Local Churches
RUF is the campus ministry of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). Ryan is ordained in the PCA and is overseen by the local presbytery (a group of churches). Now many (if not most) of the students who come to RUF are not Presbyterian and it is certainly not required nor expected. But we do want to let you know about the two local PCA churches which are both very receptive to college students and supportive of RUF at UA. One thing that is very important to RUF is the local church -- RUF is an outreach of churches all over Alabama to the campus. I (Ryan) view myself as the Associate Pastor to College Students at UA for all these churches. I am quick to say that I would rather you be at church on Sunday morning than at RUF on Tuesday night. Your involvement in a campus ministry does not substitute for the church. In our day and age the church has been de-emphasized (largely due to the individualistic nature of our culture). But Jesus took the church very seriously -- he said, 'I will build my church and the gates of Hell will not overcome it' (Matthew 16). Or as one old time theologian said: 'You cannot have God for your Father without having the Church as your mother.' Or as RUF-types would say -- 'The gospel is the message -- the church is the means for the message being communicated.' In other words, the church is important.
Riverwood Presbyterian is located at 501 Rice Valley Road and is pastored by Rev. Tim Lien and Rev. Eric Venable. You can find out about the church at Riverwood Presbyterian and 205 758 8706. The Sunday worship service is at 11am with Sunday School at 9:45.
Trinity Presbyterian is located at 5518 Rice Mine Road NE Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 and is pastored by Rev. Dick Cain and Rev. Steve Johnson. You can look up TPC at Trinity Presbyterian or call 205 391 2111. The worship service is at 10:45 on Sundays with Sunday School at 9:30.