Why did Campus for Christ change its name?
Our name has presented barriers when speaking to students and accomplishing our mission of helping students discover Jesus. We do not want our name to cause people to be less willing to listen to the gospel. First, when many people hear “Campus for Christ” they bring preconceived notions about Christ and Christians. These notions are frequently inaccurate and create barriers to open and engaging conversations. However, hearing “Power to Change” may challenge their view of Christ in a way that might enable them to see something different than what they assumed. Second, historically, the removal of Crusade from the name was rushed — there was little consideration for the receptivity of “Campus for Christ” to non-Christians. However, the name Power to Change has undergone a clear and convincing process to ensure its strength and relevance to the various stakeholders and people we want to engage with.
The name change is one of many moves to further integrate with the Faith Adventure model of Power to Change and to allow us to help more students discover Jesus and bring change to the world.
The option Power to Change – Students was selected to reduce co-branding and to bring integration with the parent organization while balancing differentiation.
Why is Christ no longer in the name?
Campus for Christ is unswervingly committed to proclaiming the name of Jesus Christ. We are committed to the centrality of the cross, the truth of the Word, the power of the Holy Spirit and the global scope of the Great Commission. We care more about effectively proclaiming the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ than we do about having the word “Christ” in our name.
We exist primarily for students to discover Jesus — students who may have preconceptions about Christians or Christ. We want to give them an opportunity to engage about their spiritual needs and cravings and not to hesitate in talking to us. However, we will continue to be bold in making it clear that Jesus is the power to change our hearts and our world. It should not take long for students to realize the centrality of Jesus in bringing change to our campuses.
Who made the decision to change the name?
The name change process was initiated by Sean Cullen in June 2011.
What was the decision-making process?
Staff were given the opportunity to share their input, which was carefully considered and taken into account to help with the name change process. At the same time, we consulted with Marketing at Power to Change Corporate to understand what would be the benefits, costs, strengths, and difficulties of various options.
It was also not necessary to redo the extensive research already conducted when Power to Change was selected as the name for our parent organization. Since the primary change is towards the adoption of Power to Change as our default name, we have great confidence that Power to Change will continue to be an effective name to use on campus.
Will Power to Change be used for all ministries in Canada?
Other ministries will continue to use their current names. In the future, some ministries may consider changing their names, but that will depend on the benefit and relevance to their specific audiences.
What will you be called on campus?
We will be called ‘Power to Change’ when on campus.
How will ‘Power to Change – Students’ be used?
‘Power to Change – Students’ will be used when cobranding with other Power to Change ministries or alongside the parent organization.
What is the timeline for the full change over?
Campus for Christ will continue to be our name for the Fall Semester of 2011. There will be a name launch at WCEAST2011 and WCWEST2011, with the removal of the Campus for Christ name and logo from everything in January 2012.
Websites will gradually be transitioned from Campus for Christ to Power to Change throughout the Fall Semester of 2011. Web domains such as campusforchrist.org and local C4C websites will continue to be active for the Fall Semester of 2011, and after January 2012 will redirect to the new Power to Change websites.
Campus for Christ is part of the worldwide, interdenominational Christian evangelism and discipleship organization Campus Crusade for Christ. Since its founding in 1951, Campus Crusade for Christ has become one of the largest Christian organizations in the world, serving in 191 countries around the world. Josh McDowell helped launch the Campus Crusade for Christ Canadian ministry at UBC in 1967. Now known as Power to Change Ministries, it has grown to have 14 different ministries helping people from all domains of society to discover Jesus and pursue faith adventures.
Where can I go for more information?
Contact Silas Wong at silas.wong@c4c.ca if you have any more questions or need information about the transition.
