Are you passionate about helping teenagers know and follow God? Hopefully, that is why you are reading this article – because you want to join us as we WIN high school students for Christ, BUILD them in their faith, and SEND them to reach others with the gospel in their schools, community, and around the world.
There are many ways to serve with Cru’s High School Ministry, with varying levels of commitment. Here is a brief overview of each way to get involved, with links to find out more.
Conference Volunteer
Hours per week: Per event
Pay: None
Helping at a Cru conference is a great way to experience student ministry, in a variety of roles. As an adult leader, you will spend time with teens and participate in many of the conference activities. You can also help behind the scenes and free up others to spend more time with their students.
You may do some combination of the above.
All adults who work directly with students are required to complete a background check before attending the conference.
How to Apply:
- Talk to your leader to see if they would like you to volunteer at a conference.
- APPLY HERE.
- Fill out the background check form (the link will be emailed to you).
- Allow about two weeks for the application process to be completed.
Volunteer
Hours per week: 5-10 +
Pay: None
We love it when people come to check out our ministry and offer occasional help. But to work with our students on a regular, ongoing basis, you will need to become an official volunteer.
You and your Cru team leader will discuss and decide in what capacity you will serve, as well as the time commitment.
Registered Cru volunteers also commit to attending regular volunteer meetings and training sessions as offered by the local team.
Because of the legal and liability issues of working with minors, each Cru volunteer must be thoroughly evaluated via our application process, some interviews, and an official background check. (The local Cru team typically covers the cost of the background check.)
How to Apply:
- Discuss with your Cru leader whether you should pursue becoming an official volunteer.
- APPLY HERE.
- Fill out the background check form. (The link will be emailed to you.)
- Allow about two weeks for the application process to be completed.
Note: Some cities offer an Apprentice program for 5-10 weeks with moderate compensation. Speak to your Cru leader to find out more.
Part-Time Field Staff
Hours per week: 10-25 hours per week
Pay: Yes (Raised by you)
A Cru Part-time Field staff (PTFS) member does many of the same things as a full-time staff person. The number of hours is less, and the PT staff person is also expected to spend most of those hours doing field ministry.
Part-time field staff are typically college students or graduates with other employment. It is not ideal as a career, since PTFS do not receive medical or other benefits. However, there is no limit on how long someone can serve as PTFS, as there is for interns.
How to Apply:
- Seek guidance from your local Cru staff and other wise counsel. Get a realistic picture of the financial realities of being a part-time staff person.
- Go to apply.cru.org to submit your application. You will need to create an Okta account. (This page is the entry point for all Cru missionaries who raise their financial support, including intern, part- and full-time staff.)
- Fill out the forms, including the background check application, and choose the people who will complete references for you.
- Allow 4-6 weeks for the entire process to be completed.
Devote your best hours to winning, building, and sending high school students, and seeing lives changed for eternity.
Intern
Hours per week: 40+ with a 1-year commitment
Pay: Yes (Raised by you)
A Cru intern is basically a full-time staff person, except with only a one-year commitment. This commitment can be renewed once, for a total service time of two years. After this, the person must join Cru staff (full- or part-time) or pursue other opportunities.
Intern candidates typically apply in winter or early spring, and if accepted, attend a Cru Orientation Weekend in March or April. This weekend includes training in Ministry Partner Development (MPD) and pairs you with a coach. Your coach guides you through the MPD process, aiming for you to report in August or September.
How to Apply:
- Seek guidance from your local Cru staff and other wise counsel.
- Go to apply.cru.org to submit your application. You will need to create an Okta account.
- Fill out the forms, including the background check application, and choose the people who will submit references.
- Allow 4-6 weeks for the entire process to be completed.
Full-Time Staff
Hours per week: 40+
Pay: Yes (Raised by you)
For those who want to make the biggest impact for Christ, it is hard to beat being a full-time Cru staff member. Instead of fitting ministry into the gaps in your schedule, you will get to devote your best hours to winning, building, and sending high school students, and seeing lives changed for eternity. You will be part of a team of like-minded leaders, sharpening each other and spurring one another on to maximum ministry impact.
Raising your financial support (which we call “Ministry Partner Development” or “MPD”) can be challenging. But Cru will train you and provide the tools you will need to see success in MPD. If God is calling you to be on Cru staff, we are confident He will enable and equip you to develop your ministry partner team.
As with any important career matter, joining Cru staff is a decision that should be made with much wise counsel, prayer, and having the best and most current information. For starters, we suggest having a cup of coffee with your local Cru staff member and asking for a candid description of what staff life is like.
Then as God enables and leads, pursue the next step(s) in the process, and trust Him to make His will clear – and to provide for you as you step out in faith.
How to Apply:
- Seek guidance from your local Cru staff and other wise counsel. Get a clear understanding of the MPD process and what your life would look like on staff.
- Go to apply.cru.org to submit your application. You will need to create an Okta account.
- Fill out the forms, including the background check application, and choose the people who will submit references.
- Allow 6-8 weeks for the entire process to be completed.
Not sure if you are qualified? THIS page describes the qualifications for Cru staff. Visit our New Staff Orientation page for training dates and application deadlines for each.
Are you wrestling with knowing God’s will for your life and career? Here’s an article you may find helpful.
There is no greater adventure than discovering God’s plan for your life and pursuing it with all your heart. If that includes helping reach teenagers with the Good News, then we are here to help you reach your goal and fulfill your dream!
