For Parents Only

Welcome to the Winthrop RUF website. Our staff would like to tell you that we are here for you as you go through this time of transition when your students go off to college. The ministry of RUF has been at Winthrop since 1987, ministering to students in this most challenging time of their lives.

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 Winthrop. 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. 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.  Download the informational brochure below for more details about our ministry.  You may also learn more about RUF form our online video. As these are large files, we recommend that you use a high-speed internet connection:  Windows Media (72MB) | Quicktime (24 MB).

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 at least five different kinds of activities.  To stay updated on what RUF is doing through the year, sign up to receive our quarterly newsletter.

  1. Large Group: 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.  To find out what we're covering this semester, click here.
  2. Small Groups: 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. To see the small groups that are being offered this semester, click here.
  3. One-on-One: 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 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. Service: RUF desires to see a true body of Christians formed at Winthrop. Living out a true sense of community is built into every activity that we do. Therefore, RUF is committed to serving in our community. Each semester, RUF helps students get involved in various mercy ministries in and around Rock Hill.
  5. Conferences: 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 September, Winter Conference in February, and Summer Conference in May are all great opportunities to get involved with RUF's ministry. These trips often will include mission trips.

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 can not. Feel free to contact Campus Crusade for Christ, the Baptist Collegiate Ministries, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, etc.

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. Click here to find out more about how you can participate in this ministry to Winthrop.