PITTSBURGH — The Coalition for Christian Outreach (CCO, ccojubilee.org) celebrates its 50th anniversary of Christian outreach to college students this year by reflecting on the foundational elements that have made it a success throughout the years, giving all glory to God.

“By focusing on transforming college students to transform the world—our vision is to see a generation of college students transformed by the power of Jesus Christ and His Gospel, in partnership with the local church, reaching the world for the glory of God,” says Dan Dupee, former chairman of the board for CCO.

The CCO 50th Anniversary website (www.50th.ccojubilee.org) features the three foundational pillars on which CCO’s success is built: Gospel, Church, and Vision.

Gospel: Starting in 1971, when four CCO staff members reached out to students at five campuses within 200 miles of Pittsburgh, PA, up to today, with more than 300 staff and associates, CCO now reaches students on dozens of campuses across the United States.

Church: Since the very beginning, the CCO has been committed to connecting college students to the Church, setting them up to be life-long disciples of Jesus Christ.

Vision: CCO credits its partnership with local churches as a key element in accomplishing their vision of seeing a generation of college students transformed by the power of Jesus Christ and His Gospel, reaching the world for the glory of God.

“I would say that the overriding theme throughout all these years is: ‘this is something that we’re doing together—we are a Coalition,'” says Dupee.

Over the last 50 years, through CCO’s close partnership with local churches, CCO has introduced and fostered within college students this vision for how they might serve Jesus Christ with their entire lives.

College students who connect to CCO ministries find themselves integrated into the life of their local church, where they worship in a multi-generational congregation, participate in Sunday school classes, and get to know church members over meals.

To view a video about the impact of CCO on graduates, 50 years later, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJyXsMJOR0k.

The college and university campus are the most strategic mission fields in the world, with only 2% of students being reached with the Gospel. A community is formed between the CCO staff and students, who are invited into the lives of local congregations. Through this community of fellowship, CCO ministers to the students in a life-changing way.

CONTACT: Hamilton Strategies, 610-584-1096 ext. 100, media@hamiltonstrategies.com

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