what we belive

In the transformational power of the Gospel

The message of the gospel is that Christ has done what is necessary to bring us into a relationship with God. That means that our sinfulness does not count against us and it also means that our religious efforts don't count for us. 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.  Then we will seek to obey him out of a loving response to the gospel.

In the truth and authority of the Scripture

We not only believe that the Scriptures are true, but that through them God is "at work in those who believe" (I Thess 2:13 [NIV, KJV]). 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 a very special community- the Church. We taste the life of heaven together. We face our struggles 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 - The Westminster Confession of Faith.)

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 and our abilities, but in the goodness and grace of God. We are not called to "get things started", but rather to recognize and participate in what God is already doing in our city.

That the gospel changes people and places

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!"