For Parents
Sending your son or daughter off to the University is a big deal. It is a time of transition for both students and their parents, and there are challenges to be faced by both. RUF at Penn State embraces the opportunity to be involved in the lives of college students during this period. With that said, we wanted to include a page on our website specifically for our parents so that you would be aware of our ministry and know what we are doing at Penn State.
What is RUF?
First, RUF is the official campus ministry of the Presbyterian Church in America. With that said, the specific RUF chapters on campuses are non-denominational in terms of their fellowship. Students from all backgrounds and denominations are welcome
What does reformed mean?
Reformed simply means that we hold to the theology and confessions that arose out of the "Reformation". Therefore, RUF's theology is in full agreement with orthodox Protestantism.
What is the purpose of RUF?
RUF's purpose is simple. Our ministry is focused on reaching college students with the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and equipping college students to serve Jesus in all areas of their lives. We recognize that college students are facing a unique period of their lives when their belief systems and values are often challenged and life changing decisions will be made. It is in the midst of all of this that we are seeking to reach students with the Gospel and equip them to serve.
What does RUF do?
First, RUF has a large group Bible study. This is by far the most visible dimension of the RUF ministry at Penn State. The large group bible study meets every Thursday evening during the semester at 7:15pm . This is an opportunity for students to sing, worship, listen to a Bible study, and ask questions in a non-threatening atmosphere.
Second, students have the opportunity to be involved in small group Bible studies. The small group Bible studies offer a unique environment for everyone involved. These studies are designed to be informal and give students an opportunity to interact with one another as they study the Bible.
Third, one-to-one meetings are a significant part of our ministry. Understanding that each student is a unique individual leads us to minister to students individually. These one-to-one meetings give us opportunity to be involved personally in one another's lives, practice ongoing discipleship, and deal with a student's particular struggles.
Fourth, RUF at Penn State seeks to be a ministry that is involved with our community. There are many opportunities for students to get involved and practically be a part of serving our community. Some of those opportunities include visiting the nursing home, getting to know families at Oakwood Presbyterian Church, and serving the university.
Second, students have the opportunity to be involved in small group Bible studies. The small group Bible studies offer a unique environment for everyone involved. These studies are designed to be informal and give students an opportunity to interact with one another as they study the Bible.
Third, one-to-one meetings are a significant part of our ministry. Understanding that each student is a unique individual leads us to minister to students individually. These one-to-one meetings give us opportunity to be involved personally in one another's lives, practice ongoing discipleship, and deal with a student's particular struggles.
Fourth, RUF at Penn State seeks to be a ministry that is involved with our community. There are many opportunities for students to get involved and practically be a part of serving our community. Some of those opportunities include visiting the nursing home, getting to know families at Oakwood Presbyterian Church, and serving the university.
How can I support the ministry of RUF?
Pray for us
The Apostle Paul ends almost every one of his letters with a plea for prayer. God is at work on the campus of Penn State through this ministry, and God's Kingdom is expanding through the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. God at work is the key to the last sentence. We are utterly convinced that it is God, through the power of the Holy Spirit, who must work in the lives of individuals. Would you join us in praying for the Holy Spirit to be at work both in the lives of our students and in the lives of our staff? This really is our biggest request and what we desire most from our supporters.
Give
As you may know, this ministry is dependent entirely on financial support received from presbytery, churches, and individuals. Those who support this ministry have the opportunity to join us in the work of reaching out to the campus of Penn State. You may either contact Cam ([email protected]), contact the RUF office (678-825-1070) and make your donation over the phone, or donate right here on the site.
