Founded in South Korea, University Bible Fellowship is now headquartered right here in Chicago. The University Bible Fellowship emerged from a partnership. It involved Samuel Chang-Woo Lee a Korean and Sarah Barry an American Presbyterian missionary. This collaboration began in 1961.
The University Bible Fellowship focuses on student evangelism. Its stated goal is to spread its teachings. They aim to connect with students on campuses. These campuses are both American universities and community colleges. The University Bible Fellowship has chapters in 91 countries. The group is concentrated in South Korea.
The ministry began as one-on-one teaching sessions. These sessions were for college students. They used the Bible. They instilled the founders’ version of Shepherding Movement teachings. In 1964, the University Bible Fellowship expanded its campus presence. This expansion was through missionary work in South Korea. By 1966, the group established its headquarters in Seoul.
The 1970s marked further expansion. The University Bible Fellowship moved into North America. They actively recruited students. This was to create Bible-based societies. In 1975, the organization incorporated as a non-profit in Mississippi. Soon after, the international headquarters moved from Seoul to Chicago.
Let’s consider some financials of University Bible Fellowship. As of 2019, the group reported over $2.1 million in total revenue. Their total expenses were approximately $2 million. The net assets amounted to over $13.9 million.
Wheaton College partnered with the Chicago chapter in 2020. This collaboration provided cross-cultural ministry certification. It reflects the University Bible Fellowship’s growing influence. It also highlights its engagement in academic circles.
Reactions to the University Bible Fellowship have been mixed. Some view the group as a self-supporting missionary model. Others have limited its on-campus recruiting. This happened at the University of Winnipeg, Manitoba and Illinois.
Several religious watchdog organizations monitor the group. These include the New England Institute of Religious Research. Also the Freedom of Mind Resource Center. And the Evangelical Center for World Survey.
Some see the University Bible Fellowship as hyper-evangelical. They believe it contributes to the restoration of Christianity. Others consider it cult-like. They view it as excessively controlling or spiritually damaging.
Critics have raised concerns. They point to the group’s intense focus. They also highlight Bible study and mission work. These, they say, lead to cult-like characteristics.
The University Bible Fellowship identifies as non-denominational. Its teachings align with conservative evangelical theology. It is known for its lay self-supporting missionary model. This model has garnered respect in the Korean church community.
Today, the University Bible Fellowship has a significant presence. It is in South Korea and chapters in 91 countries. These include many American universities and community colleges. The University Bible Fellowship remains committed to student evangelism. They focus on personal discipleship. They emphasize one-on-one Bible teaching.
The University Bible Fellowship continues its work. It seeks to plant faith in Christ. It aims to develop future leaders. This is done through deep Bible study and commitment to the Gospel. Despite controversies it continues to evolve. It addresses criticisms. It expands its global impact.