for parents only

Welcome to the Texas Tech RUF website. We would like you to know that we are here for you as you go through this time of transition when your son or daughter goes off to college. The ministry of RUF has existed nation-wide for more than a quarter of a century ministering to students in this most challenging time of their lives. We thought we'd try to answer some questions parents typically ask and let you know how we as a ministry can be a part of your child's life while away at Tech. 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. (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 and a wide variety of backgrounds are welcome.

2. What does "Reformed" mean?

In the simplest terms, the word "Reformed" refers to the recovery of the Gospel that took place during the 16th century Reformation. Therefore, RUF's theology is in full agreement with orthodox Protestantism. For a more detailed explanation of "Reformed" click here.

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 five different kinds of activities.

RUF Large Group is the "front door" to our ministry and usually the easiest way for students to get involved. The evening consists of a time of singing and worship, followed by 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 and connect with others.
In any given semester, students can participate in 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. To see the small groups that are being offered this semester, click here.
RUF's commitment to reaching and equipping students means that one on one meetings with 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 student's time at school.
RUF desires to see a true body of Christians formed at Texas Tech. Living out a true sense of community is built into every activity that we do. Therefore, RUF is committed to serving in our community. Students take leadership over various opportunties to get involved and serve the Tech and Lubbock communities. This semester, RUF students are volunteering weekly at a local soup kitchen. (see pictures). On occasion, we reach out beyond the Tech and Lubbock community by taking spring break mission trips.
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, Spring Conference, and Summer Conference in May are all great opportunities to get involved with RUF's ministry.

5. Can you contact my son or daughter at Tech?

Absolutely yes! As a ministry of the Church, we are more than happy to contact your child and personally invite them 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. E-mail Marc with your child's contact info and if possible, include a mobile phone.

6. But what if my son or daughter 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 Crusade for Christ, the Navigators, Southcrest Baptist College Ministry, the Wesley Foundation (United Methodist), or Intervarsity, for example. For a full list of Texas Tech religious student organizations, click here.

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. Like foreign missionaries, Marc and Amy must raise a monthly amount of financial support. Contributions to RUF are, of course, tax deductible and receipted with every donation.

The easiest way is to donate online via debit or credit card or bank account. Just select "Texas Tech" from the dropdown menu.

Just make out your donation check to "Reformed University Ministries" and put "Texas Tech" in the memo line. You can mail your donation to the following address:

Reformed University Ministries

1700 North Brown Road Suite 104

Lawrenceville, GA 30043

You will receive a tax-deductible receipt shortly thereafter for your personal records. Besides financial support we are always in need of prayer support, so please consider praying for the RUF ministry at Tech on a regular basis.

8. How can I keep informed of what's going on in RUF?

Besides the resource of our website, you may e-mail us your address and we will send you our quarterly newsletter. Thanks for checking in and don't hesitate to drop by when you visit Lubbock!

-- Marc

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