Defining Ministry

Recently I have been thinking about the RUF philosophy of ministry, especially how it relates to the identity of RUF… and the Church for that matter. The principles that drive the ministry and define who we are should be Scripture, our justification, sanctification, and glorification. But so often our churches are known as “the church that has this program” or “the church that believes that eschatology” instead of being known as “the church that believes that Jesus came to ransom sinners to Himself.”

I am often asked, “So what is RUF; what sets it apart?” I usually stammer something about our reformed theology or our non-parachurch distinctives. How often do I mention Christ?! It pains me that I do not present Christ as my joy and treasure, and that RUF is about Christ. Period.

I think this failure comes from a fallen belief that Christ is not sufficient in himself. We must have distinctives above and beyond Him to have a good, viable ministry. I pray that I may be more like Paul, recognizing the folly of earthly wisdom and the power of Christ: “And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” – 1 Cor. 2:1-2

Christ is more than sufficient to provide for our every need - even my need to defend RUF to others. I can boldly proclaim my (and RUF’s) weakness, because our identity is not in how we look to others or our numbers or any other criteria. Rather, our power and identity is in the finished work of Christ. This may seem foolish to others, but the power of God is perfected in our weakness. “ For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” – 1 Cor. 1:22-25

I pray that RUF will be known on campus as “that group who believes Jesus came to save sinners!”