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.
