What is RUF?
RUF has proven itself to be one of the most effective campus ministries in the nation. It is fruitful in both evangelism and discipleship, and conducts it all with a theological robustness. But in addition, RUF is an unsurpassed developer of leadership for the entire church. It produces thousands of new solid church members, hundreds of future lay leaders and elders, and dozens of new church planters.
— Tim Keller, Pastor & Author
RUF stands for 'Reformed University Fellowship.' We are the campus ministry of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). Although we are sent to the campus by the PCA, we welcome students from all walks of life. Students from a wide variety of church and religious backgrounds are involved here at RUF; we are here for the skeptic and for the Christian alike.
Why 'reformed'?Being 'Reformed' simply means we hold to a historic and Protestant understanding of Christianity. In short, we believe that Christianity stands upon very clear and specific truth claims. Jesus Himself said that we must believe who He claimed to be and hold to His teachings. Our ministry works to give students opportunities to wrestle with the truth of God’s Word in the Bible and see that the gospel speaks to every area of life. Christianity is not intended simply to make us “better” people; the Gospel makes us new people.
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Why 'university'?Jesus said, “I am making all things new!” RUF was born out of a desire to see the church minister to the world without abandoning the campus or becoming lost in it. It is the dream of RUF to be a ministry for our campus, not for ourselves. We believe that the gospel can change any person and any place in Christ. Therefore, our leading question is not, “What kind of ministry can we be?” but rather, “What kind of university can this be?” We long to see the entirety of NMSU transformed by the power and beauty of the presence of Christ.
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why 'fellowship'?Christians are called to live within a very special community: the Church. We taste the life of heaven together. We face our struggles together. RUF is committed to building up and inviting people into this unique and loving community, but we know that the glory of the Church is not her people. Her glory is her Redeemer, Christ the Lord! Because Christ loved the Church and gave himself up for her, we are then delighted to gather under her care. That is where God is at work, gathering His people and strengthening them for work in His kingdom.
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Meet our staff
Present on nearly two hundred college campuses worldwide, each RUF chapter is led by an ordained pastor who is under the supervision of his local presbytery. In addition, RUF chapters are staffed by interns who raise funds to reach and equip college students. RUF staff brings to New Mexico State University a heart for God and a love for the campus.
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