University of Arizona
Join us for Dinner and Discussions on Tuesdays at 7 PM in ENR2-225! (Free dinner at 6:45!)
Contact
Welcome to RUF at University of Arizona!
RUF (Reformed University Fellowship) is a Christian Campus Ministry for students at the U of A to explore the truth claims of Christianity and experience the hope, peace, and joy found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
RUF is a place to ask questions, explore your doubts, and engage your heart and mind with Jesus Christ among a loving and welcoming community.
Everyone wants (and needs) to feel welcome, like they belong with and around others. At RUF, we want to create time, space, relationships, and conversations where true welcoming can happen.
Wherever you find yourself ("convinced" or “unconvinced," burned or bored, cynical or spiritual, passionate or stagnant), we hope you can come to RUF for welcome from God and from others--and to join in offering welcome others.
"Therefore, welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God." Romans 15:7
No matter who you are or what you believe you are welcome at RUF!
Join Us
Dinner and Discussions
Girls Bible Study
Guys Bible Study
Coed Bible Study
Mere Christianity Book Discussion Group
Connect
Follow us on Instagram for up to date info on events, trips, and Bible Studies. @ArizonaRUF
Meet Our Team
Matt Esswein
Matt, a native Californian (SoCal), fell in love with college ministry through his time studying Business at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (with minors in ultimate frisbee, disc golf, and the beach!). His experience in the church, campus ministries, and mentors transformed his faith and walk with Jesus. After he graduated, Matt worked in college ministry at his church for two years before heading to St. Louis, MO, to attend Covenant Theological Seminary (2009-2012).
Matt made great friends, had more great mentors, and was further amazed by the grace and love of Jesus through his studies at Covenant and there met the love of his life, Sarah, who was studying counseling. Matt and Sarah got married in 2014 and served together in college and young adult ministry at Chesterfield Presbyterian Church (St. Louis, MO) for five years before moving to California to serve in family ministry at Valley Springs Presbyterian Church (Roseville, CA).
They are very excited to know, host, and serve students at the University of Arizona. Matt & Sarah love coffee, being outside, watching sports, laughing with friends, and having all sorts of fun with their three girls, Nora, Juniper, and Evangeline, (and their Golden Retriever, Poppy!).
Paige Jackson
Howdy! I’m Paige Jackson. I grew up in Daphne, Alabama and recently graduated college. I studied theology, emerging media, & communications at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee.
I love laughter, humpback whales, whimsical dinner parties, watermelon, and Paddington 2. You can find me in a local coffee shop drinking a cappuccino & pursing my lifelong quest to find the best blueberry muffin ever (Suggestions welcome. Email above).
Most importantly, I believe our only hope is Jesus. He is kind and loving and beyond description. These past few years I have learned so much through RUF about grace, justice, hospitality, and relationships. I’m pumped to continue learning about God and to do life alongside college students at University of Arizona.
Please be praying for us out in Tucson and let me know how I can be praying for you! You rock.
Russ Witt
Russ is a very energetic, outgoing guy who’s super excited to serve with RUF at the University of Arizona! Russ mostly grew up in a Chicago suburb known as Addison in Illinois before getting his Masters in the Science of Accounting from Texas Tech University. During that time, RUF taught him the importance of discipleship and being equipped to serve the church. Russ now hopes he can bring some of that energy as he looks forward to walking alongside students at the University of Arizona, meeting them where they are, and showing them that God’s relationship with us doesn’t have to be just a once a week thing, but we can be filled each and every day!