About RUF

Reformed University Fellowship is a Christian ministry that desires to be faithful to God by loving the world He has created and serving the campus at Appalachian State University. We believe that God’s Word, as given to us in the Scriptures, is God’s perfect and only rule for faith and life. As students come to Appalachian State to study the world, the Bible provides the only foundation for making sense of that world. We present Christianity as the way to give meaning and purpose to life and which also deepens the whole college experience—from study and play to friendships and life decisions. We invite all who are interested to join our fellowship, both the convinced and unconvinced alike.

We believe that God is interested and at work in all aspects of life at Appalachian State. RUF asks how we as a ministry can make the university a better place by presenting the truth claims of Christianity. As God gives new life to all those who believe in His son Jesus Christ, he also redeems university life. Our aim is that students who are transformed by Christ would in turn seek to make Appalachian State the best campus it can be, for God’s truth does not run counter to the university life, but rather serves, improves, and transforms it. We invite you to join us as we seek to know and enjoy God’s redeeming work.

However, while we have a variety of events on the calendar, we do not expect everyone to be involved in everything: we have no agenda to involve students in a crush of activities. Rather, our goal is to help students become people who truly know God, and whose lives are profoundly affected by Him, for only this, not a flurry of activities or memorized techniques and methods, will make their lives authentic and an effective witness. As the campus ministry of the Presbyterian Church in America, we welcome students from all walks of life. Our connection to the church allows us to draw from the rich wisdom God has given His people throughout history. Come be a part of RUF!

Four Goals of Ministry

Growth in Grace

RUF aims to help students understand and use the means of grace which God has provided for Christian growth. These include studying the Bible, developing a prayer life, understanding worship, and depending on the Holy Spirit in order for us to die to sin and grow in righteousness.

Evangelism & Missions

RUF must proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ to the university community with the hope of reaching the world. We take seriously Christ's command to go and make disciples, so we are witnessing to the truth about God and man in the world of relativistic thought, and we are depending upon the Holy Spirit to draw students to trust in Christ as Savior and serve him as King.

Fellowship & Service

Because Christians are united to Christ, they are also united to other believers. As Christians learn to participate by using their gifts and strengths, the body of Christ is built up. It also means reaching out as a loving, believing community to the university community – demonstrating what it means to be a Christian.

Biblical World & Life View

Christianity is a way of seeing all of life. We believe that God is at work in the world, upholding His creation and ruling over all His creatures. The Bible teaches us how to approach all areas of life, from work to recreation to relationships.