So I was out running the other day when a teenager rode up on a bike, stopped in front of me, and blurted out, “Do you know you look like Harrison Ford?”. I was surprised, to say the least, but am also realistic enough to suspect he was thinking Harrison Ford circa “Call of the Wild”, rather than “Indiana Jones”. I found myself gratified to be recognized (sort of), but I knew it wasn’t so. I reflected later that the incident reminded me of that deep desire to be noticed and to be of consequence at some level.
For those in New York with whom we work this desire plays out most often in work - the drive to be noticed, to be promoted, to work for a “bulge bracket” institution, to prosper, and/or simply to succeed in a place like New York to prove the adage, “if you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere”. And yet to their credit (and my joy) most of these men and women long for more - to be consequential for the kingdom, to contribute to the flourishing of others, to push the trajectory of culture a little more to the right and true.
In the midst of the stay-at-home reality of these past few months (and thankfully NYC is starting to relax the confinement rules), we’ve continued to minister to those in the city and those who have temporarily left to work from elsewhere. You can check out a short video here to hear about what that looks like.
We continue our series of virtual forums on key topics of what it means to live well, think deeply, and act with consequence as we strive to be faithful in an unpredictable world. You can find the summary of “The Lost Art of Dying Well, here; The presentation of “The Power of Fasting” here; and “Spiritual Rhythms" here.
Finally, those in the class of 2020 are transitioning to the marketplace and to cities like New York. It is an exciting time for many, in spite of the uncertainties, and we have worked hard to prepare them. If you know any 2020 graduate please encourage them to focus on three key things that will make their transition go well: 1) rebuild a spiritual community in whatever city they move to - more than church, it includes finding other Christian peers; 2) find a mentor - formal or informal this is about knowing someone who has made this transition themselves and knows the potholes; and 3) continue to build out a 360-degree faith - a robust faith through which to understand work, relationships, cultural issues, and their own purpose.
It’s fun to be mistaken for someone famous on the street. But it’s way more fun to be associated with people committed to being consequential in this world for Christ - with those who are skilled at understanding all of life through the lens of faith and pushing to build new norms and values.
Thank you for your ongoing prayers, and for your financial partnership through the Cornerstone Partners initiative.
Scott Crosby
Ministry Director
Christian Union New York
Christian Union DC
For more information on New York City Christian Union Bible Courses and activities, or resources available to you please contact Scott Crosby.
Please note: if you would like to receive regular updates, via email, on how to pray for City Christian Union, please email prayer@christianunion.org.
