October 28, 2014
Harvard Law Students Probe Sociologist's Acclaimed Book
by Catherine Elvy, Staff WriterChristians are called to reflect their faith in all spheres of life.That was one of the themes explored by students involved with Christian Union's ministry at Harvard Law School as they gathered online during the summer to explore and debate sociologist James Davison Hunter's To Change the World: The Irony, Tragedy, & Possibility of Christianity in the Late Modern World."We have an opportunity to bring the Church to a place of impact, and we should think long and hard about the ways we can best do that," said Austin Steelman, Harvard Law '16.October 22, 2014
Dear Friends,
God is moving in extraordinary ways to develop Christian leaders of wholehearted devotion to Him. Christian Union was founded in 2002 to transform our nation and world by developing and connecting bold Christian leaders. In each issue of Christian Union News, we hope you will find reason to be deeply encouraged as well as reason to seek God and to grow in his grace and love.
"Come, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, who stand by night in the house of the Lord! Lift up your hands to the holy place and bless the Lord!" — Psalm 134
Trickle Down Culture
By Eric MetaxasHosted at ChristianUnion.org
Does God want us to change the world? And if so, how? If you're in a hurry, let me cut to the chase: a.) yes — and... b.) by doing what the Clapham Circle did: proving their faith through works, mostly among the poor and powerless, and working among the rich and powerful.
There's a little more to it, but if you must run, there's the nuance-free answer which, like a sack lunch, you may take with you.
If you can stay, I'll begin by telling you about...Read More >
Religion & Democracy
By Clay ChristensenProfessor of Business Administration, Harvard Business School
In this short video, watch as Clay Christenson from the Harvard Business School explains why religion is crucial for a successful democratic form of government. (1:39)Watch the Video Now >
The Danger of Not Recognizing Campus Religious Groups
By Karen Swallow PriorTheAtlantic.com
This fall, California State University revoked the official club status of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship groups across its 23 campuses. InterVarsity was founded in 1938 and hosts nearly 1,000 chapters across the country today; it allows any student to be a member, but requires its leaders to affirm its "doctrinal basis," which includes belief in the Bible's "trustworthiness." This statement has led some chapters to... Read More >
Leading and Learning
By Eileen ScottSenior Writer, Christian Union: The Magazine
From Africa to Ithaca, Nicole Mensa, Cornell '17, is serving people and sharing the message of God's love and compassion.
A native of Ghana, Nicole came to Cornell for a top-flight education and to experience another culture; because of her participation with Christian Union's leadership development ministry at Cornell, she is also growing in her knowledge of the Bible and...Read More >
October 8, 2014
The Christian Union eNewsletter
Dear Friends,
God is moving in extraordinary ways to develop Christian leaders of wholehearted devotion to Him. Christian Union was founded in 2002 to transform our nation and world by developing and connecting bold Christian leaders. In this issue, you will find reason to be deeply encouraged as well as reason to seek God and to grow in his grace and love. Welcome to Christian Union's eNewsletter.
"For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea." — Habakkuk 2:14
Why Leaders?
By Matt Bennett Founder and President, Christian Union
Christian Union's vision for changing culture requires reaching an especially influential segment of the US population with the Gospel. The need is profound; the worldview of this unreached people group affects us personally, shaping our economy, government, media, and education. Read more >
A Fresh Take on Culture Change
By Sarah CampMarketing and Communications Director, Christian Union Within every society there are those positioned by gifting, calling, and circumstance with disproportionate influence over those around them.
October 6, 2014
Christian Leaders Have Always Shared Four Traits Throughout History
As a pastor and author, Dr. Crawford Loritts has witnessed first-hand the widespread disregard for the talents and abilities God bestows on individuals. Why? Because more often than not, lining up God-given gifts with our own desires takes precedence, rather than working to understand His heart, mind, and will. Loritts explains in Four Traits of a Leader:October 6, 2014
Cornell Alumni Passionate about Christian Leadership Development
For Cornellians Erik and Trasey Codrington, extending the love of Jesus Christ to students in the Ivy League reflects the grace they have received from God themselves. Erik and Trasey met as undergraduates at Cornell in the 1980s, when the university was what they would describe as a "spiritual desert."October 6, 2014
Cornell Alumni Passionate about Christian Leadership Development
For Cornellians Erik and Trasey Codrington, extending the love of Jesus Christ to students in the Ivy League reflects the grace they have received from God themselves. Erik and Trasey met as undergraduates at Cornell in the 1980s, when the university was what they would describe as a "spiritual desert."October 3, 2014
by Eric Metaxas
September 15, 2014
Can There be Good without God? Nate Otey '15 and Corinne Tu '13 Present Case for Necessity of Creator
"If we're going to have a discussion on ethics, let's be ethical in giving up our seats and moving forward so that others can sit," exhorted moderator Jordan Monge in Harvard's Science Center Auditorium C. Typically used for large science lecture courses and having a seat capacity of 350, Harvard students of all faith backgrounds (and no faith backgrounds) crowded into the auditorium, leaving it completely filled—including the entirety of the floor space and standing room in the back. It is estimated that 430 people were present at the fall semester debate hosted by Harvard College Faith and Action (HCFA) and Harvard Community Humanists, Atheists, and Agnostics (HCHAA). Harvard College Faith and Action is a leadership development ministry supported and resourced by Christian Union.
September 12, 2014
Though Most People Stick to One Type of Prayer, But Real Fruit Can Be Found in Worship
As we finish up the fourth week of our prayer and fasting initiative, we have an opportunity to consider what we can do to be more effective in our prayer lives. When prayer is divided into its constituent components, five particular elements stand out as necessary for a well-balanced prayer system:September 2, 2014
"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." —Colossians 4:2
Frequent and fervent prayer is an essential part of our relationship with God. It is the natural product of genuine faith in God and His promise that He will hear and answer us. Though the practice of prayer is simple enough for a child to perform, prayer is also a complex discipline in which every Christian continues to grow and develop throughout life.
September 2, 2014
"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." —Colossians 4:2
Frequent and fervent prayer is an essential part of our relationship with God. It is the natural product of genuine faith in God and His promise that He will hear and answer us. Though the practice of prayer is simple enough for a child to perform, prayer is also a complex discipline in which every Christian continues to grow and develop throughout life.
September 1, 2014
Christian Union Commissions Leadership Team
By Tom Campisi, Managing EditorEarly this summer, Christian Union introduced the faculty for its new leadership development ministry at Brown University.Christian Union's strategic focus on high-achieving students at universities like Brown requires a curriculum and faculty suitable for men and women of exceptional intellectual caliber. And Matt Woodard (pictured, left) and Justin Doyle—with seminary degrees and real-world work experience—exemplify this high standard for ministry faculty.September 1, 2014
Christian Union Commissions Leadership Team
By Tom Campisi, Managing EditorEarly this summer, Christian Union introduced the faculty for its new leadership development ministry at Brown University.Christian Union's strategic focus on high-achieving students at universities like Brown requires a curriculum and faculty suitable for men and women of exceptional intellectual caliber. And Matt Woodard (pictured, left) and Justin Doyle—with seminary degrees and real-world work experience—exemplify this high standard for ministry faculty.September 1, 2014
Nicole Mensa, Cornell '17, Founder of Non Profit in Ghana
by Eileen Scott, Senior WriterFrom Africa to Ithaca, Nicole Mensa, Cornell '17, is serving people and sharing the message of God's love and compassion.A native of Ghana, Nicole came to Cornell for a top-flight education and to experience another culture; because of her participation with Christian Union's leadership development ministry at Cornell, she is also growing in her knowledge of the Bible and passion for the Lord.August 31, 2014
Day Twenty-one - Evening Devotional
As we continue our season of fasting together, I want to remind us of God’s purpose for us through fasting. Listen to Jesus’ words in Mark 7:15: “Nothing that goes into a person from outside can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him. If anyone has an ear to hear, he should listen!” In verses 20-23, Jesus continues to explain this mystery to His disciples by saying: “…What comes out of a person - that defiles him. For from within, out of people’s hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immoralities, thefts, murders, adulteries, greed, evil actions, deceit, lewdness, stinginess, blasphemy, pride and foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile a person.” In our text today, the core problem of defilement is defined as what resides in the heart (things that come out), not things going into a person. Throughout Scripture, the heart refers to the center of one’s being, including the mind, emotions and will.August 26, 2014
Jim Collins on Aligning Action and Values
Do you find yourself in a leadership role or position? Here are some classic ideas on vision, values, and organizational excellence from renowned business consultant and author Jim Collins: Executives spend too much time drafting, wordsmithing, and redrafting vision statements, mission statements, values statements, purpose statements, aspiration statements, and so on. They spend nowhere near enough time trying to align their organizations with the values and visions already in place.August 24, 2014
Day Fourteen - Morning Devotional
At Christian Union, prayer is the leading edge of our work. It is the linchpin of “a seeking God lifestyle,” a rhythm of life that includes fasting, reading the Scriptures, and gathering with others to do the same. Today, I draw our attention to another of these principles: perseverance. God’s desire is to reward those who seek Him day after day, week after week, and in all seasons of life (Luke 11:1-13, 18:1-8; Hebrews 11:6). Please enjoy this devotional video, or stream/download an audio version below, or scroll down to continue reading.https://soundcloud.com/christianunion/a-persevere-in-exile-protimHowever, if we are honest, our prayers are episodic and perseverance can feel far from us. After all, our culture conditions us to detest it. It reminds us that “on demand” and “same-day shipping” aren’t merely consumer preferences, but taglines for our entire way of life. After all, anything worth having is worth having immediately…without perseverance. So, the problem is obvious. A lifestyle of frequent and fervent prayer is not an easy endeavor, yet everything around us tells us that it ought to be.August 18, 2014
Day Eight - Evening Devotional
1 Chronicles 21:1-2 says: “Satan stood up against Israel and incited David to count [the people of] Israel. So David said to Joab and the commanders of the troops, ‘Go and count Israel from Beer-sheba to Dan and bring [a report] to me so I can know their number.” After God has caused David to become successful in the eyes of both his enemies as well as the nation of Israel, Satan then comes and tempts David to take ownership of something that is not rightfully his. In other words, just as Satan tempted Adam and Eve in Genesis 3, he also successfully tempts David to distrust God by putting down the mantle of stewardship and putting on the mantle of ownership.Nevertheless, notice God’s mercy through Joab in 1 Chronicles 21:3: “Joab replied, ‘May the Lord multiply the number of His people a hundred times over! My lord the king, aren’t they all my lord’s servants? Why does my lord want to do this? Why should he bring guilt on Israel?” and verse 4 continues with the heavy and sobering words: “Yet the king’s order prevailed over Joab…” This is a solemn reminder that although God’s desire is to extend grace and mercy into our lives, we often forsake His mercy in order to satisfy our own desires; this is why repentance is needed. Repentance is not just to restore a right relationship with God, but it is the means by which we humbly admit our sins before God, much like David in Psalm 51:4: “Against You - You alone - I have sinned and done this evil in Your sight. So You are right when You passed sentence; You are blameless when You judge…”August 14, 2014
A Look at the True Potential of Profit
Christians are called to help their fellow man, no matter the circumstance. This seems an easy enough rubric to follow: just help those people you see in need, right? True enough, but the real challenge is discovering the most effective way to reach others. Each person has their own calling, and therefore a different method with which to serve those around us most effectively. Dr. Anne Bradley profiles Bill Gates’ wealth acquisition and philanthropy to illustrate the point that reaching a certain success first can greatly assist efforts to help others. After discovering his love for computers in high school, Gates has become one of the wealthiest men in the world, donating in excess of $28 billion to various charities. Profit can make philanthropy possible and, as Bradley notes, if we are genuinely interested in helping people, we may consider Bill Gates’ approach.August 8, 2014
