Strengthening the Partnership Between the Church and Parachurch in the Calling and Care of Cru’s International Interns

Abstract

Gaps exist between sending churches and Cru in the calling and care of Cru’s international interns that will only be bridged through stronger collaboration so that the two can partner well together for the kingdom. Chapter 1 examines several works to acquaint the reader with the conversation surrounding the ways churches and parachurches partner together. Since parachurch organizations like Cru are not a recent phenomenon and neither are the tensions in their relationships to local churches, chapter 2 provides a study of relevant biblical passages and a survey of the historical context for the current relational gaps. Chapter 3 follows with a brief discussion of Cru’s origin and the core values that distinguish the organization. Because the philosophies and practices Cru utilizes to reach college students naturally carry forward in the life and ministry of those who intern, two recent studies are analyzed in chapter 4 to pinpoint potential gaps in the sending process. Chapter 5 presents conclusions and recommendations to help facilitate partnership through appropriate expectations and clear communication.