Friends of CSF,

COVID-19 has required navigating a new way of life for all of us. Here are the ways CSF is committed to living into this new reality:

1.) Missionally - CSF will remain unwaveringly committed to its mission of helping students find their way back to God. We’re still called to be disciples of Jesus who make disciples.  Our approach in this has begun with praying to God and asking together: "How can we creatively remain focused on Jesus's mission in the midst of a changing environment?" "What could God do in and through us that we wouldn’t have dreamt about if things were just chugging along as normal?”  We fully expect our answers will vary based on the season and guidelines in place.  We will provide updates of the specifics through social media, email and quarterly print newsletters.

2.) Biblically - One of CSF’s Core Values is the Authority of Scripture.  In Romans 13:1, the call is clear to "be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.”  Furthermore, in 1 Corinthians 10, followers of Christ are challenged to only use their freedom in Christ for the cause of love and the benefit of others.  As such, we believe that in this pandemic we are submitting to God’s ultimate authority and being His witnesses of Christ’s love by following current COVID-19 guidelines laid out by our government leaders.  CSF is committed to follow UIS, local, state, and federal guidance. 

3.) Communally - All over scripture is the clear call/model to value community with other believers. We don’t want to give up meeting together (Her 10:25) even if it’s hard or the method looks completely different.  CSF staff and students will continue to meet together whether online or in person(depending on the current restrictions) for the sake of building one another up. 

4.) Courageously - God would have us offer our fears to Him in prayer and trust with gratitude. We won’t act like we’re stronger than what we are - ignoring fear/worry or acting like it's not there. That doesn’t help. What does help is developing an individual and communal prayer life so robust that we give fears to God as often as they arise. In doing this, we open ourselves up to His strength and peace (Phil 4:6-7). We’re taking this season as an opportunity to grow together in this way.