For Parents

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is RUF?

RUF is the official campus ministry of the Presbyterian Church in America that welcomes students from all churched and non-churched backgrounds.  We are an officially recognized student group at Brown University, and our full-time Campus Minister (Pastor Eddie Park) is an official Religious Life Affiliate of the Office of the Chaplains at Brown University (RISD has no such formal program).  For almost 30 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 as reflected in our students who come from all backgrounds, ethnicities, and denominations.  All 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 group 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 as rich and varied as the many students involved!  Here is a sample of some of the major activities RUF engages in:

1. RUF Large Group Gathering  is our "shop front" activity and usually the easiest way for students to "plug into" the ministry.  Gathering consists of a time of singing and worship ending with a message from Scripture brought by Eddie, 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 6-10 small group Bible studies called Family Groups.  These small group studies are very informal in design and give students the chance to look deeper into the Bible as well as make a few friends in the process.  You can learn more about our Family Groups by clicking here.

3. RUF's commitment to reaching and equipping students means that 1-1 Meetings with students is a vital part of our ministry.  The staff of RUF meets individually with ~40 students a week! This time is usually spent getting to know each other personally, investing in on-going discipleship, pastoral counseling on various student struggles, and addressing any crisis counseling that might arise during the students time at school.

4. RUF desires to see a true body of Christians formed at Brown and RISD that cross all racial and cultural boundaries on account of the gospel.  This desire to live out a true sense of boundary-breaking community is built into every activity that we do.  Therefore, RUF is committed to serving on our campuses and in our community.  Student Leaders seek to create various opportunities to get involved and serve fellow students and the needy in the surrounding city of Providence.  This is a great way to involve students in opportunities to discover a passion for the hurting in their own communities.  You can find out more about the various ways students are serving in RUF through checking out our Ministry Teams by clicking here. 

5. 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 as well as regular involvement in World Missions.  Fall Conference in the Fall is a great opportunity for your student to get involved with RUF's ministry and meet RUF students from throughout New England (Harvard, Yale, Trinity College, and UConn presently).  RUF has participated in missions through summer trips to Ukraine.  Here students are exposed to Ukrainian Christians and non-Christians in an effort to both proclaim the gospel there, and expose students to the challenges and joys of cross-cultural ministry.

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 our ministry is going to be right 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.  College Hill for Christ, Brown Christian Fellowship, RISD Christian Body, and  are all valued partners with us in the gospel.

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

RUF owes its existence to the gifts and contributions of friends of the ministry.  Though a ministry of the church, our Staff function as missionaries raising support to cover everything from salaries to on-campus ministry expenses.  Your gifts are welcome and sorely needed.  Contributions to RUF are, of course, tax deductible.  You can choose to donate either by filling out the form to the right and using Paypal online payment service, or by check made out to “Reformed University Fellowship” with “Brown/RISD campus” in the memo line.  Please send it to the following address:

Reformed Univeristy Ministries
1700 North Brown Road
Suite 104
Lawrenceville, GA 30043

Upon receipt, you will be mailed a receipt for your records as well as a self-addressed envelope for any future contributions.