Cru (formerly known as Campus Crusade for Christ or CCCI) is an interdenominational Christian organization that was founded in 1951 by Bill and Vonette Bright on the campus of UCLA. The organization’s primary goal is to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ and make disciples around the world, particularly on college campuses. Here is an overview of Cru’s history, mission, beliefs, and practices:
History of Cru
As mentioned above, Cru was founded in 1951 by Bill and Vonette Bright as a campus ministry at UCLA. The Brights had become Christians during their time as students at UCLA and felt called to share their newfound faith with other students. They began holding Bible studies with a handful of students in their home. This small ministry soon grew into a larger movement that adopted the name “Campus Crusade for Christ” in 1952.
Through the 1950s and 1960s, Campus Crusade for Christ rapidly expanded to other college campuses, both in the United States and internationally. By the late 1960s, CCC was active on hundreds of campuses. In 1966, CCC held its first global conference in Switzerland, cementing its status as an international organization.
Over the ensuing decades, CCC continued to grow and plant new ministries beyond just college campuses, including ministries for athletes, families, churches, and more. By 2011, the organization had offices in 191 countries. However, some began to express concern that the name “Campus Crusade for Christ” was too narrowly focused on college students and hindered the group’s work in other areas. As a result, in 2011 CCC officially changed its name to “Cru” as part of a broader rebranding effort.
Today, Cru has expanded into a global ministry with over 25,000 staff serving in 191 countries. While college campuses remain a core focus, Cru is also actively ministering to communities around the world through various outreach programs.
Mission and Ministry Focus
According to its website, Cru’s mission statement is: “We are committed to sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with all nations so that there will be generations of laborers living and sharing His love all around the world.”
The primary way Cru fulfills this mission is by ministering to college students and recent graduates. They aim to reach these younger generations for Christ and then equip them for a lifetime of ministry. Some of Cru’s most prominent campus-focused ministries include:
- Running evangelistic outreaches, Bible studies, and discipleship groups on college campuses
- Hosting conferences and training events to equip college students for evangelism
- Sending missionaries (supported by donors) to minister on campuses full-time
- Providing follow-up discipleship and mentorship for students after conversion
- Partnering with local churches to connect college students to faith communities
In addition to campus ministry, Cru is also involved in broader community outreach through ministries such as:
- Athletes in Action – Sports ministry to pro athletes and college teams
- FamilyLife – Marriage conferences and resources
- Christian Embassy – Outreach to global leaders and diplomats
- Jesus Film Project – Filmmaking to spread the gospel
Cru emphasizes the need for both evangelism (sharing the gospel with nonbelievers) and discipleship (helping new Christians grow). They aim to minister to individuals at every stage of their spiritual journey.
Beliefs and Theology
As an interdenominational organization, Cru allows some diversity in secondary doctrinal beliefs among its members. However, all staff affirm Cru’s core doctrinal statement which outlines primary Christian beliefs including:
- The Bible as the inspired and authoritative Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16)
- The Trinity – God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19)
- The deity and humanity of Jesus Christ (John 1:1, 14)
- The sinfulness of humanity (Romans 3:23)
- Salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9)
- The spiritual unity of believers in Christ (Galatians 3:28)
In keeping with its evangelical heritage, Cru places great emphasis on the need for personal conversion through faith in Christ. They teach the need for both justification (being declared righteous through Christ) and sanctification (the process of being made holy).
Cru’s statement of faith affirms that the Holy Spirit gifts and empowers believers for service and ministry. There is an expectation that Christians will live out their faith in their daily lives. In terms of social views, Cru takes a conservative evangelical position affirming traditional sexual ethics and the sanctity of human life.
While ministry methods may adapt with the times, Cru sees the message of the gospel and core biblical principles as unchanging. Their ultimate authority in all matters of doctrine and practice is Scripture alone.
Church Relations
From its earliest days, Cru has had a partner church strategy based on the belief that campus ministries should build up local churches, not compete with them. Rather than planting new Cru congregations, the goal is to connect new believers to existing evangelical churches in their community for continued fellowship and growth.
Cru staff raise their own support and are expected to maintain accountability relationships with pastors from their sending church. Cru also provides training for local churches on how to better minister to college students in their congregations.
While Cru ministers to students on campus, the long-term goal is to integrate them into a sustainable church community. Cru sees itself as coming alongside churches to help them more effectively fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).
Cru’s Methods and Practices
Cru employs a set of biblical principles and strategic methods to help guide its ministry efforts around the world:
- The Five Habits: CCCI teaches the following daily habits for effective ministry: We pray, we reflect, we hear, we vision and we share our faith.
- The Spiritual Breathing Cru encourages believers to constantly “inhale” God’s grace by faith and “exhale” through confessing sin. This allows believers to stay spiritually healthy.
- The Four Spiritual Laws: A simple presentation about 1) God’s love and plan, 2) Humanity’s sin problem, 3) Christ’s sacrificial solution, and 4) Our need for personal commitment to Christ.
- New Believer Follow-Up: Materials to guide new converts through essential studies about faith and the Christian life over their first 30-60 days.
- Discipleship Relationships: Pairing younger Christians with more mature mentors to meet regularly for accountability, study, and growth in the faith.
- Leadership Training: Equipping students to become peer leaders who then raise up new leaders, multiplying the ministry impact.
While adjusting methods as needed, Cru aims to maintain a clear gospel message, a relational ministry approach, solid biblical teaching, and an emphasis on indigenous leadership that reflects each culture they serve in.
Criticisms and Controversies
As a large Christian organization, Cru has faced some criticisms and controversies over the years, including:
- Some claim Cru uses overly simplistic methods, such as the “Four Spiritual Laws” booklet, to communicate the gospel message.
- There are concerns about whether short-term mission trips with Cru can unintentionally reinforce negative stereotypes in developing countries.
- Some former members claim there are problems with authoritarian leadership structures and lack of financial transparency at times within Cru.
- Critics say Cru presents a narrow theological focus that does not align with all strands of Christianity.
- Some campus groups affiliated with Cru have generated controversy for promoting conservative political causes alongside the gospel.
- There are disagreements amongst Christians regarding Cru’s practice of ecumenism and partnership with a broad range of denominations.
However, many Christian leaders and denominations have affirmed the spiritual fruit and ministry effectiveness of Cru over its 70+ year history. It continues to be one of the largest campus and missions organizations within evangelical Christianity.
Conclusion
In summary, Cru is an influential campus ministry organization seeking to fulfill the Great Commission by evangelizing students and developing new generations of Christian leaders. Through its global outreach, training programs, discipleship focus, and partnership with local churches, Cru aims to see long-term spiritual renewal and maturity in the lives of new believers.
While not without some controversies, Cru has undeniably impacted millions of lives around the world. Its passionate focus on reaching the lost on college campuses remains a primary driving force within the organization. Overall, Cru provides an important case study in evangelical Christian efforts to engage mainstream culture and mobilize youth for ministry.
