A Personal Case Study in Partnership: My Relationship with University Bible Fellowship Scott Moreau Professor, Intercultural Studies (Wheaton College) Editor, Evangelical Missions Quarterly

Historical Perspective Origins Internal traumas External traumas and responses Accusations UBF Responses

Background: History of UBF Origins Founding (1961; Presbyterian and Navigator roots) 1 st missionary to Cheju Island (1964) 1 st International missionaries: (1968; nurses in Germany) Headquarters move to Chicago (1977) Internal Traumas Revolt by several chapter leaders (1976) Split in ministry (2001) Campus Missions International ( split offwww.campusmi.org Death of Dr. Lee (2002)

Recent History External traumas and responses Accusations of being a cult CAN and Apologetics Index statements NAE de-registration (2004) Response to challenges Reaching out for local help (2004 on) NAE Re-registration (2008) Cross Global Link (IFMA) membership (2008) Changes in process

Perceptions of UBF Korean context: Evangelical Disciplined Organizational independence Campus fellowship AND church Developed from the 1960s to the 1980 Tentmaking U.S. context: Sacrificial work ethic (as tentmakers) SERIOUS about Bible Study Strong hierarchical command and authority structure Discipline Questions about finances

UBF (Cultural) Values Discipline Collectivism Humility Honor and Face Leadership and social power Patron-client relationships Conservative (Reformed) theology

Cultural Values and Methods Discipline: “Soldier spirit and fighting spirit;” campus evangelism and leadership training; sogam (inductive Bible Study + personal reflection, including repentance); Bible-centered ministry; 1:1 discipleship; prayer and meeting attendance Humility: Bible-centered ministry; “manger spirit”; living and giving standards; absolute obedience to the world mission command Collectivism: Discipleship, group discipleship, meetings; sogam

Cultural Values and Methods Leadership and social power “Soldier spirit and fighting spirit;“ hierarchical command and control; obedience and humility; marriage by faith; leadership training Honor and face: “Soldier spirit and fighting spirit;“ collective responsibilities; “manger spirit” Patron-client relationships Campus evangelism and leadership training; shepherd/sheep; marriage by faith; seeking defenders of ministry

Relationship with UBF Informal stage ( ) Initial introduction Ongoing development Formalizing stage (2005 to present) UBF members coming to Wheaton to study Requests for help Invitation to help re: contextualization

Relationship with UBF: Informal Stage ( ) Initial introduction: Presentation of status/face Response: connection over mutual struggles Occasional lunches and other meetings Occasional requests for advice or help

Relational Progression (2006 to present) UBF members coming to Wheaton to study Requests for help CT letter to the editor NAE issue Invitation to help re: contextualization Speak at UBF annual meeting Learn about the ministry in Korea Through UBF, speak at KWMA Pastors Conference Behind-the-scenes discussions/advice

The Dance of Collectivism Moreau’s Benefits Connection with a greater part of the whole body of Christ Renewal of faith, energy and vitality Opportunity for study and growth as a teacher UBF’s Benefits Connection with a greater part of the whole body of Christ “Translator” for American evangelicals

The Dance of Honor and Face Moreau’s Benefits Protection of my honor and face Loyalty to me Students being sent to Wheaton to study UBF’s Benefits Mirror in which they can see themselves without threat to face or honor Students study at Wheaton

The Dance of Patron and Client Moreau’s Benefits Loyalty and respect A platform to address UBF needs A chance to impact the organization in a positive way UBF’s Benefits Honor/face Protection

Task Remaining (Chung 2003, 485) Doing better: UBF should be more attentive to the character of the people it recruits for evangelism and the quality of training it uses to develop evangelists. Theological education in regard to Christian activities, including cross-cultural missionary work, is strongly suggested. UBF should continually make every effort to maintain close and cordial relations with the Christian community at large. Still need work: UBF has to develop a concrete ecclesiology. UBF Christians should make it a rule constantly to examine themselves and publicly discuss their administrative problems. It is imperative that UBF respect each person's individuality and conscience and help them develop true freedom in Christ.