PARENTS
Welcome to the North Carolina State University RUF website. Our staff would like to tell you that we are here for you as you go through this
time of transition when your students go off to college. The ministry
of RUF has been at N. C. State 2000, ministering to students in this
most challenging time of their lives.
Over the years, there
are questions that parents typically ask, so we thought we would
include them in a page dedicated especially to them, with information
about how we as a ministry can be a part of your student's life while
away at N. C. State. Please don't hesitate to contact us 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. 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?
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 several 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.
3. RUF's commitment to reaching and equipping students means that pastoral care of students is a vital part of our ministry. 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.
4. Finally, at least a couple of times during the year, RUF is committed to getting out of town and gathering with other Christians for student conferences. Fall Conference is usually in September and Summer Conference is in May. These conferences are great opportunities to get involved with RUF's ministry. We also try to do at least one mission trip during the year.
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. 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, of course, tax deductible and receipted with every donation. Click here to find out more about how you can participate in this ministry to N.C. State.