large group a more welcoming place for nominal and non-Christians.  This will go into effect in early February.

The largest prayer request right now would be for our students remaining on campus during WInter Term.  Winter Term exists for the entire month of January.  During this period the majority of students are off campus doing internships and study-abroad opportunities.  Many first-year students are left in charge of large group, small group, fellowship, and prayer meetings.  This is a great oppotunity for hands-on leadership for younger members of the community.  We are praying for their roles and ask members of ISU and Rose-Hulman to do the same.