christian union cities
Helping Young Professionals Chart A New Course
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 twohour 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
Christian Union New York hosted a cruise around the city for young professionals this summer .
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 .” | cu f a l l 2 0 1 7 : : c h r i s t i a n u n i o n . o r g
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