Who are we?

Letter to the Parents

Dear Parents,

Welcome to the RUF @ SMU website. I want you to know that we as a staff are here for you in this time of transition as your children leave home for college. The ministry of RUF has been shepherding college students for more than a quarter of a century during this crucial period of their lives. Over the years, we have noted the recurring questions that parents have typically asked, questions that we have included here on a page dedicated especially to you. We want to serve and care for your children while they are away at SMU, so please don’t hesitate to contact us (link) with any other questions you may have.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

Is RUF a Bible study only for Christians?

Absolutely not. RUF is open to all who are considering the truth claims of Jesus Christ.

What does RUF do?

RUF’s ministry is composed of at least five different kinds of activities.

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 is going on within the ministry.
Every semester, students participate in 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. To see the small groups that are being offered this semester, click here (link).
RUF’s commitment to reaching and equipping students means that one-on-one meetings with students is a vital part of our ministry. This time is usually spent getting to know each other personally, investing in ongoing discipleship, dealing with personal issues with which the student struggles, and addressing any crisis counseling that might arise during the student’s time at school.
RUF desires to see a true body of Christians formed at SMU. Living out a true sense of community is built into every activity that we do. Therefore, RUF is committed to serving in our community. At the beginning of each semester, we hope that students will take the initiative to get involved and serve the broken and needy in the metropolitan Dallas area. This is a great way to involve students in discovering a passion for the hurting where they currently reside.
Finally, at least a few times during the year, RUF is committed to getting out of town and gathering with other Christians for student conferences. Fall Conference in the Fall, Winter Conference over Christmas Break, and Summer Conference in May are all great opportunities to get involved with RUF’s ministry. These trips often will include mission trips as well.

Can you contact my student?

RUF is a ministry of the Church. We are more than happy to contact your student and personally invite them to RUF. We do have one small request, however… we ask that you allow us to tell them that you were the one who requested that we call them. We have found over the years that the anonymous “cold call” can be counter productive.

But what if my student doesn’t like RUF?

We are not so self-centered to assume that RUF 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 help in a way that we cannot.

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. Just make out your donation check to “Reformed University Fellowship” and put “RUF SMU” in the memo line.

You can mail your donation to the following address:

Reformed University Ministries
1700 North Brown Road, Suite 104
Lawrenceville, GA 30043

Upon receipt, you will be mailed a receipt for your records as well as a self-addressed, postage paid envelope for any future contributions.

God Bless!

Chad Scruggs

Reformed University Fellowship at SMU