Our Priorities...

A Priority on . . . In-Depth Christ-Centered Bible Study

At RUF we believe in having fun, but also that the quality of our fun and relationships as a group will be better, more mature, and more fulfilling when our lives are being transformed by a real encounter with all of God's Word. We believe that, as college students, we are ready for and interested in knowing God deeply and learning to see Christ as the central character in all of the Bible.

A Priority on . . . Authentic Christian Community

“For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:27-28  In a fragmented world, the power of the gospel is powerfully seen in authentic Christian community- the kind of community that unites us in loving, sacrificial relationships that cross such modern barriers as race, social and economic classes, etc.  We take that seriously at RUF by seeking to be a multi-ethnic fellowship who become known in the community as Jesus’ disciples by how we love one another (John 13:34-35)

A Priority on . . . The Student's Vocation...

The vocation of university student is just that - a university student. RUF takes that seriously and strives to equip students to be faithful and growing Christians who are conscientious in their studies. The campus is not reduced to a convenient pretext to do evangelism, but rather the place where God has providentially placed students to prepare for legitimate vocations after graduation. Christians learn, grow and reach others in the midst of this, not in spite of it.  

A Priority on . . . Being Rather Than Doing

RUF ministries will have a variety of activities on the schedule, but we do not expect everyone to be involved in everything. We have no agenda to bury students in a crush of activities, something that often burns them out. Rather, we desire to help students become people who truly know and love God, and whose lives are profoundly affected because of it. This, rather than a flurry of activities, will make their life and witness more effective and authentic.

A Priority on . . . Challenge and Thinking

We believe in absolute truth, and we also believe the most helpful thing we can do for people is to help them learn to recognize and discover that truth themselves. We avoid giving a set of pat, canned answers. We encourage thoughtful questions and place a strong emphasis on critical thinking, learning how to interpret and understand the Bible properly, and then applying it to all of life today.

A Priority on . . . The Visible Church

RUF is not a substitute for a local church. We are the church going to the campus. Essential to our ministry is a commitment and accountability to the visible church. RUF is not only accountable to and under the guidance of the church, but it is concerned to see students integrated into the life of the local church. The church is where students will spend the rest of their Christian lives, not a campus fellowship. By encouraging student involvement in local churches, RUF situates students to continue their growth in grace long after RUF and college are over.