Galatians 5:13 "You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love." (NIV) Question 9 and summary links updated 8/15/2008 What is University Bible Fellowship? Here is the summary answer: The University Bible Fellowship is an international evangelical student organization with emphasis on world mission. Here is an official overview of UBF ministry: UBF Overview Another good review of UBF ministry: Missiology: An International Review: Vol. XXXI. No. 4, October 2003 More reading can be found here: UBF media 1. How did UBF begin? Pre-UBF history can be traced back to Robert Wilder and the "Student Volunteer Movement". Sarah Barry was one of the Student Volunteers who signed the pledge to become a foreign missionary. Robert Wilder and the Student Volunteer Movement The Student Volunteer Mission: Evangelizing the World in Their Generation Student Impact The History and Organization Of the SVM For Foreign Missions University Bible Fellowship was founded in Korea in 1961, in the midst of national turmoil in Korea. During this time, Korean college students, who were supposed to be the future leaders of the country, fell into deep despair due to the social instability and the deteriorating value-system of Korea. A man named Dr. Samuel Lee was ministering to college students in the Daein Church, in Kwangju after graduating from a Presbyterian seminary. Dr. Lee, who worked at Chicago UBF as a world representative until his death in 2002, met Missionary Sarah Barry who volunteered to come to Korea to help the war-devastated country. She was sent by the Board of World Missions of the Presbyterian Church, U.S. Southern, and she continues to work at Chicago UBF. They shared a common belief that the best way to help Korea and the world was to plant a life-giving spirit in the hearts of the college students so that they would have faith and hope for the future and grow to be future leaders. So they began to pray and study the Bible with college students. This was the beginning of University Bible Fellowship. From humble beginnings in Korea, UBF has grown to thousands of believers around the world. The main USA chapter is located in Chicago, Illinois. For more history see: UBF Pioneering History 2. Is UBF a church? Originally, UBF began as a "para-church", that is, a student organization meant to lead students to other churches. However, over the years, UBF has developed into a church in its own right. UBF is more of a house church ministry than the traditional pastor/congregation type ministries in America. 3. Why are people called sheep and shepherds in UBF? John 10:7 "Therefore Jesus said again, 'I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep.'" (NIV) John 21:17 The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep." (NIV) Acts 20:28 "Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood." (NIV) 1 Peter 5:2 "Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve;" (NIV) The image of a shepherd leading sheep is common throughout the Bible and well known among Christians. UBF has adopted the shepherd/sheep model from the Bible as the basis for serving God's mission. To feed Jesus' sheep is our expression of love to Jesus. UBF church leaders are called "pastor", which has the meaning of shepherd. God's model of the early church included shepherds, called to lead people to Christ, our Good Shepherd. 4. Why do many people in UBF track numbers of people? Numbers 26:63 "These are the ones counted by Moses and Eleazar the priest when they counted the Israelites on the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho." (NIV) Matthew 14:20,21 "20 They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 21 The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children." (NIV) Acts 1:13-15 "13 When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. 14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. 15 In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty)..." (NIV) Counting people was a common practice in the Old Testament. The book of Numbers is filled with such accountings. Not all of the countings were blessed by God however. In 1 Chronicles 21 we read how king David incited God's anger after taking a census. The New Testament writers also mentioned counting people several times and often carefully recorded who was present at certain events. Through these counts, we can see that God's work was real and that it expanded. It also gives credibility to the gospel accounts, since we know real people witnessed the events. UBF takes Jesus' command to make disciples seriously, so often numbers of people are counted as one indicator of God's work and as a way to keep a historical record of events. 5. Does UBF have problems? Ephesians 2:3-10 "3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (NIV) 2 Corinthians 7:10 "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death." (NIV) As with all communities of believers, UBF is made up of fallen sinners who are "works in progress". So, yes, UBF does have problems, challenges and issues that need to be addressed and overcome through repentance. Some problems in UBF stem from a mix of cultures from around the world, especially the mixture of the American/West and the Korean/Oriental. In many respects, these cultures are opposites. God's wisdom is that all the cultures of the world learn from each other. The casual, self-seeking American can learn much from the obedient, serving Korean. The strict, hierarchal Korean can learn much from the free, welcoming American. Other problems stem from the nature of UBF, being a grass-roots, layman ministry, where all decisions could originally be handled by one or two people. As UBF moves forward, there will be many challenges. No church is immune to problems (for example, examine the Corinthian church!). Yet, by the grace of God, UBF has been, and will continue to be, a place where God's sanctification work takes place, transforming sinners into useful servants of God. One of several qualities of UBF is that leaders and members are held accountable to each other and to the word of God. I have witnessed the repentance of both members and leaders. I have seen many instances where arguments were silenced when the word of God was acknowledged. 6. Does UBF perform baptisms? Acts 1:5 "For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." (NIV) 1 Corinthians 1:17,18 "17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel--not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. 18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." (NIV) Yes. Baptism is not to be done lightly, however, according to several passages in the Bible. In fact, Apostle Paul declared that his mission from God was not to baptize, but to preach the gospel. In UBF baptism usually occurs before marriage. I have been baptized and have witnessed quite a few baptisms, both for infants and for adults. Baptism is regarded as a time to testify to God's work in a person's life. It is a time for parents to declare thankfulness to God and pray for the future of their children. These kind of religious ceremonies, however, are not emphasized in UBF, so that the word of God and the work of God may not be hindered. 7. Are UBF pastors legally able to solemnize marriages? Mark 12:17 Then Jesus said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's." And they were amazed at him. (NIV) Yes, several UBF pastors are legally authorized to solemnize marriages. Jesus directed people not to ignore the legal authorities, such as in paying taxes. As Christians, we are not exempt from the rules and regulations of the world. UBF takes these matters seriously. At the same time, God and the word of God are recognized as the ultimate authority. 8. Are you aware of negative material about UBF on the Internet? Yes, I am aware of a few sites as well as the CMI (Campus Ministry International) group of former UBF members. I have read most of the postings. 9. How is UBF different from a cult? Depending on your definition of the word cult, UBF may or may not be so different. Generally, a cult is a closed organization with practices designed to take advantage of people, usually for money. In recent years, UBF has made efforts to be an open organization and work with the larger body of Christ. Some people will continue to label UBF as a cult, or as an authoritarian group. While UBF does have challenges and needs to continue to grow and change, it is important to keep in mind that the first Christians were considered to be cult-like sects by some (Acts 19:9,23; Acts 24:14). Jesus foresaw that believers would be misunderstood and promised persecution (Mark 13:9). The best way to answer this question is to start with Jesus' words: By their fruit you will recognize them. Some significant Christian authors and pastors in the United States have stated that UBF is not a cult (see UBF Endorsements). Furthermore, UBF is a member of the National Association of Evangelicals, Cross GlobalLink, the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability, and has relationships with over twenty relief and missionary organizations. I personally consider the cult or authoritarian labels thrown against UBF to be a gross misrepresentation of the ministry. Usually such labels are inferred from dramatic stories posted on certain websites aimed at discrediting UBF ministry. 10. Have people been hurt by their time in UBF? Yes, there those who have found that UBF is not the ministry for them and have had unnecessary suffering because of the mistakes and sins of others. This cannot be a valid, logical case however, for dismissing the entire ministry. Personally, I pray for the healing and restoration of anyone who feels hurt by their time in UBF. I pray also that they may not ignore the clear, genuine work of God through Jesus Christ that is being done through UBF. The evidence for genuine work of God in UBF is abundant. 11. Is UBF for everyone? The short answer is no. Each person must make a personal decision about God's calling. Each person must become convicted of where and how God will use them. God is using UBF specifically for campus evangelism. UBF is one part of the body of Christ, made up of millions of Christians around the world. UBF might be characterized as a "spiritual boot camp". Regardless of which church a person decides to attend, a personal relationship with Christ and a personal calling from God are essential. In the end, UBF as an organization is not nearly as important as forming a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and finding God's personal calling. 12. Where can I find out more about UBF? First of all, you can email me. If you would like to add your personal testimony to my site, please send it to me. Here are some links to more information from other chapters: LA UBF Forum More on UBF History More on Daily Bread Overview of UBF Ministry Here are some samples of materials published by UBF members and chapters: Crossing The Red Sea, by Andrew Martin Bible Reports Spritual Leaders 9 Step Bible Study Growing in Discipleship Tentmakers From Korea (several articles are listed) Questions about UBF ministry: What is UBF? What does UBF teach? Where are UBF chapters located? How did UBF begin? Information about UBF ministry: UBF Statement of Faith UBF Charter UBF Videos of Events, Dramas and Conferences Outside views about University Bible Fellowshp Dr. John Armstrong's Lecture Testimonies about UBF ministry: Should we be the same or different? Questions and answers from a long-time UBF member Detroit UBF Easter 2004 Detroit UBF New Year 2005 Additional reading: Dr. Ruth Tucker's response to certain cult-watching groups: (She has visited UBF and discussed these issues with leaders.) Ruth Tucker, Ph.D., professor at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, is an authority on cults and has written a book dealing with the topic, Another Gospel (Zondervan, 1989). Dr. Tucker has also written numerous books on church history and women's issues. "As a historian and researcher on cultic movements, I am deeply troubled by a trend in research methodology that is becoming more and more common among people who are claiming to do scholarly work. It is a method that focuses exclusively on 'victims' and 'victim stories.' In some cases the stories are bizarre tales of satanic ritual abuse; in other cases they are more matter-of-fact claims of unfair treatment by a church or organization. But whatever the setting or subject, the research method is to treat the victim stories as truth without investigating counterclaims..." "...My serious concerns about about Ron's [Ron Enroth, a sociologist from Westmont College] work arose in 1991, when I was asked by his editor at Zondervan to write an endorsement for his book, Churches That Abuse. After I read over the manuscript I wrote back to the editor (and sent a copy of the letter to Ron) stating that I could not endorse the book. Of the churches featured in the book, I had personal knowledge of only one of them, and in that instance I felt that Ron had made some very unfair allegations. The one-sided testimonies on which he based his conclusions were old (primarily 1980=1984), and he seemed entirely oblivious to the cultural factors that gave the group its distinctive non-western flavor. It is true that this church is strict and legalistic in some areas, and it expects its members to be disciplined in their Christian lives. For some present-day Evangelicals, such an atmosphere is intolerable. Churches are supposed to be places where everyone is made to feel good about themselves and discipline is a dirty word." First published in Cornerstone (ISSN 0275-2743), Vol. 22, Issue 102/103 (1994), p. 41. © 1994 by Cornerstone Communications, Inc.