We believe...

In the transformational power of the gospel

The message of the gospel is that Christ has done what is necessaryto bring us into a relationship with God.  That means that our sinfulness is not counted against us nor do our good deeds warrant for us eternal life.  The good news is that Christ hasn't given us a philosophy or list of rules to follow, but that he has given us Himself, and that His life of perfect obedience is credited to all who repent and believe.

In the truth and authority of Scripture

We not only believe that the Scriptures are true, but that through them God is "at work in those who believe" (I Thessalonians 2:13).  It is also through the Scripture that God changes the hearts of those unconvinced of the truth of the gospel.  Therefore, the Bible isn't just to be held in high regard, it is to be used in every aspect of life.

In the Church

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. But the glory of this distinct community is not her people.  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.  RUF is a ministry of the Presbyterian Church in America and adheres to its confessional standards which simply means we can attribute the summary of our belief to something that is both concrete and defendable beyond simply our personal experience.

In kingdom responsibility

The church is the institution through which God is building His kingdom and is renewing every aspect of life.  Every Christian has a unique calling and a unique giftedness to serve others in his or her community. Christians should demonstrate this by serving others and working with excellence, for God's glory, in all that they do.

That God is at work!

Our great confidence is that Jesus said that He would build His church. Our hope is not in ourselves nor our abilities, but in the goodness and grace of God. We are not called to "get things started or right", but rather to recognize and participate in what God is already doing in our university, city, and the world. This allows us to see with resolute conviction that God actually changes people and places according to the integrity of his word.

While the historic message of Christianity is unchanging, the context of our ministry constantly changes. But in any context, we believe that the gospel speaks to the whole person, whether religious or irreligious, and that it can transform any place, bringing the healing and restoration of Christ's Kingdom. Jesus said, "I am making all things new!"