Let's journey together

Teenagers today are filled with energy and optimism. They’re ready to take on and change their world. They care about issues of justice, the environment and inclusion so that every one of their friends and classmates are safe, welcomed and loved, no matter who they are.

But they’re also navigating the pressures of adolescence in a complex culture of social media, mental health crisis, sexual experimentation, violence and disintegrating family life.

Cru is here to help teenagers and their families tackle the issues of life.

Since 1951, we have been reaching out to youth across America and around the world. We are full-time and part-time staff members, interns and volunteers who join hands with parents, educators, churches and community leaders.

We mentor students and equip them to build healthy friendships, make good choices, and grow closer to Jesus. We give them support and tools, empowering them to leave an eternal impact as they serve their schools and community.

Our team members also serve coaches, teachers and counselors by offering motivational talks for classrooms, clubs or teams, and assist in other ways to enhance the educational process.

Cru’s ministry extends to thousands of students led by more than 600 full-time staff, interns, affiliates and local community volunteers.

Transformed students taking Jesus to every teenager, anywhere, by all means!

WHERE ARE WE GOING?

Jesus’ command in Matthew 28:18-20 was to “Go into all the world and make disciples.” Paul instructs Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:2, “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.” Our instructions are that “we proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ” (Colossians 1:28). A win-build-send ministry has spiritual multiplication as its goal. We are seeking to win people to Christ, build them in their faith, and send, train and equip them to reach others.

WIN

Sowing – the process of meeting and contacting a wide variety of students, arousing their curiosity about spiritual things, preparing them for a personal evangelistic presentation. This involves being where students are, and connecting with as well as encouraging spiritual interest.
Winning – the process of sharing the gospel with students and asking for their response (evangelism). In Cru High School, we share Christ individually, to small and large groups. We share Christ in the course of daily living and interaction with students. We share Christ through specific group strategies.

BUILD

Follow-Up and Basic Growth – the initial step of helping a new Christian become grounded and established in his faith (Colossians 2:6,7). It is carried out immediately after a person’s decision for Christ, usually in the context of personal appointments or a small group.
Discipleship and Training – the deepening of a person’s walk with Christ during which a person’s trust, love and surrender to Christ grow stronger. As they grow to love Christ, ministry training (equipping) grows out of a person’s desire to imitate Christ and be involved in reaching out to others.

SEND

Leadership – influencing others to love and follow Christ through evangelism and discipleship, as well as by words and action. Cru High School conferences, local ministry opportunities and international projects are strategies through which leadership can be developed. The ultimate goal is that students would “love the Lord their God with all their heart, soul, mind and strength” and that they would “go into all the world and make disciples” who would make disciples who would make disciples who would…

As you prepare to reach out to teenagers, you want to be sure to develop the skills you need. The Cru Launch Box has some great training to help you and your students be more effective in ministry. These skills are grouped by the six milestones we talk about in the Launch Box.