What's Different about Cru in High School

What’s Different about Cru in High School

Have you heard of Cru? For over 70 years, thousands of Cru staff and volunteers, serving in hundreds of countries around the world, have been helping college students, athletes, business professionals, military personnel, families, and people from all walks of life meet Jesus and grow in their relationship with Him.

Almost from the very start, many of these staff members and volunteers have been faithfully working with a unique and extremely consequential group of people in the world– high school students! So, how is the High School Ministry of Cru distinct from Cru’s other ministry ventures? What unique challenges and opportunities exist when working with teenagers? Let’s take a look.

Working with Minors

Without question, the most unique thing about the High School Ministry is the population we serve is almost exclusively composed of minors. This presents some unique challenges as we seek to prioritize student safety and interact with minors in a way that is above reproach.

For starters, all High School Ministry staff and adult volunteers are required to complete a criminal background check. This ensures all our staff and volunteers are properly vetted and offers a layer of legal protection, while providing some peace of mind for parents and other concerned adults.

Speaking of parents and school staff, as we work with high school students, it is imperative we coordinate our efforts with other adults in students’ lives, including parents, guardians, and school authorities. These adults may have a wide variety of experiences with churches and parachurch ministries. It is vital that we do the important work of communicating with these adults who exercise authority and influence in the students’ lives.

Obviously, the most important adults in a student’s life are their parents or legal guardians. As we invite students to weekly meetings, retreats, camps, and mission opportunities, it is very important to develop relationships with parents. Some parents will really want to connect with us and know about their child’s Cru involvement, others not at all. We always want to do our best to honor students’ families and respect the values and expectations of their parents. We often ask parents or guardians to sign waivers authorizing their children to participate in Cru activities. As ambassadors of the gospel, we also want to be sensitive to opportunities to minister to students’ families as well.

School staff, teachers, coaches, and administrators are also key gatekeepers in students’ lives. Many of our interactions with students will take place on or near the high school campus. Whenever possible, it is best to work with the school staff to support the vision and agenda of the school and work together towards the common goal of developing students. When we develop good relationships with school staff, we gain additional credibility with students and the overall school community and have the opportunity to serve and share the love of Christ with school staff in the process. These relationships will vary from city to city and campus to campus, but we want to always be respectful of school policies and do our best to develop strong relationships with school staff.

For more on working with minors, see Best Practices for Relating to Minors.

The Need to Understand the High School Campus

As we have already discussed, developing good relationships with school staff is key. In addition, it is important to understand the culture, norms, and expectations of your involvement on the campus. In some cases, Cru staff are openly welcomed on campus and allowed to facilitate clubs, coach teams, host lunches, or volunteer in classes. In many instances, however, school administrators may be leery of “outsiders” on their campus, especially initially. We must work hard to discover, and then respect, the guidelines and boundaries established by school staff and faculty. As much as possible, we want to serve the school in ways that make sense to them and meet real needs, while also being honest and intentional about our goals as a ministry.

In some instances, access to the school may be very limited, and in rare cases, we may have no access to the campus at all. High School Ministry staff have to be flexible, creative, discerning, and adept at meeting students in whatever context circumstances will allow. This may involve meeting students after school, off campus, at sporting events, or local hangouts. For more helpful ideas, check out “Two Keys to Meeting and Relating to Students.“

In instances where we have greater access to the campus, we still must recognize what we are able to share and in what contexts. Simply put, we never share about spiritual things in a setting in which students are required to be there (classroom instruction, team practices, etc.). A Cru leader may give a talk in a required setting about topics such as team-building, time management, or healthy relationships. This talk may include scriptural principles, without being overtly evangelistic. Students may then be invited to an optional follow-up event to hear more.

In these voluntary, follow-up settings, we can speak more freely about the spiritual elements of our lives and how the Bible speaks to those various topics. It is critically important that we keep this required/voluntary distinction in mind when interacting with students on campus.

Teenagers are like wet cement, developing their identities, values, and relationships. A caring adult sharing their faith in a relevant way could make all the difference in their lives and help reach an entire generation.

Student-Led, Adult-Directed

In the best of circumstances, much of what occurs on or around the campus is led by students. Our vision is that most, if not all, of our high school movements would be student-led and adult-directed. This model is ideal for at least two reasons.

First, student-led movements have greater freedom on the campus. Because of the way the laws in the United States are written, students have far more freedom and flexibility under the law to lead religious gatherings on their campuses and engage in faith conversations than adults do. When students lead movements, many of the legal barriers we face as adults are suddenly immaterial.

Second, when students take leadership of a movement, they grow in their own faith and competency in ministry. In these types of environments, spiritual multiplication can take place. The gospel can go farther and faster, and more people can experience a life-changing relationship with Christ!

Spiritual Movements Everywhere

Cru’s vision is to see spiritual movements everywhere, so that everyone knows someone who truly follows Jesus. This means that as the High School Ministry, we are committed to taking Jesus to every teenager, anywhere, by all means! We desire to do our part in helping to fulfill the Great Commission.

Studies have shown that approximately 80% of all people who place their faith in Jesus do so before their 18th birthday. Teenagers are like wet cement, waiting for someone to make a lasting impression. They are still developing their identities, values, and relationships and are an age group that is very open to the gospel. A caring adult sharing their faith in a relevant way could make all the difference in their lives and help reach an entire generation. Teenagers are a strategic group of people with whom to work, and they are a lot of fun!

For More Information

If you would like more information on the High School Ministry of Cru, visit our website at cru.org/highschool. If you would like to join us on mission as a full-time or part-time staff, intern, or volunteer, we would encourage you to consider applying spiritual multiplication. The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. There are millions of teenagers across the nation just waiting for someone like you to invest in them and point them towards the love of Christ!

Next Step

Check out the three ways to Join Us if you're interested in working with high school students on a local campus near you.

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Sample Outreach Schedule

Mingling and refreshments
Welcome (3 minutes)
Campus ministry overview from the emcee (3 minutes)
Icebreaker: Famous Couples game (10 minutes)
Dating Game (20 to 30 minutes)
Student testimony with a relationship theme (4 minutes)
Relationship talk and gospel presentation (15 to 20 minutes max)
Comment cards (7 minutes)
Announcements (2 minutes)
Refreshments and hanging out (no set time)

The key is intentional planning with a relaxed atmosphere.

Game 1: Famous Couples

Choose an even number of participants and prepare a list of famous couples ahead of time, such as Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia or Romeo and Juliet. Write each name on a 3×5 card and as students enter, tape the name of one character on their back without letting them see it.

Each student may ask up to three yes or no questions per person to figure out who they are. They must also take turns answering questions when asked. The goal is to discover their identity and find their matching partner as quickly as possible. Continue until everyone is matched.

Game 2: The Dating Game

If you don’t have a lot of couples for this game, you could call it the “Best Friend Test” and have them do best friends instead. However, considering this party is about romantic relationships it is obviously better to have romantic couples playing.

This game is similar to the Best Friend Test you’ve probably seen on TikTok or shows like The Circle, or the old Newlywed game. (If you haven’t seen them, check them out). One person answers questions first, then their partner tries to guess what they said.

One partner leaves the room while the questions are asked. The partners in the room write the answers down. Then they come back, hear the same questions, and try to match their partner’s answers. Each correct match earns a point. The pair with the most points wins a prize.

The questions are light, funny, and all about how well you actually know the other person.

Dating Game Questions

For the girls (guys leave the room):

Which ice cream flavor best describes your relationship right now: Vanilla, Rocky Road, Peaches and Cream, or Tutti Frutti?
On your first date, which animal was he most like: Turtle, Kitten, Tiger, or Octopus?
How long have you been going out?
What is the most sentimental gift he has given you?

For the guys (girls leave the room):

Which Disney character would she say best describes you: Mickey Mouse, The Beast, Goofy, or Winnie the Pooh?
What song is “your song”?
What did you do on your first date?
What is her favorite perfume?
Which Valentine’s gift would she most like: candy, flowers, or a kiss?
What outfit is she wearing right now?

Optional non-gender questions

What is their go-to fast food order?
What song would they put on if they needed a hype boost?
What stresses them out faster than it should?
If they had a free day, how would they spend it?

What is something they are secretly really good at?

While relationships matter deeply to us, they also expose one of our biggest fears, the fear of not being truly loved.

Relationship Talk

Overview

The relationship talk should be short, clear, and serve as a natural bridge to the gospel. Valentine’s Day provides an easy entry point into the idea that everyone is searching for love and meaningful relationships, yet few of us have good models of what lasting love looks like.

This talk introduces the idea that there is a kind of love that lasts, a love that does not depend on performance or appearance, and that love is found in God.

Introduction

Begin with a funny or embarrassing dating story to lower defenses and help students relate.

The Talk

Relationships take a lot of time and energy, whether with parents, friends, coworkers, or romantic partners. While relationships matter deeply to us, they also expose one of our biggest fears, the fear of not being truly loved.

Psychologists often describe our greatest need as the need to love and be loved. At the same time, our greatest fear is that if people really knew us, they would reject us. Because of this, many of us wear masks and show only what we think others want to see.

Even people who care about us deeply can disappoint or reject us when we do not meet their expectations. That pain leaves us asking what real love actually looks like.

There are three common types of love people experience:

“I love you if…” love, which is conditional on behavior.
“I love you because…” love, which is based on appearance, popularity, or performance.
“I love you, period.” love, which is unconditional and unchanging.

What we truly long for is the third kind of love.

One Who Loves No Matter What

That kind of love exists, and it comes from God. God loves people for who they are, not for how they perform or what they offer. He invites us into a real relationship with Him where His love is constant and secure.

From here, transition clearly into the gospel and explain how students can have a relationship with God and experience His unconditional love.

If you’re not sure how to share the gospel, learn how to HERE

Comment Cards

Use a comment card to collect name, address, phone number, school, and grade. Include simple response options for students who received Christ, want more information, or want to get involved with your campus ministry.

Next Step

Plan your Valentine’s Day outreach early and involve student leaders in every step so more students can experience authentic relationships and hear the gospel in a welcoming environment.

Partnering with Other Ministries to Reach Your Campus

Groups like Cru, Young Life, and FCA each have their own strengths and strategies. Students connect with them for different reasons—it’s not “one size fits all.” We love and respect every group that’s helping students know Jesus. We’re on the same team, not in competition.

Here are a few ministries we often serve alongside:

Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) – Students gather in “huddles” led by coaches, giving athletes a chance to live out their faith through the sports they love.
Young Life – Leaders invest deeply in relationships, earning the right to be heard before sharing the gospel.
Church Youth Groups – Churches are a vital part of every community. Many youth leaders volunteer at schools or visit during lunch to connect with students. Cru isn’t a church—we partner with local churches to help students get plugged in.
Christian Clubs – Many campuses have Christian Clubs focused on prayer, fellowship, and Bible study. They’re often inward-facing rather than outreach-focused.

Cru’s Approach

We share Christ as soon as we have the chance, then build a network of small group Bible studies. We train students to share their faith—through group outreaches, personal conversations, and larger gatherings.

Why This Matters on Your Campus

When you are starting or growing a ministry, ask, “Who is already here?” Sometimes a group has been serving for years. Sometimes no one is reaching that school yet. Often there is room for more than one group to thrive because no single ministry connects with every student.

If another group is already present, the best move is to connect. Grab coffee with their leader, ask questions, learn what has been working, and listen for their challenges. Your posture matters. Come in as an ally, not a rival.

“We’re not in competition; we’re on the same team.”

Stepping Onto a Campus With Other Ministries

If you launch Cru where another ministry exists, remember these things:

Speak well of them in front of students.
Avoid scheduling conflicts when possible.
Focus on students they are not already reaching.
Be willing to partner for events or outreaches.

The goal is not to win students to your ministry. The goal is to help them grow in Jesus.

How to Start the Conversation

Approaching another leader can feel awkward. Keep it simple:

Ask how their group is doing at that school.
Learn which students they connect with best.
Share your heart for students and where Cru could help.
Look for ways to collaborate rather than compete.

You may be surprised how often these conversations lead to friendship and partnership.

A Simple Way to Explain Cru

When someone asks what Cru is about, you can say:

Cru is a network of student disciples who see their school as a mission field. We help students grow in their faith through small groups, training conferences, and mission opportunities locally and around the world.

When it comes down to it, no single ministry can reach every student—but together, we can make a much greater impact. Each group brings unique strengths, connections, and opportunities to the table. By cheering each other on, looking for ways to partner, and sharing a heart for teenagers to know and follow Jesus, we multiply our effectiveness. When ministries work side by side instead of in separate lanes, schools see more of Christ’s love, more students hear the gospel, and more lives are transformed for eternity.

Next Step

Reach out to a local campus ministry leader this week and start a conversation about partnering together.

Sydney’s Story

From Grief to Purpose: Finding God in the Storm

Growing up in a Christian home, she always knew about Jesus, but her relationship with Him didn’t feel personal until tragedy struck in eighth grade. Transitioning from homeschooling to public school had already pushed her out of her comfort zone, and anxiety loomed as she struggled to find her place. Then, during the fall of 2020, both her parents contracted COVID. While her mom recovered, her dad’s condition worsened, leading to months of uncertainty. She vividly remembers the day he left for the hospital and the long, heartbreaking journey that followed. Despite moments of hope, her dad passed away on February 20th, 2021. At just 13 years old, she faced the devastating reality of losing her father—a loss that shook her world and her faith.

In the midst of that grief, she began to see God’s hand at work. During sleepless nights and moments of overwhelming sorrow, God surrounded her with people who cared—friends, family, and a community that embodied His love. Though the pain of loss didn’t disappear, she found comfort in the truth that this life is not the end. Inspired by Paul’s words about eternity, she started to see her father’s passing as a reminder of the hope we have in Christ. That hope spurred her to action. On a family mission trip to Thailand, she met students leading Cru groups at their schools, and the seed was planted to start something similar back home. Despite initial uncertainty, God provided resources, opened doors, and brought others alongside her to launch Cru at her school—a ministry that has been thriving for nearly a year now.

"Anxiety loomed as she struggled to find her place."

Her story is one of resilience, faith, and transformation. Through unimaginable grief, she discovered the depth of God’s love and the strength found in trusting Him. The loss of her dad deepened her desire to share Jesus with others, knowing firsthand how essential His presence is in life’s hardest moments. Cru has given her a platform to do just that—to tell others about the God who redeems brokenness and uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Her journey reminds us that while pain is inevitable, God is sovereign, faithful, and able to bring beauty from ashes.