The Strategy
We have a three-pronged strategy to accomplish the goals and bring to pass the vision described earlier. We believe it is simple, biblically based and effective:
Show
Paul explained the mystery of a perfect God using imperfect people to build His Kingdom this way, “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” (2 Corinthians 4:7) In order to choose the Lord and His ways, students must first be shown His reality and His all-surpassing power to change lives. This is accomplished in several ways, with the understanding that someone’s salvation is a process orchestrated by the Lord, and carried out by His people. The most basic method is student-led evangelism to their peers, sharing their own experience and walk with the Lord. Students receive support and training for this from ministry staff, as well as in their local churches. Students also lead small groups exploratory Bible Studies for those who want to learn more about God, always mindful of the exhortation in James “I will show you my faith by what I do.”
Secondly, the National Office sponsors a Speaker Series each semester on strategic campuses in the various regions where we have contacts. Jethro told Moses to “Teach them the decrees and laws and show them the way to live.” (Exodus 18:20) These seminars are not “religious” in their appearance or format, and are specifically designed to attract unchurched/uncommitted students by addressing issues relevant to everyone. Bishop Wellington Boone, Bishop Garland Hunt and other national caliber speakers are brought in to expose the campuses to God’s perspective on relevant issues.
Lastly, national and regional conferences provide an intense atmosphere of the presence of God, with contemporary and culturally relevant praise and worship, powerful speakers and crowds of young believers legitimately on fire for Jesus. These are ideal events to which students can bring the peers that they have developed a relationship with, who have become open to the Lord.
Grow
The Bible urges all Christians to “grow up in your salvation” (1 Peter 2:2). After leading students to the Lord, it is only responsible to provide effective training to encourage healthy spiritual growth. We believe that, ideally, the first place of discipleship is the relationships formed on campus and in local churches. This type of consistent interaction is very important, and is encouraged by the National Office. The training offered by any campus ministry can only be in addition to or in cooperation with these relationships, and should in turn bless local churches with more effective members.
The largest major training resources for the ministry occur in the summer, when there is a three-week Leadership Training School (LTS) and short-term mission trips. LTS has been called “Christian boot camp” by some of its alumni, and is designed to be an intense time of exposure, teaching and impartation for the students who attend. They rise early (5:00 AM) for prayer, exercise, and time in the Word. They are tested in their knowledge of the Bible, Christian history, other religions, and the history of their schools. They are trained in evangelism, prayer and fasting, life management, chapter management, academic excellence, and many other topics. They have the opportunity to meet and dialogue with congressmen, businessmen and other leaders in the world, and much more. Global Outreach also offers year round ambassador training for full time and volunteer staff at various local churches. Through all these activities, “we will in all things grow up into Him who is the Head,” (Ephesians 4:15).
GO!
More than gathering large numbers of students, our goal is that each student we reach would obey God and “go and make disciples of all nations,” (Matthew 28:19). While they are with us, student go to their campuses to change the environment with the presence of God; they also have the opportunity to go on short-term missions trips to bring the presence of God to other cultures and nations. When they graduate, though some may choose an internship as a field director (or some other position) with our ministry, most will “go” to specialized callings in the work force, and as leaders in their communities. They will all “go” to be faithful and active members of their local churches and faithful husbands, wives and parents to their families.