Evangelicals Now
<< March 2010 >>

Third Degree

Led by students

Christian Unions are made up of students, led by students and exist to reach students. Who is in a better position to reach students with the gospel of Jesus than those they live with, go to lectures with, spend time with and share lives with. Students are best placed to reach students and that is why Christian Unions exist and why they are led by students.

Student leadership is not only beneficial for the mission of CUs, but it can have a lasting effect on the student leaders themselves. CU leadership is more than standing at the front during the weekly main meeting; it involves service, servant-heartedness, time, planning, organisation, co-ordinating and working with others, sharing responsibility, knowing the goal and being passionate about working for it.

Shaping and moulding

These are not attributes that all students have when they start out, but CU leadership is a great arena in which to be shaped and moulded. Johnny, who is coming to the end of his time as President of the CU at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), says, ‘The experience has really grown me and challenged me about leadership but in a comfortable environment in a way that is really helpful’.

Trusting God more

Being brilliantly organised, dynamic and visionary may seem impressive but the work of the Christian Union is not reliant on the leaders or the members, but on the Lord of the universe. A common theme in the reflections of those who have been involved in CU leadership is how it has made them trust in God more. But, as with many a valuable lesson, the process of getting there is not always easy and at times can be stressful, daunting and scary. Rhiannon, a fifth-year medic, thinks back to her days as Prayer Secretary and Vice-President of King’s College CU: ‘It was brilliant because it made me come before God and acknowledge that he can do this but I can’t in my own strength’.

Uncertainty

For those who are about to start serving in CU leadership, feelings of uncertainty are not uncommon. Jo is going to be the Vice-President of the CU in Loughborough and, although she doesn’t feel equipped at the moment, she is confident that she will be more prepared after shadowing the current VP and going along to a CU leaders’ training weekend. UCCF put on regional CU Leaders’ Training weekends to teach new leaders from God’s word and to prepare them somewhat for what lies ahead.

Stepping up

It is easy to feel the weight of leadership responsibility bearing down, to feel compared to those who have gone before, to feel that there are a million things to do and no time to do them, to feel the task is too big and the person too small. What a joy in these moments to know that we have a mighty God!

As new student leaders step up and take on the responsibility of a new role please pray that they trust in the Lord and seek his glory as they lead their university mission teams to reach the lost.

Charlotte Petra,
UCCF