What is a CU?
CUs have existed for over 80 years in universities around the UK. There were only one or two to start with but now there’s one in nearly every university and college in the UK.
They are student groups with a passion for living for Jesus and speaking for Jesus in the universities and colleges. Their vision is that every student, no matter what their background, has an opportunity to hear about Jesus.
What does a CU do?
CUs are a great way to meet new people, in a context that inspires and equips students to share the message of Jesus on campus. Each university or college has its own culture and way of life, which means that each CU does too. The brilliant thing about CUs is that there is no formula – they are always looking for new and creative ways to let people know about Jesus.
Is the CU really for me?
CUs are a fantastic way of getting the support you need as a Christian at university. The friends that you make in CU will help you live as a Christian day-to-day – encouraging, challenging and inspiring you to be all that you are in Christ. The pressures of university life can be overwhelming at times, so it’s important to have people around you who will help you live for Jesus.
Is it just about evangelism?
CUs normally hold a weekly main meeting where you’ll have the chance to see the rest of CU and catch up, hear a talk from the Bible and worship God together. Some CUs also run small groups that you can be part of.
CU people don’t just spend their time in Christian meetings. They are people who love life, getting involved in loads of different things that interest and excite them – from playing hockey and joining the orchestra, to enrolling in the juggling society and volunteering for RAG. As they live their lives to the full they are presented with even more opportunities to share the message of Jesus.
Will CU be like my church at home?
Churches come in all shapes and sizes. In some churches people dance in the aisles, in others people stay in their place. In some churches there will be a big worship band, in others there is just an organ. Some churches have lots of singing and a short talk, others a long talk and only a bit of singing. It probably won’t be exactly like your church. There’ll definitely be no marriages, baptisms, Communion or funerals but the style may be similar.
The thing to focus on though, isn’t how similar or different it is to your church at home. The thing to notice is how Christian students from all different churches can unite together to encourage each other in living and speaking for Jesus on campus. It’s a privilege you’re unlikely to experience again outside of a CU except at large conferences.
So do I need to find a church?
Yes! CU is a great place to meet other students to encourage one another in the Christian life, but it is never a substitute for church.
While there might be some similarities with church (meeting together for worship, prayer, and a talk), CU does not provide all that you need in terms of support, opportunities to serve, and the fellowship that only a local church can give. You need to be mixing and learning from people of all different ages and walks of life (not just students) if you are going to grow as God intends. This is particularly important if you’re having any difficulties while at university. It’s only through older and wiser people at church that you are likely to get the support that you need.
We were also created to serve our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ and it’s at church where we are given opportunities to do this as we help with Sunday School, serve tea and coffee or get involved with techy stuff.
If you don’t get involved in a local church you will lose out, but worse than that the church will lose out! You have been created with gifts to serve God’s people and God’s people are waiting to serve you too.
