About Ratio Christi
The late philosopher and theologian Francis Schaeffer famously referred to apologetics as “pre-evangelism,” essentially helping to remove unnecessary barriers to a person genuinely considering the gospel.
Ratio Christi is a global movement that equips students and faculty to give historical, philosophical, and scientific reasons for following Jesus Christ. Our Vision: Thoughtful Christianity – Transforming Lives on Campus Today, Changing Culture Tomorrow. As a campus ministry we help students and faculty live with a confident faith that comes from loving God with all their hearts and minds. Ratio Christi wants to help train the next generation of apologists, and to help every student and faculty see and live out their role as an ambassador for Christ. See our website for more information about our ministry and our statement of beliefs.
“Always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.” 1 Peter 3:15
Job Overview (Full-time or Part-time if starting a chapter on the campus you currently serve)
The Ratio Christi Chapter Director is on the frontlines of our mission to equip students and faculty to share compelling reasons for following Jesus Christ. The primary venue for this ministry is the student organization – the local Ratio Christi Chapter. Chapter Directors are supported and cared for by their Area Ministry Directors. Four key components to their ministry are: equipping in apologetics, training in evangelism, developing student leaders, and building community. All of this starts with a vital and growing personal relationship with Christ.
Chapter Directors are typically supported missionaries – we provide extensive training in ministry partner development. Similar to other campus ministries, they are responsible for raising their own financial support. If desiring to partner with current employment at higher ed institution, this role compliments well with many student development positions because Chapter Director work overlaps synergistically with the work you are already doing, and may be an excellent way of boosting your current income while serving students for the Lord!
Key Responsibilities and Duties
Apologetics
- Regularly lead welcoming and informative apologetics meetings for believers and skeptics alike
- Effectively equip students to share historical, scientific, and philosophical reasons for following Christ
- Promote the benefits and importance of apologetics to local churches and Christian communities
Evangelism
- Help atheists and skeptics to understand and move closer to faith, and ultimately to trust in Christ
- Train students to engage in campus evangelism through informal conversations and intentional outreach
- Hold larger-scale outreach events as appropriate for their local campus (e.g., debates, seminars, etc.)
Developing Student Leaders
- Mentor and develop student leaders outside of the regular group meetings to be ambassadors for Christ
- Hold local and/or regional chapter retreats casting vision for future officers and Ratio Christi staff
- Vigorously support student efforts to form and maintain approved student organization status
Building Community
- Build relationships with students informally outside of group meetings
- Build relationships and partnerships with local churches, high school ministries, and professors
- Continually work to grow the chapter, with a strong emphasis on 1st and 2nd year students
- Maintain healthy relationships with other chapter directors and regional and national directors
A successful Ratio Christi Chapter Director has a passion for Thoughtful Christianity – loving God with heart & mind – and effectively equips students in apologetics-evangelism to reach the campus for Christ.
IF INTERESTED in learning more before pursuing the opportunity, contact kaseysummerer@ratiochristi.org and I would love to tell you more about it. I will also be at the annual conference and would love to connect there over lunch or coffee! If you connect with me in advance, I will also get you a free t-shirt and a booklet of your choice!
To see the selection of our short apologetics resources that help you as a professional or students to wrestle with some of the largest questions floating around colleges and universities visit our Booklet Publication Store and receive a 10% discount on your first order with the code: FIRST10