For Parents

A Word from Jeff Wilkins ...

I have three children, Micah (14), Asher (12) and Anna Grace (9). My guess is that watching your son or daughter head off to college (for the first time or the last time) is fraught with a myriad of thoughts and emotions. It is my hope that RUF will become a home away from home for your son or daughter. If I can be of any help to you or your son or daughter as he or she transitions to collebe, please feel free to let me know.

Sincerely
Jeff Wilkins
RUF Campus Minister
Tennessee Tech University
jwilkins@ruf.org
919.889.9230

Over the years, there are questions that parents typically ask, so we thought we would include them in a page dedicated especially to them, with information about how we as a ministry can be a part of your student's life while away at Tennessee Tech. Please don't hesitate to contact me with any other questions not included here.

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?

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 several 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.

3. RUF's commitment to reaching and equipping students means that pastoral care of 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 students' time at school.

4. Finally, at least a couple of times during the year, RUF is committed to getting out of town and gathering with other Christians for student conferences. Fall Conference is usually in September and Summer Conference is in May. These conferences are great opportunities to get involved with RUF's ministry. We also try to do at least one mission trip during the year.

5. Can you contact my student?

RUF is a ministry of the Church. We are more than happy to contact your student and give them 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 tell them that YOU asked us to call them. We have found over the years that the anonymous "cold call" can be counter-productive.

6. 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. Click here to find out more about how you can participate in this ministry to Tennessee Tech.