Why don't I just go to CU?

• Churches have a long term vision; the CU's leadership changes every year so long term vision is not possible in the same way. Universities are transcient communities with the community dissolving and scattering every few years.



• The CU has different speakers in nearly each week; although what is taught is so often beneficial, Churches have the benefit of having continuity.



• Churches are inter-generational. As we are part of the family of Christ (Ephesians 1:23) we can learn from each other, both old and young. So there is great benefit being around Christians of different ages, not just of student age.



• The CU does not have the human resources to plough time into bible studies, small groups and projects in the same way that full- or part-time church workers can do. In this way, more time can be given to preparation and follow up, much to the benefit of the members.



• The CU does not have the discipline and leadership that a church provides. The early church had structure, authority and sacraments, and the CU measures up poorly in comparison with all of these strands.



• The CU is essentially a mission wing of the Church. As we are not a church we can concentrate on evangelism. As stated above, we do not have the teaching resources or support network a Church can offer. We are in a unique situation in a university, an area that Churches cannot reach like we can. We can therefore use the support of Churches, and in turn CU members can benefit their Churches through what they learn in CU.

It can be seen therefore, that although Church membership as a Christian at University is not essential (we are saved by grace after all!), it is a highly desirable thing that can greatly benefit yourself, each other and the CU and vice versa. We want to encourage you to be part of a Church during your time here at GKT.

If you would like to find out about Churches in the area, please click here or drop us a line and we'll put you in touch with someone who can inform you about a particular church.

• A church where Jesus is Lord - Jesus is the Head of the Church (Colossians 1:18). Is this church seeking to point people to Jesus for the forgiveness of sins and as Lord of their lives?



• A church where the Bible is taught - Is this church treating the Bible seriously as the yardstick for what Christians believe and how they live (2 Timothy 3:16-17)? Is the preaching an earnest attempt to understand and apply the Bible week by week?



• A church where people encourage one another - Hebrews 10:24-25 tells us to spur on one another on to love and good deeds and to encourage one another. Are there opportunities to do this at mid-week Bible study groups as well as on Sundays (for example)?



• A church which is outward looking - Could you bring non-Christian friends to the services? Would they hear the Gospel and be challenged to respond (2 Timothy 4:1-5)? Will you be encouraged to share your faith with non-Christians and seek their conversion? Are there groups or courses for unbelievers and new Christians?

Try to distinguish in your mind between the subjective factors (Do I like this church? Has is got the sort of size, music, style and atmosphere that suits me?), and the more objective factors (like those listed above).

We do not belong to a local church for our comfort, but for our edification and to increase our effectiveness in ministry. So be careful not to make damaging comparisons with other churches you've belonged to in the past.

Be forward looking and make the most of what God provides for you.

When you've found a Church which you can commit yourself to, stick with it!

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