Did your summer plans just get upended? What if God has a bigger purpose for you?
Don't just stream summer away. Draw near and invest your summer for eternity .
How will you spend your summer?
Here's one option: hang out in your room like a hermit, watching Netflix and only come out for meals.
Instead, what if you redeemed your summer by intentionally taking the time to draw near to God and draw near to others who desire to follow Christ?
This is the vision of Draw Near: A Digital Summer Mission, a virtual summer mission trip with real value. You can redeem (i.e. buy back) your disrupted summer plans by investing in your relationship with God and your personal development. James 4:8 tells us that if we draw near to God, He will draw near to us. This happens best not as a solo act, but as we draw near to others, in community!
What will I get out of it?
You’ll be equipped to draw near to God through compelling teaching, training in helpful and relevant tools, and leadership formation.
What are the details?
Dates: Draw Near lasts 8 weeks, from May 25th to July 17th.
Cost: $50, which covers a t-shirt and all your materials for the summer.
Venue: All gatherings will take place through Zoom. If social distancing is lifted, we'll consider some creative ways to connect face to face!
Time Expectations: 10-12 hours per week, including two evenings a week. This allows you to pursue other opportunities like a summer job or online classes where you can apply what you're learning!
What will I do each week?
Worship Gathering - 1-2 hours, one evening
- Join Cru students from around the world to hear from gifted and inspiring Bible teachers and process with others what you've heard.
- Have fun and make new friendships though creative gatherings you help plan!
- You’ll hear from some of our favorite spiritual leaders from around the nation. We'll equip you to walk with God and grow as an individual for the rest of your life through trainings on topics such as How to Study the Bible, StrengthsFinders, and How to Walk with God.
- Dive deep each week in groups of 3-4 other students to study the Bible, discuss a book, pray, and challenge one another. Each D-Group member will connect 1:1 with a spiritual leader every 1-2 weeks.
- Training without application doesn't grow us, so each participant will be given faith-stretching challenges to engage others with the gospel.
- Participants will spend time outside of the group in personal Bible study and application.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cru? Do I have to already be a part of Cru to apply?
Cru is an interdenominational Christian organization founded in 1951, with the purpose of helping to fulfill the Great Commission of Jesus Christ as recorded in Matthew 28:18-20. Cru events and opportunities are designed to serve the entire body of Christ, thus you don't need to have any prior experience with Cru to apply!
Who is eligible to apply for this Summer Mission? Can I invite my friends?
Any 18-25 year old is eligible to apply for this Summer Mission. If this applies to your friends, then YES, invite them! The Summer Mission is designed for those who are seeking to actively follow Jesus (even if you just made that decision last week!), but some of our weekly activities will be open to any young adult, regardless of their spiritual journey.
I've never participated in a Mission Trip nor do I feel confident about sharing the Gospel. Can I still apply?
Absolutely. We don't believe that God has a B team. Whether you've participated in a Mission Trip before or not, we've designed this Summer Mission to be an environment of growth and development for followers of Christ at every stage of their spiritual journey and ministry experience. All we ask is that you have a willing heart!
What if I have a part-time job or need to take online classes over the Summer? Can I still be part of the Summer Mission?
That's great! As stated above, we expect this Digital Summer Mission to only require 10-12 hours a week of your time. In fact, we want you to have an outlet like a part-time job or class so that you can step out in faith and apply all that you're learning over the Summer Mission!
What will the Summer Mission look like if stay at home orders end?
First off, we'll be incredibly grateful. Public health officials and government leaders agree that a "return to normal" will likely be staggered. As we anticipate many participants in this Digital Summer Mission will be residing in different parts of the country, we will likely still offer many aspects of this Summer Mission online. If it seems wise and prudent, we'll explore opportunities to gather face to face for those who are able while not excluding those who cannot attend because of distance.
Have more questions? Contact us.
What is Cru? Do I have to already be a part of Cru to apply?
Cru is an interdenominational Christian organization founded in 1951, with the purpose of helping to fulfill the Great Commission of Jesus Christ as recorded in Matthew 28:18-20. Cru events and opportunities are designed to serve the entire body of Christ, thus you don't need to have any prior experience with Cru to apply!
Who is eligible to apply for this Summer Mission? Can I invite my friends?
Any 18-25 year old is eligible to apply for this Summer Mission. If this applies to your friends, then YES, invite them! The Summer Mission is designed for those who are seeking to actively follow Jesus (even if you just made that decision last week!), but some of our weekly activities will be open to any young adult, regardless of their spiritual journey.
I've never participated in a Mission Trip nor do I feel confident about sharing the Gospel. Can I still apply?
Absolutely. We don't believe that God has a B team. Whether you've participated in a Mission Trip before or not, we've designed this Summer Mission to be an environment of growth and development for followers of Christ at every stage of their spiritual journey and ministry experience. All we ask is that you have a willing heart!
What if I have a part-time job or need to take online classes over the Summer? Can I still be part of the Summer Mission?
That's great! As stated above, we expect this Digital Summer Mission to only require 10-12 hours a week of your time. In fact, we want you to have an outlet like a part-time job or class so that you can step out in faith and apply all that you're learning over the Summer Mission!
What will the Summer Mission look like if stay at home orders end?
First off, we'll be incredibly grateful. Public health officials and government leaders agree that a "return to normal" will likely be staggered. As we anticipate many participants in this Digital Summer Mission will be residing in different parts of the country, we will likely still offer many aspects of this Summer Mission online. If it seems wise and prudent, we'll explore opportunities to gather face to face for those who are able while not excluding those who cannot attend because of distance.
Have more questions? Contact us.