Information For Parents
"If I could highlight just one things that RUF seeks to be about, it would be caring for the souls of students. Academics occupy their minds; addictions compete for their bodies. We want to capture their hearts for the gospel which tranforms the whole person." ~ Dr. Rod Mays, RUF Coordinator
Welcome to the RUF Samford 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 Samford for four years ministering to students in this most challenging time of their lives. 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 Samford. Please don't hesitate to contact us at jsterling@ruf.org with any other questions not included here.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is RUF?
RUF is the official campus ministry of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). 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. Students from all denominations are welcome.
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.
4. What does RUF do?
RUF's ministry is composed of at least four different kinds of activities.
A. 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.
B. In any given semester, students can also participate in small group Bible studies. 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.
C. RUF's commitment to reaching and equipping students means that one on one meetings with students is a vital part of our ministry. The staff of RUF is committed to meeting individually with students throughout the week. This time is usually spent getting to know each other personally, investing in on going discipleship, dealing with personal issues with which the student struggles, and addressing any crisis counseling that might arise during the students time at school.
D. Finally, at least a few times during the year, RUF is committed to getting out of town and gathering with other Christians for student conferences. Fall Conference in the Fall and Winter Conference in February are all great opportunities to get involved with RUF's ministry. These trips often will include mission trips. For example, this year RUF Samford students have taken trips to the Gulf Coast in order to serve hurricane victims.
5. Can you contact my student?
RUF is a ministry of the Church. We are more than happy 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.
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 Outreach, Student Ministries, or University Christian Fellowship.
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. For more information Click Here.