Christian Union: The Magazine Summer 2017 | Page 35

identify as atheists and agnostics. 
“With millennials, in particular, there is an aspect
to imagination that is important in conversations
on the Gospel.  They aren’t in need of facts/infor-
mation as much as the need to have their
imaginations engaged to think about life
and faith biblically...” he said. “And part
of this involves community – that imag-
ining a life where faith is central requires
more than one person explaining it; it
requires stepping into it with others…”
Looking back on the past year for
Christian Union New York, Crosby was encouraged
by the engagement of the community groups and
participation in regular salons and forums that were
offered. As these young professionals grow in grace
and continue to mature, they can help make his
Jesus Week prayer of Psalm 107 a reality.
2
“These are young leaders who have the capacity
to bring about far-reaching change,” Crosby said.
“They have a lifetime ahead of them and are willing
to approach their calling in different ways – looking
at reshaping their vocations in redemptive ways,
developing networks that cross spheres and cities,
and challenging the status quo, as most new gener-
ations do.” | cu
“The experience of praying on the stage in the
middle of Times Square was memorable and surre-
al.  It was not something I had ever imagined doing,
even though I have walked through that area count-
less times before,” Crosby said. “I had not
imagined taking over a block in the heart
of New York’s busiest square to pray and
talk about Christ openly and unequivo-
cally. Thousands of people were walking
through the square, resting and conversing,
shopping, being tourists—and on that day,
they heard the Gospel.”
Christian Union, a sponsor of Jesus Week, often
partners with Concerts of Prayer Greater New York
for various events and activities related to prayer in
the city.  For the last 22 years, Concerts of Prayer
has directed The Lord’s Watch, a 24/7, 365-day-a-
year prayer effort with 100 churches that centers
around four R’s: “Revival in the
Church, Reconciliation between
Churches and Races, the Refor-
mation of Society, and Reaching
out with the Gospel.”
With a passion for and a reli-
ance on prayer, Concerts of Prayer
and Christian Union are natural
partners.
“Concerted and consistent
prayer has been a hallmark of
Christian Union since its incep-
tion; we pray daily as individuals,
as teams, and as an entire orga-
nization,” said Crosby.
Evangelism is also paramount,
both on college campuses with Christian Union
Universities and in key metropolitan areas with
Christian Union Cities. Crosby has had the chance
to see that emphasis grow in his community groups
of young professionals in New York.
“Evangelism is generally woven into the various
community groups we organize, as well as in the
events we host,” he said. “Generating thoughtful
conversations about Christ is a natural outcome of
what we do in the pursuit of our mission – to see
lives and the culture transformed by the Gospel.”
In June, Crosby led a lengthy conversation about
being a witness among colleagues and friends who
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