FAQ

(These are the things people sometimes ask us about.)

1. Are the Navigators affiliated with a specific church?

  • No, the Navigators is an inter-denominational ministry, meaning we serve students from all denominational backgrounds and none at all.  We do not promote the ministry of any particular local church, though we do encourage our students to participate in a local church where the Scriptures are taught and the sacraments administered.

2. I've never heard of The Navigators before.  Are they a cult?

  • No.  The Navigators is a well-known and well-respected international ministry, whose principal aim is to help people know Christ and make Him known.  Every cult in existence denies one or more historically accepted Christian doctrine (like the divinity of Christ, the Trinity, salvation by grace).  The Navigators explicitly affirm all these teachings in their Statement of Belief.  Cults attract and retain followers with heavy-handed social pressure and psychological manipulation, often coupled with allegiance to some human authority who has the power to dictate doctrinal or moral norms.  The Navigators base their ministry and teaching on the authority of Scripture alone, and they encourage members to think, speak, and live openly before God and all people.

3. Why are you called "The Navigators"?

  • The ministry began over seventy-five years ago as an outreach to sailors in the San Diego area.  "The Navigators" seemed like a catchy enough name for that kind of outreach, and it still says a lot about what we do on campuses and in communities.  We help people find a route into relationship with God through Christ and encourage them to stay that path throughout life.

4. What makes The Navigators distinct?

  • We place a particular emphasis on person-to-person ministry.  Jesus commissioned His church to "go into all the nations and make disciples ... teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you."  (Matthew 28:19).  It's hard to make disciples in large groups.  There's no one-size-fits-all approach to learning all that Jesus commanded!  So, The Navigators help individuals grow as Jesus' disciples and keep passing on the things they're learning.
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a christian ministry & registered student organization (RSO) at
the university of illinois
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