For Parents

Welcome to the RUF Rice website.  My family and I would like to tell you that we are here for you as you go through this time of transition when your students goes off to college. 

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

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is RUF?

RUF is the official campus ministry of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA).  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 several different kinds of activities.  Large and small group Bible studies, one-on-one mentoring and discipleship, student conferences, service projects, mission trips, and social events to name a few. 


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. 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 cannot.  Feel free to contact Campus Crusade for Christ, the Baptist Student Ministry, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the Wesley Foundation (United Methodist), or the Episcopal Student Ministry.


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.  You may give online at www.ruf.org, or you can mail your donation to our home office in Atlanta, Georgia at the following address (make the check out to Reformed University Ministries and please put "Billy Crain - Rice University" in the memo line):

Reformed University Ministries
1700 N. Brown Rd.
Suite 104
Lawrenceville, GA 30043

(678) 825-1070