Barnabas tree

Be a Barnabas

The vision of the Barnabas team is to help foster faith communities at Calvin University in which students are encouraged and empowered to know Jesus and make Jesus known. The name Barnabas means “child of encouragement” (Acts 4:36), and in the Barnabas program we hope to form children of God who are encouraged to grow deeper in their relationship with God, to love others well, and to encourage others to do the same through a wholistic lens of faith formation.

The Barnabas teams work to provoke whole-life transformation. This starts with knowing God and moves out to engaging the world beyond. Therefore, Barnabas create and facilitate healthy rhythms for faith formation in their own lives and in their ministry contexts through Bible study, worship, prayer, and community. Barnabas serve in the Residence Halls, KE apartments, and the Outdoor Rec Ministry. They are overseen by Discipleship Assistants, and Campus Ministries staff members Susan Burner and Sarah VerMerris.

Applications to be a Barnabas in the Residence Halls, KE Apartments, or Outdoor Rec Ministry for the 2024-2025 academic year are due on Monday, February 5, 2024 at midnight. Please consult the following resources to apply:

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Be a Discipleship Assistant

Discipleship Assistants (DAs) participate in the development of Christian formation and community in by primarily leading and mentoring a team of Barnabas student leaders in either the dorms, KE apartments, or in the Outdoor Rec Ministry. This position places the Campus Ministries Discipleship Assistant in a setting where they will conduct meaningful ministry among student leaders while being directed and mentored by Campus Ministries Staff.

To find out who is a Barnabas in your residence hall, check the Barnabas calendar in your dorm or contact a Discipleship Assistant.