Launched this fall, CRUX is a residential discipleship program for first-year Christian students at North Park who desire to grow deeper and wider in their personal relationship with Christ. The program aims to foster the spiritual life of participating students who spend their first year on campus living, attending classes, and serving their community together.
CRUX, which means “cross,” refers to the walk of discipleship students experience in their journey guided by faith.
Emily C’13 and Ben C’08 Wickstrom, interim co-directors of CRUX, note that the program builds off North Park’s mission to prepare students for lives of significance and service. Living in the CRUX community, students are able to apply faith to all aspects of their lives, both during and after college.
“Christian faith is the foundation of their education,” says Emily, who, with husband Ben, is attending North Park Seminary. “CRUX is a springboard for our students to become a Christian nurse, a Christian accountant, or wherever God leads them.”
The CRUX program affirms the biblical scriptures and works to advance the Kingdom of God through a commitment to shared practices that include:
• Intentional personal and communal discipleship
• Practical Bible teaching
• Creative opportunity for worship and service
• Creating authentic community
In addition to their classes and other campus activities, CRUX students:
• Connect with and attend a local Evangelical Covenant Church
• Share Sunday night dinner
• Attend weekly Bible study
• Worship in Chapel and CollegeLife
• Have daily devotions
• Participate in service opportunities
CRUX coursework focuses on building a biblical foundation, acquiring the necessary skills for intercultural communication and community building, and providing an introduction to evangelism and mission. The CRUX curriculum is designed to work in conjunction with meeting general education requirements, so students can remain on track for completing their degree.
In addition, CRUX students have the opportunity to interact with community leaders through teachings, and to attend retreats as well as local and international mission trips. In February, students will participate in Sankofa, a racial reconciliation trip that brings students to important locations related to the U.S. civil rights movement.
Each week, students meet one-on-one with their Seminary Ministry Coach (SMC) to connect and check-in. Once a month scheduled events are held outside campus and around the city in the spirit of less-work, more-play.
“It has been a joy to witness community develop among the students,” says Wickstrom, “and to see continued partnerships grow between the University and the denomination through this program.”
Learn more about CRUX at www.northpark.edu/crux.