For Parents
Sending your son or daughter off to the University is a big deal. It is a time of transition for both students and their parents, and there are challenges to be faced by both. RUF at Mississippi State embraces the opportunity to be involved in the lives of college students during this period of their lives. With that said, we wanted to include a page on our website specifically for our parents so that you would be aware of our ministry and know what we are doing at Mississippi State.
WHAT IS RUF?
First, RUF is the official campus ministry of the Presbyterian Church in America. With that said, the specific RUF chapters on campuses are non-denominational in terms of their fellowship. Students from all backgrounds and denominations are welcome.
WHAT DOES REFORMED MEAN?
Reformed simply means that we hold to the theology and confessions that arose out of the "Reformation". Therefore, RUF's theology is in full agreement with orthodox Protestantism.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF RUF?
RUF's purpose is simple. Our ministry is focused on reaching college students with the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and equipping college students to serve Jesus in all areas of their lives. We recognize that college students are facing a unique period of their lives when their belief systems and values are often challenged and life changing decisions will be made. It is in the midst of all of this that we are seeking to reach students with the Gospel and equip them to serve.
WHAT DOES RUF DO?
First, RUF has a large group Bible study. This is by far the most visible dimension of the RUF ministry at Mississippi State. The large group bible study meets every Thursday evening during the semester at 7:00 in Dorman Auditorium. This is an opportunity for students to sing, worship, and listen to a Bible study in a non-threatening atmosphere.
Second, students have the opportunity to be involved in small group Bible studies. The small group Bible studies offer a unique environment for everyone involved. These studies are designed to be informal and give students an opportunity to interact with one another as they study the Bible.
Third, one-to-one meetings are a significant part of our ministry. Understanding that each student is a unique individual leads us to minister to students individually. These one-to-one meetings give us opportunity to be involved personally in one another's lives, practice ongoing discipleship, and deal with a student's particular struggles.
Fourth, RUF at Mississippi State seeks to be a ministry that is involved with our community. There are many opportunities for students to get involved and practically be a part of serving our community. Some of those opportunities include visiting the nursing home, spending time with the kids at Palmer Home, and working with Sunset ministries (a neighborhood Bible Study). You can click here to find out more about these opportunities.
HOW CAN I SUPPORT THE MINISTRY OF RUF? Click here to see ways you can encourage and help this ministry.