– Nigel Pollock

Nigel Pollock, appointed by a unanimous decision of InterVarsity’s Board of Directors, will begin his tenure on September 1, 2018, receiving the mantle of leadership from Geri Rodman, who is retiring from leading the mission for the past 17 years. Geri will remain as president until Nigel begins his tenure.

“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Nigel to lead InterVarsity,” said Board Chair T.V. Thomas. “He is a strategic and visionary leader with roots in both Christian camping and campus ministry. He is a gifted Bible teacher, the author of two books, an award winning coach of sports teams and someone who is keenly interested in how faith helps people navigate and understand culture.”

Nigel with Zac Smith, a Kiwi student who attended Urbana and felt called to work in Pisa Italy with GBU with his wife Alice.

Born in Scotland, Nigel became a Christian as a teenager while attending a summer camp. In university, he joined the University and College Christian Fellowship (UCCF) and after graduation worked for the UCCF in a number of national leadership roles for 18 years. Twelve years ago, Nigel became the National Director of the Tertiary Student Christian Fellowship (TSCF) in New Zealand. Drawing on his love of student ministry, sports and recreation, Nigel has given leadership and directed many camp sessions for youth and adults.

When Nigel and Ailsa moved from Scotland to New Zealand, their three sons, Luke, Jamie and Craig, were just young boys. Now, with their sons either graduating or attending university, Nigel and Ailsa have sensed God calling them to move again, this time to Canada. Their sons will remain in New Zealand.

“While I have a lot to learn about InterVarsity and about Canada, I do see similarities both in terms of culture and Christianity. In New Zealand, one of the most secular countries in the world, our focus has been to rekindle a vision for evangelism and affirm our historical commitment to the Bible in discipleship.”

Nigel’s sons Craig, Luke and Jamie.

He believes that youth desperately need to discover Jesus.

“We have a generation who are highly informed but not always thoughtful, widely connected but often lonely, well supported but struggling with mental health and resilience,” said Nigel. “Young people today are influenced by a broader range of cultural influences – societal, ethnic, national, global and tribal — than ever before and this gives them enormous opportunities to impact these different cultures and communities for good with the Good News.

“We need to help young people live undivided lives so they can make connections between faith and study. There is a great opportunity in high school and camp to break down the sacred/secular barrier that has such an adverse impact in western thought. Our witness on campus needs to be academically credible, thoughtful and engaged. Student groups on campus do not exist to be support groups on the fringes; they must be catalysts for change at the centre.”