7 Transformative Insights from Campus Crusade Christ Cru for Spiritual Growth

Campus Crusade for Christ: Sharing the Good News

Cru, formerly known as Campus Crusade for Christ International (CCCI), is a non-profit, evangelical Christian organization dedicated to the Great Commission. Their mission is to "win people to faith in Jesus Christ, build them in their faith, and send them to win and build others." Founded in 1951 by Bill and Vonette Bright as a ministry for university students at UCLA, Cru has expanded its reach over the years to include adult professionals, athletes, and high school students.

Reaching Out Beyond Campuses

Cru's primary goal is to help the body of Christ engage in evangelism and discipleship through various creative approaches. They have 2,400 campus ministries worldwide, reaching out to students and sharing the message of Jesus. In addition to their campus ministries, they have also formed partnerships with over 2,000 local churches to assist the homeless and engage in other acts of service. Furthermore, Cru conducts athletic outreaches in 85 nations, using sports as a platform to share the love of Christ.

To disassociate from the historical Crusades and their negative connotations, Campus Crusade for Christ International changed its name to Cru in 2011. The new name better reflects their expanded focus beyond college campuses. Cru aims to create strategies and structures so that everyone everywhere knows at least one person who truly follows Jesus.

The Jesus Film Project: A Global Media Outreach

One of the notable initiatives led by Cru is The Jesus Film Project. This global media outreach began in 1979 with the production of a full-length feature film based on the Gospel of Luke. Filmed at over 202 locations in Israel and incorporating a cast of more than 5,000 people, The Jesus Film has become the most-translated motion picture in history. It has been shown in virtually every country and translated into more than 1,400 languages.

The impact of The Jesus Film Project has been tremendous. To date, it has exposed 6.5 billion people to the gospel, with 230 million indicating a decision for Christ. This film continues to be a powerful tool for sharing the message of Jesus with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds.

The Authority of the Bible

Cru's beliefs are rooted in the Bible, which they consider to be the infallible written Word of God. They believe that the Bible, consisting of the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments, was uniquely, verbally, and fully inspired by the Holy Spirit. They affirm that the original manuscripts were without error (inerrant) and that it serves as the supreme and final authority in all matters on which it speaks.

The Bible is seen as a guide for living a life that aligns with God's will. It provides wisdom, instruction, and comfort to believers who seek to follow Jesus Christ. Through studying and meditating on its teachings, individuals are encouraged to grow in their faith and deepen their relationship with God.

Why This Matters

Cru's approach to evangelism and discipleship plays a vital role in fulfilling the Great Commission. By reaching out to college students, professionals, athletes, and high schoolers, they aim to share the love of Christ with people at different stages of life. Through their diverse ministries and initiatives like The Jesus Film Project, Cru helps make the gospel accessible to individuals from various cultural backgrounds and languages.

As Christians, we are called to be ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20) and share the good news of salvation through Jesus. Organizations like Cru provide resources, support, and opportunities for believers to engage in this important mission. Their commitment to making disciples helps equip individuals to not only come to faith but also grow in their relationship with Christ and become disciple-makers themselves.

Think About It

Consider the impact of media in today's society. The Jesus Film Project has utilized film as a powerful tool to reach millions of people with the message of Jesus. How can we leverage different forms of media to share the gospel and engage with those who may not have encountered it before?

Reflect on the importance of partnership and collaboration within the body of Christ. Cru works alongside local churches, forming partnerships to serve their communities and reach out to those in need. How can we actively seek opportunities to collaborate with others in our own communities to make a greater impact for Christ?

Conclusion

Cru, formerly known as Campus Crusade for Christ International, is an evangelical Christian organization committed to fulfilling the Great Commission. Through their ministries and initiatives such as The Jesus Film Project, they aim to reach people with the message of Jesus, help them grow in their faith, and equip them to be disciple-makers. By partnering with local churches and utilizing various creative approaches, Cru seeks to make the gospel accessible to individuals from all walks of life. As believers, we are called to join in this mission and share the love of Christ with others.