Understand The Times, International

Comment from Understand the Times:

The name Campus Crusade for Christ is being modified to make the organization more acceptable to our generation as we are told by the CCCI website. All three words are apparently unacceptable to the postmodern generation. Campus is too limiting, Crusade also has negative connotations and Christ is far too specific if you are trying to reach pagans.

Of course Campus Crusade can do whatever they want. For years our experience has shown the organization to be very ecumenical.

I am reminded of a Bible School I once taught at that also changed their name. They took our Bible and School and just called the institution a college. How sad.

What will Cru end up becoming? Time will tell.

July 19 - Campus Crusade for Christ drops 'Christ'

Article: Misc.

Our name presented obstacles to our mission. The word "campus" does not adequately represent all our ministries in the United States and confuses our constituency as well as potential partners. The word "crusade"-while common and acceptable in 1951 when we were founded-now carries negative associations. It acts as a barrier to the very people that we want to connect with. It's also a hindrance to many Christians who would like to partner with us but find the word Crusade offensive.

Our surveys show that, in the U.S., twenty percent of the people willing to consider the gospel are less interested in talking with us after they hear the name. We are changing the name for the sake of more effective ministry.

Campus Crusade for Christ has inherent meaning. Cru has no apparent meaning. How do you explain that?

Campus Crusade for Christ is a very descriptive name. It also took on additional meaning in the lives of people as it was filled with experiences and memories.

Since Cru began as a nickname at the local level in the mid-90's it has taken on much of the positive equity of the organization without any of the negatives. Like, Google, Starbucks and other abstract names we expect to fill Cru with meaning as it embodies all that we are as we go to the world with the gospel.

Why did we take the name "Christ" out of our name?

We were not trying to eliminate the word Christ from our name. We were looking for a name that would most effectively serve our mission and help us take the gospel to the world. Our mission has not changed. Cru enables us to have discussions about Christ with people who might initially be turned off by a more overtly Christian name. We believe that our interaction and our communication with the world will be what ultimately honors and glorifies Christ.

Why is the logo in all lowercase letters? Will it be lowercase even as the first word in a sentence?

Lowercase letters are used in the logo to avoid confusion as an acronym or abbreviation. In sentences, the letter "C" will be capitalized.

Will Cru be used for all ministries around the world?

Cru will become the name of our U.S. Ministry. Around the world, many national ministries also go by a name other than Campus Crusade. They will continue using their current names.