This article explains how to share about Cru with students using a tool we call “School Within a School”.
Some key things to remember whenever you meet with students:
- Pray.
- Always be the adult.
- Make sure you get to the point of your appointment.
- Stay relational from start to finish.
Now with this in mind, let’s get to “School Within a School.” “School Within a School” is a simple tool that clearly explains what Cru is all about and gives students a picture of how they can get involved.
Let’s imagine that you’re sitting in a coffee shop with some students. After some initial casual conversation, say, “I’d love to tell you more about Cru and how you and your friends can get involved!”
Then you take out a piece of notebook paper or a napkin. Draw a roughly equilateral triangle to represent a person. Explain that we are all three-dimensional- body, mind, and spirit. Now write “Mental” on one side, “Physical” on the other, and “Spiritual” on the bottom.
"School Within a School" is a simple tool that clearly explains what Cru is all about and gives students a picture of how they can get involved.
Ask the question, “What does your school have to offer you in these three areas?” They will have answers for mental (class, tests, teachers) and physical (PE, sports, lunch?), but not for spiritual. Say, “This is where the high school ministry of Cru comes in! We exist to help students grow spiritually. What we mean by helping grow spiritually is two things…”
“First, we help students know God in a personal way through faith in Jesus Christ.” (Write the number 1 and “Know God.”)
“The second thing is grow in that relationship with Him.” (Write “Grow.”) Then ask the following key question: “Has anyone ever explained to you how to have a relationship with God?”
- If they say, “No,” this is your chance to share the gospel with them. Say, “I have a little booklet (or app) that we use to explain that; may I share it with you?” If they are interested, share the gospel with them.
- If they say, “Yes,” say, “That’s great, I’d love to hear more about your experience. How did you come to know God?” Listen to their story and then say, “Well, before you get involved in anything, you usually want to know what it’s about, I have a little booklet (or app) that we often use to share with people how they can have a relationship with God. May I share it with you?” Walking through the booklet gives you a chance to see how well they understand the gospel.
After you have a conversation about the gospel, go on to #2 “Grow.” Say, “Let me show you the things we offer to help you grow in a relationship with God.”
Draw the four layer birthday cake diagram below.
On the bottom layer, write “Cru Meetings.”
“This is the starting point, where students come and see what a relationship with God is about. These weekly or monthly meetings are often designed and led by students and are a fun way to hear about God and how He relates to you.”
“The next layer is ‘Bible Studies,’ where students come and learn. These events are a chance for you to be with your friends, talk about important aspects of your faith, and learn how it all relates to your life.”
“After that is ‘Conferences and Mission Trips.’ These are events that help you come and do. You get away from home for a few days or weeks to really grow spiritually. They are a place for you to trust God in new ways and have the chance to learn how to make a difference in your school.
“The last level is ‘Leadership.’ This is come and lead. Whether it’s leading friends in a Bible study or being upfront at a weekly meeting, or helping to serve behind the scenes, we want to encourage you to step up and take the lead.”
After you’ve gone through all of the layers, ask, “Which of these sounds most interesting to you?” Help them decide what their next best step is to get involved and help them get connected.
To sum all up, “School Within a School” is a great tool to explain Cru to students and show them where and how they can get involved.
Next Step
Share the "School within a School" with a student new to your ministry or a student you'd like to invite to be involved. Make sure you know how to share the gospel because this great little tool will lead you there.
share the gospel
