About Us
Who We Are
Building laborers on the campus for the lost world — helping Chicago’s college students become committed followers of Jesus for a lifetime.
Who We Are
Building leaders together
Today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders. We focus on reaching and developing young, emerging leaders on the campus as they prepare to launch into the world.
Through a life-on-life approach to mentoring and training combined with catalytic growth opportunities throughout the year, we offer a robust leadership development experience for university students preparing for life.
You don’t have to have everything figured out to be part of it.
Students come from different backgrounds, cultures, experiences, and beliefs. Some are Christians. Some are exploring faith. Some aren’t sure what they believe at all. And that’s okay.
Our Story
A global movement with a heart for Chicago
Campus Outreach began as the dream of a local church pastor in Birmingham, AL to reach college students at smaller campuses traditionally underserved by campus ministries. In 1978, an evangelistic outreach began to reach students at Samford University.
The ministry quickly spread as students transferred to nearby colleges to pursue the vision of reaching students on campuses where no current evangelistic work was underway. Since then, the work has multiplied into a network of churches passionate about reaching the next generation, serving students on over 100 campuses in 10+ countries.
The core commitments to God’s Word, partnership with the local church, and life-on-life ministry have remained consistent as Campus Outreach has spread throughout the world.
Chicago is one of the world’s most influential and diverse cities. Its colleges bring together students from across the region and around the globe — not simply preparing for careers, but to shape workplaces, families, churches, and culture. Campus Outreach Chicago exists to meet them in this defining season.
The Impact
What God has done
55,000+
Students who have encountered the gospel at evangelistic events
30,000+
Young leaders given intensive leadership training
15,000+
Alumni deployed into a lifetime of service to Christ
Our Mission
Glorifying God by building laborers on the campus for the lost world
Glorifying God
In our work alongside university students, parents, alumni, financial partners, and church partners, we desire to cultivate a passion for bringing honor and glory to God as our highest aim and calling.
By Building Laborers
Jesus once said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” We strive to pass on Jesus’ heart for the harvest as we equip and train university students to walk with Jesus and serve Him for a lifetime.
On the Campus
What happens on the campus today will shape the church, culture, and society in the future. We believe ministering among university students is one of the most strategic fields of ministry available anywhere in the world.
For the Lost World
Billions of people still have yet to hear of the hope available in Jesus. We desire to impart Jesus’ vision for reaching the whole world as we equip students to pray, give, and go into the lost world.
The How
How we live the mission
We go where students are.
Ministry begins with presence. We meet students on campus, enter their world, and build relationships rooted in genuine care.
We share the gospel clearly.
Students have room to ask honest questions, explore Christianity, and discover the hope and grace of Jesus.
We build disciples.
Through Scripture, mentoring, community, prayer, and practical experience, students learn to follow Christ in everyday life.
We develop leaders.
Students grow in character and learn to invest in others — not just during college, but wherever God sends them next.
We partner with the local church.
Campus ministry is not a replacement for the church. We help students build meaningful relationships with local congregations.
Distinctives
What makes us different
Theology
Centered on the Gospel and Rooted in God’s Word
Central to Campus Outreach’s mission is a reliance on Scripture and a conviction that God’s Word is true and sufficient for all of life. We equip students in the gospel through personal Bible study, scripture memory, an active prayer life, and fellowship with other Christ-followers.
Ecclesiology
Partnership with Local Churches
Each Campus Outreach location works alongside a local church, sent to reach students on campuses in proximity to that church. We prepare the next generation of leaders for a lifetime of service through the body of Christ.
Methodology
Relational Evangelism and Discipleship
We began by asking, “Where are the students no one else is reaching?” That question led us to students without an understanding of the gospel. As they begin to follow Christ, they are engaged in life-on-life discipleship — growing from spiritually lost to spiritual leaders.
Collaboration
Participating in the Global Network
Campus Outreach is locally led through local church partnerships, yet globally connected through participation in the Campus Outreach network. Our network of several dozen ministry teams creates incredible opportunities for growth, service, and collaboration.
