The student body at Geneva College represents the full spectrum of faith, from those who were born into Christian homes to those who have not yet come to know Jesus. This diverse campus culture results from Geneva’s intentional choice to not require faith statements from those seeking admission—a guiding principle that reflects the vital importance of evangelism and discipleship. In addition, this varied gathering of learners highlights the implications of Christian education for all students as stated in the college’s Foundational Concepts: “[Students] should not be sheltered from non-Christian viewpoints, but must become able to evaluate all knowledge critically, to gain from that which is true and to discard error.”

Geneva does prioritize the recruitment of students in the evangelical Christian community, which creates a Christian peer influence for students. Numerous alumni have shared the testimony that they accepted Jesus while in college and, as Executive Vice President Larry Griffith observes, “God then used Geneva to shape their minds and hearts, making an indelible impact on their lives on earth and for all eternity. This is a proud heritage.”

In order to even better meet the spiritual needs of such a complex group of students, Geneva recently reinstated the position of campus chaplain, naming longtime friend of the college Rutledge “Rut” E. Etheridge III to the role. Rut assists students, as well as faculty and staff, in understanding events as they relate to spiritual and emotional wellbeing. He oversees the school’s weekly chapel program and partners in activities with Geneva’s church relations program and the Center for Faith and Practice (CFP), which actively engages students in their faith.

President Dr. Kenneth A. Smith notes, “Having a chaplain is an important part of maintaining a spiritually healthy campus, and Rut is available to discuss matters of faith and spiritual development with all members of the Geneva community. Rut is an asset in continuing the strong integration of academics and faith for which Geneva is renowned, as well as an encouragement to the college community in all areas of spiritual development.”

In addition, Rut teaches part-time in the Department of Bible, Christian Ministries and Philosophy, a duty for which he is well qualified. He has been an adjunct professor of systematic theology at the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary (RPTS) in Pittsburgh since 2007 and taught Bible to high school students at Heritage Christian School in Indianapolis from 1999–2004.

“Broadly speaking, my hope is to be used of God to effectively minister the living Christ to the college family, so that together we’ll be increasingly in awe of His glory and goodness,” says Rut. “I really want people to know Christ, to see in Him the perfection of all wisdom, truth and beauty. Toward that end, I hope to build strong, sincere relationships with students and employees by way of personal conversation, chapel ministry and classroom teaching.”

Rut earned a B.A. in comprehensive Bible, with an emphasis on pastoral studies and a minor in the philosophy of religion, at Cedarville College (now Cedarville University) in Cedarville, Ohio, and earned his M.Div. at RPTS. He also possesses pastoral experience, having served at Pittsburgh’s Providence RPC from 2006–13.

A respected speaker, Rut regularly addresses groups at colleges and conferences, and has been an engaging guest lecturer at Geneva in the past. Rut has spoken at the annual “Westminster Confession of Faith into the 21st Century” conference and the North America Presbyterian and Reformed Churches (NAPARC) Reformation Day service. He has also been interviewed frequently on Bibleburgh, a radio talk show on Pittsburgh’s 101.5 WORD FM.

His God-given gift for relating to young adults shines through during his chapel messages, which he delivers frequently each semester. “Rut has brought a breath of fresh air to Geneva’s chapel,” says senior Jessica Driscoll. “He has a wonderful sense of humor and speaks biblical truth that engages students on a deeper level.”

Weekly chapel is a spiritually energizing time during which the entire Geneva community gathers to praise the Lord. Chapel provides an opportunity for instruction on different aspects of the Christian life, and for encouragement in dealing with issues and temptations. Psalm singing is one of the distinctive features of Geneva’s chapel, honoring the college’s founding by the RPCNA and demonstrating the wide range of emotions and praise to God found in the psalms.

Rut also displays a remarkable ability of addressing the students regardless of where they are in their personal walks of faith. In a recent message, he said, “This Bible is the word of your Father, telling you who you really are, regardless of how you feel, or what you may believe or tell yourself at times. You may not believe these things about yourself—but too bad. Who knows better, God or you?”

While some may view ministering to such a diverse community daunting, Rut feels called to meet this challenge: “One of the strongest draws to this position is the opportunity to interact with young adults in crucial times of life formation as they struggle through the big issues of life—the joys, the sorrows, the haunting questions and doubts. I deeply desire for us all to fix our eyes upon the Lord Jesus, to be well equipped to lovingly serve one another and the rest of the world in His name.”

Audio recordings of Rut’s messages, as well as those from Geneva’s guest chapel speakers, are available at Geneva.edu/chapel_audio.

—Greg Wise

Greg Wise is a 1995 graduate of Geneva. He is the college’s publication services manager. A Geneva feature appears semiannually in the Witness.