I’m so sad about the misunderstandings associated with Campus Crusade for Christ’s recent name change.
As a former staff member who still respects the organization and its gospel-living, Christ-loving, and Spirit-filled leaders and staff, my respect and love for Cru still stands. Jesus changed my life through this ministry, and I am forever grateful.
I’ve read critical remarks about CCC removing “Christ” from its name on Facebook, via Glenn Beck (who is Mormon, not Christian), and on Fox News that simply aren’t true. (Liberal Huffington Post had a less-slanted story on its site than conservative Fox.) The assumptions of others as to why Campus Crusade for Christ is now Cru–and why “Christ” is no longer in the name–are just that: incorrect assumptions. An authentic explanation from the source can be found here: http://www.ccci.org/about-us/donor-relations/our-new-name/commitment-to-christ.htm.
When I was on staff with [now] Cru, specifically the sports ministry Athletes in Action, I saw firsthand that the ministry is made up of godly, yet humble, staff members who aren’t perfect and make mistakes too (myself included!!). Yet, these men and women (many of whom I respect and still consider my friends today) are on staff with Cru for one reason: to make the name of Jesus Christ known. The new name does not change the mission of this organization. As stated on the ministry’s site (full story in link above): “It is true that we care more about effectively proclaiming the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ than we do about having the word ‘Christ’ in our name. The only name that matters is Jesus and what matters most is connecting people to the name that gives life.”
I couldn’t have said it better myself.
I’m a proud, former staff member of Cru, and will support this parachurch ministry (made up of imperfect people who serve a perfect God) until my time on earth has ceased. There is no doubt in my heart of hearts that lives will continue to be changed for the sake of eternity, even with a new name.
The name is new. But the message is still the same.
What are your thoughts on the recent name change?
