Christian Union New York Hosts Welcoming Events
BY CATHERINE ELVY, STAFF WRITER
Christian Union New York extended a heartfelt welcome to recent graduates as they began new vocations and ventures in the city.
In late September, some alumni of Christian Union’s ministries at top universities and other young professionals boarded a yacht for a two-hour excursion in New York Harbor against the stunning backdrop of Manhattan’s illuminated skyline.
In addition to building connections with fellow believers, the young adults heard about Christian Union New York’s slate of leadership development opportunities and other resources to assist with adjustment to life in the world’s financial and cultural hub.
“This fall, we’re trying to integrate the new graduates into Christian Union’s rich offerings and networks and help them find and build new spiritual community for their own personal growth and development,” said Scott Crosby, director of Christian Union New York.
Earlier in the summer, Christian Union New York hosted a Welcome-to-the-City party at The Ginger Man, a Midtown destination named for J.P. Donleavy’s literary classic capturing the misdeeds of an American rogue enrolled in Dublin’s Trinity College. While cultivating rapport with the recent graduates, Crosby paused to emphasize Christian Union’s goal of developing leaders who will transform culture.
“It was exciting to see them connect and discover how much they have in common through their experiences with Christian Union ministries at their respective campuses,” he said.
During the gatherings, Crosby explained how Christian Union offers Bible courses and mentoring by matching younger Christians with professional who are established in their faith and career. Last year, 30 or so professionals took part in four Christian Union Bible courses. About half of regular attendees had participated in Christian Union’s ministries at top-tier universities. This year’s courses will focus on First Peter during the autumn and First John during the spring.
Assisting recent graduates’ transition to the workforce is critical as studies show a large percentage of believers slide away from church attendance during their adjustment to the workforce, especially when it involves resettlement. In Manhattan, where excessive pressure and long hours are the norm, faith can be especially hard to sustain.
Christian Union New York will give participants a steady offering of enriching forums, lectures, and conferences. In particular, the Nexus Conference in February focuses on inspiring and challenging both students and professionals to see the connection between faith, work, and culture.
Likewise, Crosby is seeking to establish similar ministries in Washington, D.C., Boston, the San Francisco Bay area, and the like. In the coming months, he is pursuing plans to deploy a volunteer staff to minister to young professionals in the nation’s capital.
Crosby said up-and-coming Christian leaders need to be versed in the challenges of engaging culture. “Do we understand how faith is relevant to these issues?” Crosby asked, rhetorically.
Young professionals “have to understand the same thing for their work, namely how to engage and transform the culture.”
