Christian Unions are made up of students, led by students and exist to reach students. Who is in a better position to reach students with the gospel of Jesus than those they live with, go to lectures with, spend time with and share lives with. Students are best placed to reach students and that is why Christian Unions exist and why they are led by students.
Student leadership is not only beneficial for the mission of CUs, but it can have a lasting effect on the student leaders themselves. CU leadership is more than standing at the front during the weekly main meeting; it involves service, servant-heartedness, time, planning, organisation, co-ordinating and working with others, sharing responsibility, knowing the goal and being passionate about working for it.
Shaping and moulding
These are not attributes that all students have when they start out, but CU leadership is a great arena in which to be shaped and moulded. Johnny, who is coming to the end of his time as President of the CU at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), says, ‘The experience has really grown me and challenged me about leadership but in a comfortable environment in a way that is really helpful’.
