User:Sruff

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Jerry Dale Ruff (born December 6, 1948, Steubenville, Ohio) is an Evangelical United Methodist Minister, currently serving as senior pastor of Sicklerville United Methodist Church in Sicklerville, New Jersey.


Contents

[edit] Biography

Ruff was born in Steubenville, Ohio, in 1948, the son of Flavil and Bette Ruff. His father was a steel mill worker, his mother a home maker. Ruff has a brother (Garry) and a sister (June Leasure).

He attended Big Red High School. He graduated in 1965 and thereafter obtained a bachelor of arts degree from Asbury College (1971), and his Master of Divinity degree from Asbury Theological Seminary (1974) in Willmore, Kentucky.

Ruff has been married to Sharon Hartman Ruff for 35 years. They have two adult children (Stephanie Hogan and Steven Ruff). He considers Billy Graham, Dennis Kinlaw, Chuck Colson and his own father, to be among his inspiring teachers.


[edit] Ministry

In 1974 Ruff became the Pastor of Sea Isle City United Methodist Church where he lead the church through spiritual growth and stability. In the 9 years of senior Pastor attendance consistantly growth and thus sparking the 1st building project of the church's conception in 1882.

In 1983 Ruff accepted the postion of Senior Pastor of Sicklerville United Methodist Church. When he originally came to Sicklerville the church attendance was 180 people, and he has seen the growth of the church through the blessing of God and the Holy Spirit. He has seen a new sanctuary and educational building completed in 1990 with additional classrooms constructed in 2000. During his tenure the church staff has also grown. Today, the average attendance of SUMC is around 500 between the 3 services on Sunday morning.

Jerry is currently enrolled in a continuing education pre-doctoral program with Beeson Center for Advanced Church Leadership at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky.


[edit] Interests

Ruff's life outside of full time ministry includes spending time with his family and friends. He enjoys traveling with his beautiful bride visting his children in both Kentucky and Florida.

You can also find him working in his back yard garden, playing racketball, playing church softball, playing golf, or romancing his wife with dance lessons.


[edit] Nicknames

Jer, Big Rev., P.J. (Pastor Jerry), Jedsy, John, Coach, Boss Man, El Matador, Dad