Graduating from high school to university is a major life transition. It can be challenging academically, with greater academic expectations, and socially, in finding new friends and fitting in. Christian Union (CU), part of the Australian Fellowship of Evangelical Students (AFES), supports Christian students in university. It is an "inter-denominational Christian club on campus … dedicated to following Jesus Christ, sharing that with others and making solid friendships.”
Christian Union students
There are a variety of events run through the week. The smallest gatherings are Prayer TnT’s (Triplets and Training), which are designed for prayer, support and training to share the Gospel. There are weekly bible studies along with public bible talks, currently looking at the Book of Matthew. There are also runs weekly forums with topical issues such as faith and science or the historical Jesus. There are also weekend camps for each faculty group, which provide a great opportunity to meet people and hang out in a casual and fun environment. Coming up to Easter, the various Christian groups at Melbourne uni. collaborate to organise ‘J week.’ The week is done to spread the Easter story about Jesus’ death and resurrection and what that means for us today. It includes handing out hundreds of free hot cross buns!
Universities are predominantly secular institutions. Some Christians experience hostility from their classmates or tutors toward their beliefs. Often Christianity is not taken seriously as valid worldview. However, university can also be a pluralistic and open minded environment. Many are open to hearing a Christian perspective on life and seeing if there is truth in the story of Jesus. It is a formative time for students to think about their identity and what they believe. At Melbourne University there are a multitude of religious and philosophical groups. Interestingly, CU has a good relationship with the Secular Society, which enables the two groups to build dialogue and exchange ideas.
CJ noted that when she began university she remembers being "so welcomed and encouraged by a supportive community of Christians who also helped me learn and grow in my walk with God.” When she had an opportunity to assume a greater leadership role she "wanted to make new students feel as loved and encouraged as I did when I first joined.” For CJ, "It’s really exciting to be part of a loving family with a missional focus who support and spur each other on in their faith and who want to see more come to be part of God’s kingdom."
Spence, former treasurer of CU, said that CU "gave me support of friends and staff workers who encouraged and supported me and challenged me to grow in my faith. Having opportunities to lead other students in studying the bible and sharing my faith with people who did not believe in God was really rewarding."
Bryn noted that he before being involved with CU he was a “very weak Christian” and saw Christianity merely as a “heap of moral lessons.” Upon joining CU he was transformed: "I was shown the grace of God through Jesus Christ in such a clear and captivating way. Because of its great impact on my life as a young university student I knew I wanted to work in this very ministry, and help students struggling in their faith to see Christ crucified and reach out to those who don’t yet know him.” Bryn notes that everything is “accessible and understandable” to help non-Christians and others understand what the Gospel means without theological jargon. He is now one of the CU staff on campus.
CU camp
One of my earliest submissions to the BUV blog was an article about the Mustard organisation, which supports Christian student groups in high schools. Mustard was a significant influence upon myself and my Christian friends during high school and helped us to witness to our non-Christian friends. Christian Union was recommended by many of my friends at church and beach mission, so I thought I’d get involved. It has already been a great source of community, friendship and intellectual discussion. It is a great support be part of a Christian community on campus and have Christian events to go to.
To conclude with Bryn’s words, "we hope to reach out to the campus with the good news of Jesus Christ, inviting students to respond in faith to Jesus’ death for them. We hope to build up existing Christians, helping them to see and know God more deeply and to live for him more fully! We lastly want to send out Christians into the workplace, churches and rest of their lives to live for God in all things.”
For more information see: http://www.melbourne.cu.org.au
or https://umsu.unimelb.edu.au/clubs/christian-union/
Source: BUV News