Ministry in the City

The distinctives of Campus for Christ flow out of our goal, we are here to change the world by helping students discover Jesus, and answers the question, what are the principles we will employ to shape our strategy?

CENTRALITY OF THE MINISTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AND THE WORD

C4C recognizes that we cannot obey in the flesh and that anything we do in our own strength is not ultimately glorifying to God. We recognize that spiritual power comes from God alone, who grants it to us through the person of the Holy Spirit. Only through being filled with the Holy Spirit can we grow, obey and do what glorifies God. We experience spiritual power by being constantly filled with the Holy Spirit, moment by moment. This involves confessing any known sin in our lives to God and trusting God’s Word and the gospel.

CONCERTED PRAYER

We emphasize prayer as the foundation for all that we do, from seeking God’s wisdom, to His dreams, to the planning of these ideas, to their execution, the tiniest detail is not too important to pray about. We pray for others and actively seek people to participate with us in prayer.

INITIATIVE EVANGELISM

Success in initiative evangelism is simply taking the initiative to share the good news of Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit and leaving the results to God (Bill Bright). This is done one-to-one and through group evangelism.

Many people conceive of evangelism as effective only when they lead someone to Christ.  This is not biblical.  We are His witnesses.  It is up to God to bring about new life.  Also, many Christians conceive of evangelism as living good lives and waiting for people to ask what is different about them and then to share the gospel.  This is not biblical.  Our conversion as Christians is because someone took the initiative to share the good news about Jesus with us.

Luke 9:6ff; Ezekiel 2:3-7; Jer 1:7-8; Jesus Himself coming; Him going to Samaria (John 4); Acts 1:8; Phillip approaching the Ethiopian Eunuch; ; 1 Corinthians 16; Mark 16:15; Luke 10:2; Acts 5:42, Modelled by the apostles, even after being beaten (v.40); Acts 20:18-21; Matthew 28:18-20, Commanded by Jesus; Romans 10:13-15; 2 Corinthians 5:11, we persuade others; 2 Corinthians 5:20; 1 Corinthians 9:19-27.

ONE ON ONE AND SMALL GROUP DISCIPLESHIP

Following Jesus’ example, we believe that people are best discipled in small groups. This aids in multiplying our time, the encouragement of group members and a process whereby we can find those who want to have a deepening relationship with the Lord. We also disciple people individually. They are discipled to Christ and not to us. Our goal is to help people become independently dependent on the Lord.

SPIRITUAL MULTIPLICATION

In 2 Timothy 2:2, Paul encourages Timothy to pass on what he has learned to other reliable people who in turn are to pass this on to others. Although we want to build into our new and young Christians, our goal is that what we give them would not end with them. Until they are giving away what they have been given we are just having a ministry of addition. Our goal in ministry is multiplication.

Colossians 1: 3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people— 5 the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel 6 that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace. 7 You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, 8 and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.

TRANSFERABLE METHODS AND MATERIALS

For Spiritual Multiplication to take place, transferability of thoughts, ideas and material need to happen. We believe that it is vital for material to be passed on from one generation to another, one culture to another, discipler to disciple. Thus, any materials need to be easily understood, easily used and easily passed on to others. As Jesus said, “make disciples . . . teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

For example, there are stories of a student on campus trusting in Christ through the “Knowing God Personally Booklet” and then that same day going home and reading the booklet to their family and their whole family trusting in Christ.

SACRIFICIAL SENDING FOR THE FULFILLMENT OF THE GREAT COMMISSION

Jesus’ goal expressed in Matthew 28:18-20 is “make disciples of all nations.” The word “nations,” ethne in the Greek, and has a fuller meaning than just political boundaries. Ethne means people group.

Currently there are 6,872 unreached people groups comprising 2.80 billion people (Joshua Project).

“Thus, while there are still tens of millions who have never heard the name “Jesus” at all, there are hundreds of millions more who may have heard of Jesus and may even have high regard for Him, but who cannot see a way to become His disciples and still remain within their natural com- munity. The church cannot grow within peoples where relevant churches do not exist. Forty percent of the individuals in the world live within peoples with no church. They are no more spiritually “lost” than your cousin who has never gone to church, but unlike your cousin, there is no church made up of people like themselves with whom they can fellowship. Such people live in groups that we refer to as being “unreached.” Their entire people has not yet been effectively reached with the gospel” (Ralph Winter).

We are to make disciples of all peoples. Acts 1:8 says: “you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

In my latest newsletter (see below) I talked about Christianity Explained. It is ideal for introducing the basics of Christianity to a friend, a family member, or a co-worker one on one.  It can also be used effectively in groups.  For more information, and to check it out go here.

Here is our newest update/prayer letter.  Thank you for reading!

1. You Can Change: God’s Transforming Power for Our Sinful Behavior and Negative Emotions by Tim Chester

In this book, Tim Chester explores biblically how change actually happens. He explores the following questions: What would you like to change? How are you going to change? When do you struggle? What truths do you need to turn to? What desires do you need to turn from? What stops you from changing? What strategies will reinforce your faith and repentance? How can we support one another in changing? Are you ready for a lifetime of daily change? This is the best book I have read all year.

2.  Good News for Anxious Christians: 10 Practical Things You Don’t Have to Do by Phillip Cary

The author contends that there are beliefs in the evangelical church that we believe and hold others to, but in fact they have no basis in Scripture and are relatively new in the history of Christianity. These beliefs do not bring the liberty that the gospel promises to bring, but in fact make anxious Christians. Because these beliefs are so deep rooted, this book will cause a stir, but it is definitely worth reading and reflecting on. The things that we don’t have to believe include: Why you don’t have to hear God’s voice in your heart or how God really speaks today; Why you don’t have to “let God take control” or how obedience is for responsible adults; Why you don’t have to “find God’s will for your life” or how faith seeks wisdom; Why you don’t have to be sure you have the right motivations or how love seeks the good; Why you don’t have to worry about splitting head from heart or how thinking welcomes feeling; Why you don’t have to keep getting transformed all the time or how virtues make a lasting change in us; Why you don’t always have to experience joy or how God vindicates the afflicted; Why “applying it to your life” is boring or how the gospel is beautiful; Why basing faith on experience leads to a Post-Christian future or how Christian faith needs Christian teaching. He concludes the book how the gospel of Christ is good news for us. Highly recommended!

3.  The Pastor in Prayer by Charles Haddon Spurgeon

These are the richest and most encouraging prayers I have ever read.

4.  God’s Undertaker: Has Science Buried God? by John Lennox

Does science undermine belief in God? This is what the new atheists would have us to believe. Dr. John Lennox, Professor of Mathematics at the University of Oxford, counters this idea brilliantly. This very readable book will strengthen your faith.

5.  Tactics: A Game Plan For Discussing Your Christian Convictions by Greg Koukl

“THE authoritative treatment of how to employ various strategies in conversations with unbelievers about the Christian faith” (J.P. Moreland). Tactics teaches you how to maneuver comfortably and graciously as you share your faith with others. Learn how to navigate the mine fields, stop challengers in their tracks, turn the tables and – most importantly – get people thinking about Jesus.

6.  Reason For God DVD: Conversations on Faith and Life by Tim Keller

The “C.S. Lewis of the 21st century,” Tim Keller models how to engage in spiritual conversation with intelligent and friendly non-Christians. They cover a variety of relevant subjects such as: Isn’t the Bible a myth? What gives you the right to tell me how to live my life? What about other religions? How can God send good people to hell?

7.  Closing the Window: Steps to Porn Free Living by Tim Chester

Pornography is everywhere. Too many Christians regularly use it and are addicted to it. Chester says that we can be captured by a better vision – a liberating confidence that God offers more than pornography does. Very helpful for yourself or someone you love.

8.  The God Who Is There: Finding Your Place in God’s Story by D.A. Carson (Book or DVD)

There are so many stories and different types of literature in the Bible. How does it all fit together? What is the overarching story? One of the most respected Bible teachers in the world clearly covers the high points of the Bible and the relevance of the Biblical story in clear and understandable language so that the non-Christian, the new believer, and the mature Christian will all benefit.

9.  Know the Truth: A Handbook of Christian Belief by Bruce Milne

Understanding and appreciating who God is and what he has done for us is at the center of the Christian faith. Right belief is the first step to getting everything else right–from home to work, from worship to witness, from self-understanding to service. In this concise handbook Bruce Milne summarizes in masterly fashion what the Bible teaches in the major areas of Christian doctrine (the Bible, God, humanity, Christ, the Holy Spirit, the church and the last things). He explains the historical understanding and development of these truths from the early church to the present. Each section concludes with a thorough listing of Scripture passages and questions to stimulate further reflection. Here is a helpful and thorough resource for all who want to understand the essential Christian faith.

10.  A God-Sized Vision: Revival Stories that Stretch and Stir by Collin Hansen and John Woodbridge

“I am so glad that this book is appearing now, as a witness to how God has worked in the church in the past and what he can do in the future.” (Tim Keller).

Whatever you may believe about Jesus, it is hard to argue that anyone else has had as big an impact on world history. Religious, irreligious, agnostics, Hindus, Buddhists, atheists, Muslims, Marxists, and Capitalists all have something to say about Him.
“Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I have founded empires. But on what did we rest the creations of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ founded his empire upon love; and at this hour millions of men would die for him.”
-Napoleon Bonaparte
Who is Jesus? Why is He relevant today for everyone from every culture, religion, and ethnicity?
Why do Christians make such a big deal about Jesus? Why should you make a big deal about Jesus? You are invited to discover for yourself who Jesus is.
Dan MacDonald, B.A. (McGill), LL.B. (UWO), MDiv (Reformed), a former lawyer and now Pastor at Grace Toronto Church, tackles this important question in his engaging talk. During a lively Q and A he answers some interesting and tough questions.

Was Jesus a real person? Is Jesus the Son of God? Was there a Da Vinci conspiracy? Are the Gospels accounts true? Are they based on eye witness testimony? Is it possible to discover the true historical Jesus? Is the historical Jesus the Jesus of the Bible?
Dr. Scott Masson (Ph.D. Durham), associate Professor of English Literature at Tyndale University and associate Pastor at Westminster Chapel, tackles this important topic in his stimulating talk during Jesus Awareness Week at the University of Toronto.

Does faith in Jesus mean believing in something that has no evidence? Is belief in God based on a leap into the dark? Isn’t science rational while Christianity is based on wishful thinking?
We invite you to watch this engaging talk from Jesus Awareness Week at the University of Toronto. Joe Boot (MA, University of Manchester) is an author, intellectual, and the senior Pastor at Westminster Chapel in Toronto. He has spent many years writing and lecturing on this subject.