Each morning my alarm sounds at 6am. I lie in bed willing it to be a dream, but after a few moments I realize the reality of the situation. It’s morning and I need to get up and get ready to go to work. Beginning something, like your day, or that exercise regime, or that essay is always the hardest part and it’s the same when we begin our CRU groups for the year. Beginning is difficult, but in many ways, it is the most important part.

So my question for you is how are you going to begin this year at CRU? If you are a teacher, a student leader or even a group member of CRU, you should consider how you will help launch the group well this year. I’m going to give my top 3 tips for beginning well.

PRAY: Spend some time praying for your group. In Proverbs we are encouraged to commit our plans to God, because he is the one who works in and through your group. Likewise, praying for our CRU group shows dependence…… (and trust me), for a CRU group to be healthy we must be dependent on God.

Proverbs 16:3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.

PLAN: It is vital to plan for the year ahead, and this means meeting together and planning. So get the leaders together and sort out what the year is going to look like. Develop some aims, draw up a roster for the term and pray for the year of ministry ahead.

PROMOTE: Great, you have a CRU group, but that’s no use if nobody knows about it. So get out there and promote your CRU group to your school. Tell other Christians about it, advertise it around your school with posters, a video in chapel or an announcement at assembly. Perhaps make some welcome packs for the new year 7’s at school and let them know about your CRU group. Don’t be afraid to tell people about CRU, but get out there, be bold and invite people along to hear about Jesus!

Deut 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

The Schools Ministry Team at Crusaders will be praying for you all as you launch your groups this year. We hope and pray that God will continue to use you powerfully in your schools so that many more will hear the name of Jesus and be saved!

Image from jurvetson