Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) is the campus ministry of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). Though we exist on campus through the PCA, you will find students from a wide variety of backgrounds here at Stanford University because we welcome students from any and all walks of life. We are here for the "convinced" and the "unconvinced." It is our aim to reach students for Christ and equip them to serve in all of life.
Why Reformed?
The word "reformed" identifies our perspective: we operate from a Biblical worldview that is rooted in the rich tradition of the Protestant Reformation. Our teaching and ministry are informed by reformed theology, including a commitment to faith in Jesus Christ as the only means of salvation. Contrary to the idea that "truth" is relative or unknowable, Christianity stands upon very clear and specific truth claims. Jesus taught that we must believe who he claimed to be and hold to his teachings. Our ministry is set up in such a way that students are given opportunities to wrestle with the truth (through the Bible--God's word) and to see that the gospel speaks to every need and every area of life. Through exposure to truth, we hope that many will come to know the One who is truth, Jesus Christ. Also, we believe that Christianity is not just a moral system. It does contain a moral system, but that is not the heart of what it means to be a Christian. Rather than simply becoming a better person, the gospel makes you a new person. It brings new life for those who are dead in sin, and brings hope for the hopeless. We believe that those who come to see that Jesus is the truth will also see that He is life.
Why the University?
Jesus said, "I am making all things new!" RUF was born out of a desire not to abandon the college campus, nor to be lost in it. It is the dream of RUF to be a ministry for our campus, not for ourselves. This hope is founded in the belief that the gospel can change any person and any place. Our leading question is not "what kind of ministry can we be?" but rather "what kind of university can this be?" Our hope is that the power and beauty of Christ will transform university people and institutions.
Why Fellowship?
The Christian faith is not something that can be lived out alone. The Christian is called to live within community--the Church. We face our struggles together; we taste the life of heaven together. RUF is committed to building up and inviting people into this unique and loving community. The glory of the church is not her people, however. 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. It is here that God is at work, gathering his people and strengthening them for the work of his kingdom.