Instagram Evangelism

Posted on August 27, 2025 by Nate Miller

Bible study—you may not expect to find these on Instagram. However, Cru staff members find that many freshmen look for Bible studies before arriving on campus.

According to the 2025 Sprout Social Index, 89% of Gen Z is on Instagram. Our Cru staff at Ohio University see this as an open door to reach freshman before they arrive in Athens. That’s why they launched the “Follow a Freshman” initiative.

Using class Instagram accounts like “OU Class of 2029,” they follow every incoming freshman they can find. When a student follows them back, they send a message like:

“Hey there! So cool that you’re headed to OU this fall! We’d love to help you get connected with Bible studies, community, and anything else you’re curious about. Fill out this quick survey and we’ll be in touch!”

The OU Cru staff have responded to over 70 eager freshmen asking about Bible studies, events, and how to find Christian community at OU.

One student responded, “I’m definitely interested in getting more connected in the fall! I’m looking forward to being involved in all sorts of activities—maybe even a mission trip!”

Another student shared that she’s attending OU from out of state and feels nervous about making friends. She followed the account hoping to find connection and belonging. Even though she’s never studied the Bible, she’s deeply curious.

Cru at Ohio University has done this for several years. Many of their strongest, most faithful student leaders came to Cru because they filled out a survey thorough Instagram and met with a staff member before classes even began.

Thank you for partnering with us as we enable evangelism and discipleship around the world. We are grateful to be a part of what God is doing.

Posted in Campus, College Transition, Evangelism, Freshmen | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Encouraging Cru Staff

Posted on July 31, 2025 by Nate Miller
Four thousand Cru staff members gather for vision, refreshment, and refocus on reaching the world.

This is the best Cru All Staff Gathering of the eight I’ve experienced! I feel encouraged and ready to go back to my mission field.” – a Cru staff member from Houston.

Over 4,000 Cru staff members from around the US, and their 1,000 children, gathered in Milwaukee for a week of vision, refreshment, and refocus on sharing the gospel around the world.

Nate helped with the conference finances and setup. Kim helped with childcare logistics so parents could attend the main meetings without distraction. Isaiah helped Cru staff stay awake and focused by serving at the conference coffee bar.

We were also encouraged and challenged by the speakers. We were most encouraged by Beth Guckenberger, Co-Executive Director of Back2Back Ministries and member of the Cru Board of Directors. She told the story of Rahab, the prostitute from Jericho.

Rahab, a woman of ill repute, only heard rumors of Israel’s God yet she trusted God enough to hide the spies and save her family.

Rahab married Salmon and gave birth to Boaz. Boaz is described as a “worthy man.” Rahab’s family moved from ostracized to admired in one generation.

Boaz then married Ruth, a foreign woman who pledged loyalty to Israel’s God. They have Obed.

Obed fathers Jesse who is the father of King David. In five generations, this family went from hearing rumors of God to being a “man after God’s own heart.”

We are in ministry to see families transformed. A college student or a businessperson might be the first in their family to know Jesus. Their transformation will ripple through generations.

Thank you for partnering with us as we enable evangelism and discipleship around the world. We are grateful to be a part of what God is doing.

Posted in AIA, Athletes in Action, Bridges, Campus, Conference, Discipleship, Evangelism, Inner City, Jesus Film, Lifelines, Unto | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Unexpected Gospel Impact

Posted on June 18, 2025 by Nate Miller
Harvard Cru student leaders. Alex* is in the back, second from the left.

I have served as a chaplain at Harvard for 25 years, and the interest in and openness to religion and spirituality has never been higher on campus,” the New York Times recently quoted a Cru staff member.

Alex*, a Harvard student, put it this way, “People are finding an attitude of self-reliance to be insufficient for finding purpose in life, and they are recognizing that religion provides an alternative approach to life that is full of community and affirmation.”

Alex is on the Harvard football team. Over 30 players have attended the Bible Study he leads. Some have committed to go with Harvard Cru on a mission trip to South Africa next winter break.

Meanwhile, at a college in Southern Colorado, Tyler* had settled into the freshman routine of homework, video games, and connecting with friends online. He saw Cru staff members conducting spiritual interest questionnaires on campus. He approached and shared that he wasn’t a Christian but wanted to learn more.

A Cru staff guy shared the gospel with Tyler. He talked about how God created us for Himself, how our sin separates us from Him, and how Jesus is the bridge that restores that relationship. We only bring our recognition of our need for Jesus.

Tyler was stunned. “So, all I have to do is trust in Him?” he asked. “Yes!” was the response.

When asked, “Do you want to trust Jesus?” Tyler said, “Yes!”

Over the next few weeks, Tyler met to discuss what it means to be forgiven, how to walk by the Spirit, and the assurance of salvation. He expressed how much joy he now has because of his relationship with Christ. He’s already read the entire book of Luke—and he loved it!

Thank you for partnering with us as we enable evangelism and discipleship around the world. We are grateful to be a part of what God is doing.

*Names changed to respect privacy.

Posted in athlete, Campus, Discipleship, Evangelism | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment