Our Mission

One of Jesus’ earliest friends and followers, John, wrote that “grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:17).  Since 1971, Geneva Campus Ministry (GCM) has sought to share that grace (love, kindness) and truth with students, faculty, and staff at the University of Iowa.  As part of our commitment to serving Jesus, we warmly welcome not only believers, but also skeptics, doubters, seekers, the curious, and those of other faiths, to join our informal community of friends.
 
GCM is a ministry of both the Christian Reformed and Reformed Church in America denominations, which belong to the “Reformed” (Presbyterian) branch of Protestant Christianity.  Geneva is also an officially approved student organization.  In partnership with other Christian groups on campus, we seek to represent Jesus Christ at the University of Iowa through:

Warm Hospitality

We believe that every human being is created in God's image and is precious to God. With Jesus as our model, we try to offer warm hospitality to all persons, regardless of their country, culture, or creed.  One of our goals is to become a little island of world peace, with members from many different countries.  Whether it is through a trip to the State Fair, a meal at our home, or a one-on-one lunch at the Hamburg Inn, we want to get to know you!

Biblical Teaching

We believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God.  Through the Bible, God reveals his character, his plan of salvation for the world, and his instructions for how we should live for genuine human flourishing.  The great biblical themes of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration form the basis of all our teaching at Geneva.  At the same time, we value honest questioning and discussion as we explore these truths together.     

Intellectual Engagement

We believe that God created all things through and for Jesus Christ, and is in the process of restoring all things through Christ. Therefore we believe that a Christian world- and life-view offers a fruitful foundation for those engaged in the University's mission of teaching, learning, doing research, and serving the community. Whether it is through a public lecture, a book discussion group, or a lunch forum, we want to bring a Christian voice to the table at UI.

Practical Service

We believe that since Jesus came "not to be served but to serve," all who follow Jesus are called to serve others. Whether it is through helping each other in times of need, serving a meal to the needy of Iowa City, or collecting money for a free medical clinic abroad, we try to nurture hearts of compassion for others.