About Niq

Niq Ruud is a young pastor presently working at the Prescott Church in central Arizona. His forthcoming book, Only Love: How Everything Was, Is, and Will Be, first acts apologetically towards God’s character and advocates for it being only love. The second half deals with what it means for humans to be image-bearers of such love and is intended to aid in the progression towards a more open-minded view of God and, subsequently, a more inclusive view of each other.

Niq first attended Walla Walla University, earning a bachelor’s degree in religion, then graduated from Grand Canyon Theological Seminary where his studies focused on practical theology and communications, and he is presently a postgraduate at The University of Edinburgh, researching the intersectionality between philosophy, science, and religion. Niq’s interests include eschatology, world religions, systematic theologies, intergenerational ministry, diversity, religious pluralism, and gravitate around the human perception of God. 

In his 2016 TEDx talk, which has over a quarter-million views online, Niq spoke about the benefits of solitude to productivity and personal peace. He also co-hosts The Young Project Podcast, which aims to empower young people to act against the stagnant nature of Christianity, and sits on various nonprofit boards.

A Pacific Northwest native, Niq enjoys alpine climbing, cycling, surfing, and storytelling alongside his wife, Jo. He also loves Legos, the Star Wars franchise, and Marvel films which he, sadly, does not enjoy alongside his wife. You can connect with him on social media @niqruud.