For Parents

Welcome to the RUF at UF website.  We would like to tell you that we are here for you as you go through this time of transition when your student goes off to college.  The ministry of RUF has been at UF for about 25 years ministering to students in what is often a very challenging time in his or her life.

 

Over the years, there are questions that parents typically ask which we thought we would include in a page dedicated especially to parents and how we as a ministry can be a part of your student's life while away at UF.  Please don't hesitate to contact Steve Lammers ( slammers@ruf.org or 352-281-0973) for any questions not covered here.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

1. What is RUF?

 

RUF is the official campus ministry of the Presbyterian Church in America.  For more than 25 years RUF campus ministers have been reaching students for Christ and equipping students to serve.  Though receiving oversight from the PCA, RUF chapters are non-denominational in terms of their fellowship.  At UF, we have had many students from all denominations (Baptist, Episcopalian, Catholic, non-denominational, etc.) and many students who don't have a church background.  We see ourselves as one Bible-believing Christian ministry among many here at UF.

 

 

2. What does "Reformed" mean?

 

In the simplest terms, the word "Reformed" simply refers to the theology and confessions that arose out of the "Reformation."  Therefore, RUF's theology is in full agreement with orthodox Protestantism.

 

 

3. Is RUF a Bible study only for Christians?

 

Absolutely not.  RUF is open to all who are looking to consider the truth claims of Jesus Christ.  We encourage our Christian students to invite their Non-Christian friends to anything and everything we do.

 

 

4. What does RUF do?

 

RUF's ministry is composed of three different kinds of ongoing activities (aside from periodic conferences, intramurals, missions trips, service opportunities, and social events):

 

1. RUF Large Group is our "shop front" activity and usually the easiest way for students to "plug into" the ministry.  The evening consists of a time of singing and worship ending with a message from Scripture, all in a non-threatening atmosphere.  This is usually the place where your student can find out what all is going on within the ministry of RUF.

 

2. In any given semester, students participate in anywhere from 8-12 small group Bible studies over all kinds of topics.  These small group studies are very informal in design and give students the chance to look deeper into a topic as well as make a few friends in the process.  To see the small groups that are being offered this semester, click on our small groups link on the left side of the home menu.

 

3. RUF's commitment to reaching and equipping students means that one on one meetings with students is a vital part of our ministry.  Steve usually meets with about 10 students a week and interns or student-leaders meet with many others. Your student has the opportunity each Tuesday night to sign up to meet with Steve or one of our interns.  This time is usually spent getting to know each other personally, investing in ongoing discipleship, dealing with student struggles, and addressing any crisis counseling that might arise during the student's time at school.

 

 

5. Can you contact my student?

 

RUF is a ministry of the Church.  We would love to contact your student and give them a personal invitation to RUF.  One small request that we make of you in this area is that you not ask us to contact your student if you are not willing for us to tell them that YOU asked us to call them.  We have found over the years that the anonymous "cold call" can be counter productive and can inhibit their trust in both the parent and the campus minister.

 

Much better is:  1.  Have them call us themselves   OR  2.  Give us their cell number and let them know someone (usually a student-leader) will be calling them to let them know what we are doing.  Students usually appreciate a call when they're new to campus and trying to find friends.

 

 

6. But what if my student doesn't like RUF?

 

RUF is not so self-centered that we assume that this ministry is for everyone.  Therefore, we are more than happy to suggest that your student contact any of the other evangelical ministries on campus to see if perhaps they can be a help to your student in a way that we can not.  Feel free to contact Campus Crusade for Christ, the Baptist Student Union, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Navigators, Intervarsity, or other Bible-believing ministries on campus.

 

 

7. I would like to give financially to the ministry of RUF.  How do I do that?

 

RUF functions totally upon the gifts and contributions of friends of the ministry. Contributions to RUF are tax deductible and receipted with every donation. You can give online at ruf.org or you can just make out your donation check to "Reformed University Fellowship" and put "RUF at UF" in the memo line. You can mail your donation to the following address:

Reformed University Ministries

1700 North Brown Rd, Suite 104

Lawrenceville, GA 30043

 

Upon receipt, you will be mailed a receipt for your records.

 

Please call or email me (Steve) at 352-281-0973 or slammers@ruf.org if you have any other questions.

 

Thanks,

Steve