In the last week of August 1,000 Christian Union leaders gathered at the Quinta Christian conference centre in North Shropshire for the 100th Forum conference.
Over the last century, 40,000 students have been equipped for witness in their universities through Forum, and it was a privilege to stand alongside students this year.
Part of a bigger mission
Forum often has a greater impact on students in five days than there might otherwise be in one term. The high-quality teaching received in one go, the fellowship of eating, sleeping, laughing and crying together as a CU community, and seeing CUs from all over Great Britain united in the gospel – all of this has a profound impact on young students. Whether they belong to a large or relatively small CU, students realise they belong to something far bigger, and leave thrilled to be a part of God’s work in Great Britain.
Equipped for all of life
Students are not just equipped for witness at university, but also mentored for whole-life discipleship. I had the joy of leading a seminar discussion on life after graduation and was immensely encouraged to see the variety of students in attendance, and the range of opportunities God is calling them to. It’s so exciting to think of the potential impact they’ll have in years ahead, when they graduate from uni and live and speak for Jesus in the workplace. One student told me: ‘I’m still not sure what I want to do when I graduate, but I now have categories to help me make a decision that honours Jesus.’
Empowered for witness
It was a particular honour to encourage students from Nottingham Trent University this year. Many students in the CU are not from a church-going family; of the five Exec members attending Forum, three had become believers in the past two years. Seeing these students passionate and excited to share Jesus on their campus was deeply encouraging.
Forum was transformative for these students. They were astonished by the scale of Forum, and couldn’t believe there were so many Christian students just like them. The quality and breadth of teaching ensured that there was something to meet whatever questions or challenges the students were bringing with them.
Perhaps most precious was to see the CU dig into God’s word together, getting to know one another and support each other. Watching students process what it looks like to study Fine Art or Psychology as a Christian and a student was also very exciting, not least to see each grow in their understanding that Jesus is Lord of all things.
Ready to make a difference
During Forum, I saw students visibly grow in confidence. They are now persuaded that Freshers’ Week is a unique opportunity, and that students can come to faith right from their very first week at university.
Over the conference, we planned a whole range of activities, from lunch bars addressing ‘Is there more to life than this?’, to Church Searches and drop-in coffee events. We are prayerfully expectant that many students will respond positively to this inspiring message.
