A Dynamic Approach
The C5 Strategy is One Body on Mission in Many Forms
WHAT IS THE C5 APPROACH?
Our C5 Approach to campus ministry is a flexible and creative strategy designed to adapt to the unique needs of each post-secondary institution. While the exact details of the C5 Approach might vary, it typically involves five key elements, each aimed at fostering a vibrant and inclusive campus ministry. Here is a general overview of our C5 campus ministry models:
Club
Chaplaincy
Campus Church
Church-based
Creative
We do not need to be limited to any one ministry model and in fact, many of our campus ministries embody more than one of these approaches. Further, while most of our campus ministries would not necessarily see themselves as being particularly "denominational",, we are able to leverage our missional family strength rooted in relationship to provide dimension of ministry that may prove difficult for other organizations. As we celebrate the work that God is doing in and through other campus groups, we are aware that it is important for us to learn and play our part. The task of reaching and impacting the campuses of our nation is far greater than all of us put together could hope to accomplish. We encourage you to get to know us and see the breadth of our C5 vision by listening to our SERVE Campus Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube. We hope that you will find information that is helpful to you and that you will feel free to contact us if you don't find what you are looking for.
CLUB
Clubs exist within the framework of the student union on a campus, which means they are recognized in an official capacity by the administration. This gives open doors and great opportunities. A few examples of Clubs are Segue in Winnipeg, MB and University Christian Ministries in British Columbia.
CHAPLAINCY
This is another great form of campus ministry in the C5 Approach. Chaplains function as a spiritual resource to the campus and can run their own programs as well as assist the administration as much as the campus allows. This enables the individual to function as the pastor to the campus. Great examples of this would be at the University of Calgary and Simon Fraser University.
CAMPUS CHURCH
Campus churches can be a wonderful expression of the kingdom on campus. They enable students to have a faith community on their own territory, and this also enables the church to have increased access and knowledge of the campus and its inner dynamics. Some examples of this are LIFT Church at McMaster University, Enrich Life Church at the University of Regina, and Mosaic Campus Church at Memorial University.
CHURCH-BASED
Church based ministries are planted when a church near a campus decides to invest in its students and begin a community of believers on the campus itself. In essence, they reach in and become an incarnational community to bear witness to the love of Jesus Christ. Even Song is an example of campus ministry that is based out of Faith City in Halifax, NS.
CREATIVE
This type of ministry approach is particularly interesting because it involves unique ways to serve students. This could look like a café being run by an entrepreneur/pastor who desires to reach the campus, and so they use the space to welcome students for a place of prayer, bible studies as well as studying and hangouts. We are currently utilizing harm reduction services among several campuses to add value for the safety of students in alcohol fueled events. This includes hydration stations at campus parties, alleviating food insecurity via groceries for students, or providing walk-homes for women.