What is RUF?

RUF stands for "Reformed University Fellowship." RUF is 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 weary Christian alike. Present on over a hundred college campuses nationwide, RUF brings to The University of North Florida a heart for God and a love for the university campus.

Why 'Reformed'?

Being 'Reformed' simply means we hold on to a historic and Protestant understanding of Christianity. Though many today would claim that truth is relative or unknowable, 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.

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 UNF transformed by the power and beauty of the presence of Christ.

Why 'Fellowship'?

The Christian faith is not something that can be lived out alone; Christians are called to live within a very special community: the Church. We taste the life of heaven together. We face our struggles together. This deep fellowship is rooted in the new life given to us by Christ. 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.