RUF Welcomes Chandler Rowlen as Campus Minister
Rowlen is eager to connect with students and further RUF’s mission of faith, service and community.
This semester, Mississippi College’s chapter of Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) has welcomed a new campus minister, Chandler Rowlen.
Rowlen is no stranger to RUF – his friends introduced him to the ministry at the University of Mississippi. After graduating from Ole Miss, he went on to complete his studies at Reformed Theological Seminary (RTS) in Jackson, Mississippi. “RUF was the first place where I was challenged on what I believed and why I believed it,” Rowlen said.
Rowlen’s RUF involvement extends beyond his college years; in 2010, he interned at MC’s RUF ministry before leaving to work in southern Mississippi in 2013. After learning about the possibility of an RUF position opening last December, Rowlen applied to work as the campus minister and was hired.
RUF’s mission is, in part, “reaching students for Christ and equipping them to serve.” Although MC is a Christian campus, Rowlen acknowledges that there are students who aren’t Christians. For students who are curious about Christianity or have questions about their faith, he recommends attending campus ministry events and local church services. “It’s very much a learn by doing type of thing,” Rowlen said. He also encourages students to ask questions, warning them not to think too highly of themselves.
Rowlen’s main goal for RUF this year is to continue the good work of his predecessor, Jeff Jordan, who served MC’s chapter for 13 years. He desires to continue fostering a good relationship with the whole college. “I can tell that the rest of MC really honors RUF,” Rowlen said.
RUF’s ministry has been important for many students on campus, including Katie Browning, a senior who has attended RUF since her freshman year. Browning is now a member of the ministry team, helping with Large Group setup and announcements.
Although the transition in leadership brought some changes to RUF, Browning is confident in the new team. “They’ve been having to learn our culture, but they have been very intentional about learning and getting involved,” she said.
RUF typically meets in its Large Group every Monday on the third floor of Alumni Hall. In addition to weekly meetings, the ministry hosts men’s and women’s Bible studies and a Wednesday lunch in the cafeteria. The group also shares updates and event information on social media. Rowlen said he looks forward to planning more events and connecting with students as he continues RUF’s ministry of faith, service and community.
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