A record number of Crusader leaders are heading for the schoolyard after spending their holidays training for evangelism.
90 students representing 33 schools across the state spent a week of their January holidays with their schoolyard in mind, as they did Bible studies, workshops and discussion groups at the annual Crusaders January Leadership Conference (JLC) at Galston Gorge Conference & Recreation Centre last month.
This represents a 26 per cent growth in attendance from last year’s figures, which Crusaders believes indicates the growing number of students who are passionate to lead Crusader groups, run outreaches and tell fellow students about Jesus.
In addition, Crusaders has added two full-time positions to its ministry staff team, which now has four workers on deck to visit and support 128 schools with their lunchtime Crusader group meetings, outreach, and student leadership training programs.
The course has a specific focus on training young Christian leaders to be effective evangelists in their school.
"JLC has been amazing. It's been awesome to create such a network of Christian friends which I didn't have before. Great talks, workshops and people have all helped open my eyes to things which are easy not to pick up.” says Sean from Normanhurst Boys High School.
“I'm looking forward to going back to school with these new skills to share!”
Chris Mann, a year 11 Knox Grammar School student agrees.
"When we're in school, we are in the mission field, so we're just doing what we can to advance the kingdom of God”.
Throughout each term, JLC attendees can boost their training through the Friday afternoon SALT events in the city for senior school students, which run four to five times a term. FIT training is provided on different days for primary school students.
Through Bible talks, prayer times and idea sharing, these events are designed to give students ongoing encouragement to be Christian leaders and witnesses in their schools.
Teachers do the learning
Students aren't the only ones being trained for ministry in schools, as plans are in full swing for the fifth annual Teachers and Chaplains Professional Development Day on the May 16.
With the theme of "Surviving or Thriving", the focus of the day is to encourage teachers to develop, sustain and grow a Christian ministry in the midst of a busy school life.
Keynote speaker Mike Raiter will address attendees, together with workshops, prayer times, bible talks and a chance to network with other Christian teachers and chaplains.
Steph Kyme, Christian Studies teacher at Abbotsleigh School for Girls, attended last year's Teachers day and continues to be enthusiastic about Crusaders ministry.
"Schools ministry is so important. It is such a privilege to share Jesus with students, and Crusaders is integral to that. They offer great support, endless energy & great faithfulness."
Other initiatives for 2008 include four regional inter-school Crusader outreaches to unite lunchtime CRU groups across NSW and reach students with the gospel.
A new series of printed resources for senior and junior school students will also be producd, to help teachers and leaders to run creative, Bible-based lunchtime meetings.
With an increase to 4 full time schools ministry staff, Crusaders are now able to visit and support 128 schools with their lunchtime Crusader groups meetings, outreach and student leadership training programs.
