What's different about Urbana? With Tom Lin & Mark Matlock

Summary

In this episode of the Urbana podcast, hosts Mark Matlock and Phoebe Jeske sit down with Tom Lin, president and CEO of InterVarsity. The conversation explores Tom's deep connection to Urbana—the triennial missions conference that has been shaping college students and global missions since 1946. Tom reflects on his personal journey, beginning as a college student at Harvard attending Urbana '93, and how that formative experience led him into a life of campus ministry, overseas missions in Mongolia, and eventually leadership in InterVarsity.

Listeners learn how Urbana acts as a catalytic event, compressing a year’s worth of discipleship and discernment into just a few days. Tom and the hosts emphasize Urbana’s vital role in helping students and leaders discern their unique callings within God’s global mission, whether that’s overseas, in the marketplace, or through supporting roles. The episode dives into the rich history of Urbana, its biblical foundation, and the way the conference constantly adapts to the rapidly changing global context, including discussions on technology, globalization, and AI.

Stories of past Urbanas, the legacy of mission leaders like David Howard, and the importance of community and peer support highlight the broad and inclusive impact of the conference—open to students, churches, and campus ministries beyond InterVarsity. The episode closes with encouragement for leaders and students to prioritize transformative experiences like Urbana, especially for a generation seeking clarity and purpose in a complex world.

Show Notes

(00:00) Introduction

(03:44) Tom’s Thirty Years in Campus Ministry

(09:03) The Gift of Abundance and Radical Generosity

(15:59) Urbana's Lasting Impact on Ministry

(21:29) Exploring the Origins of Student Missions

(29:39) How Urbana is Inspiring Global Missions’ Vision

(32:11) Inspiring Youth for Global Change

(39:53) How Technological Impacts Sharing the Gospel

(45:07) Closing Thoughts

Links

Mark Matlock

Urbana

Urbana YouTube

Tom Lin

InterVarsity