If you’re heading to college soon, there’s a good chance you’ve heard someone mention “Cru” before. Maybe you’ve seen it on a college’s list of student organizations, heard an older student talk about it, or noticed students handing out flyers on campus tours. But what actually is it?
Cru — also known as Campus Crusade for Christ — is a Christian campus ministry found on college campuses across the country. Their goal is to help students build community, grow in their faith, ask questions, and navigate college alongside other students who want to keep God at the center of their lives.
And honestly? College is one of the times students often need that kind of community the most.
When you first get to campus, everything feels new. New roommates. New routines. New classes. New people. Even if you’re excited, the transition can still feel overwhelming. Campus ministries like Cru exist to help students find connection in the middle of all that change.
Many Cru groups offer things like:
- Weekly large group gatherings
- Small Bible studies
- Worship nights
- Retreats and conferences
- One-on-one mentorship
- Opportunities to serve others
- Simple ways to meet people and build friendships
One of the best things about campus ministries is that they give students a place to belong before they feel fully settled. Walking into college can feel intimidating, but walking into a room where people genuinely want to know your name can make campus feel a whole lot smaller.
As we continue this Campus Ministry Spotlight series throughout the summer, our hope is to help you see what kinds of Christian communities may exist on your future campus so you can step into college feeling a little more prepared and a little less alone.
