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For Parents Only
Welcome to the OURUF website. We would like to tell
you that we are here for you as you go through this
time of transition when your children go off to
college. The ministry of RUF is here and will be here
ministering to students in this challenging time of
their lives.
Over the years, there are questions that parents
typically ask that we thought we would include in a
page dedicated especially for you. Please don't
hesitate to contact us with any other questions not
included here. You may email Doug Serven at
dserven@ruf.org or call him at 405-812-8758.
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?
RUF's ministry is composed of at least five different
kinds of activities.
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
small group Bible studies. 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 one on one meetings with students is a
vital part of our ministry. The staff of RUF meets
individually with close to 25-30 students a week! 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. RUF desires to see a true body of Christians formed
at OU. Living out a true sense of community is built
into every activity that we do. Therefore, RUF is
committed to serving in our community. At the
beginning of each semester, students take leadership
over all kinds of opportunties to get involved and
serve the poor in the Norman area. This is a great
way to involve students in opportunities to discover a
passion for the hurting in their own communities.
5. 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 in September, Winter Conference in
February, and Summer Conference in May are all great
opportunities to get involved with RUF's ministry.
These trips often will include mission trips.
6. If you read all of the above, you might think we're
serious all the time. Not true. We try to have times
throughout the semester when we hang out, go out to
eat, play games, take road trips, etc. This is a part
of college - making friends, talking, and enjoying
each other. This also helps us with outreach, as we
invite friends to do things with us. Doug and Julie's
home is open for fridge-raiding, clothes washing and
even babysitting.
5. Can you contact my student?
RUF is a ministry of the Church. We are more than
happy to contact your student and give him or her 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
mention that YOU asked us to call. 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 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 Baptist Student Union, the Fellowship
of Christian Athletes, the Wesley Foundation (United
Methodist), or the various college ministries of the
churches in town.
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. Contributions to RUF are,
of course, tax deductible and receipted with every
donation. Just make out your donation check to
"Reformed University Fellowship" and put "Oklahoma" in
the memo line. You can mail your donation to the
following address:
RUF
1700 North Brown Road
Suite 104
Lawrenceville, GA 30043
When the office receives your gift, you will be mailed
a receipt for your records as well as a
self-addressed, postage paid envelope for any future
contributions.
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