An international evangelical movement, originating in South Korea, with a focus on student evangelism and biblical discipleship.
The University Bible Fellowship (UBF) is an international evangelical Christian organization with a complex history and a significant global presence. Founded in 1961 in South Korea by Samuel Chang-Woo Lee, a Korean Presbyterian pastor, and Sarah Barry, an American Presbyterian missionary, UBF emerged during a period of national upheaval following the Korean War. The founders shared a vision of planting faith in Christ among college students, whom they believed could become future leaders.
Initially attracting students through English Bible study sessions, UBF emphasized deep Bible study, prayer, and commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The organization’s primary mission has always been student evangelism, focusing on personal discipleship and one-on-one Bible teaching. This approach reflects the influence of the Shepherding Movement teachings, which became central to UBF’s ministry.
UBF’s expansion began in 1964 when it started sending workers to various parts of South Korea. By the 1970s, the organization had extended its reach to other continents, establishing chapters in Africa, Europe, South America, Asia, Oceania, and North America. This growth often occurred alongside other campus ministries such as InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and Campus Crusade for Christ. In 1975, UBF incorporated as a non-profit organization in Mississippi, USA, and subsequently moved its international headquarters from Seoul to Chicago, Illinois.
The organization identifies as a non-denominational evangelical Christian entity, with teachings and a statement of faith aligning with conservative evangelical theology. UBF is known for its lay self-supporting missionary model, which has garnered respect within the Korean church community. Today, UBF has a significant presence in South Korea and chapters in 91 countries, including numerous American universities and community colleges.
Despite its growth and global reach, UBF has faced considerable controversy and criticism throughout its history. Universities in Canada and the United States, including the University of Winnipeg, University of Manitoba, and University of Illinois, have at times limited or banned UBF from practicing on-campus recruiting due to concerns over the group’s methods. The organization has been a subject of study in discussions about spiritually abusive and overly authoritarian religious groups.
Ronald Enroth’s book “Churches That Abuse,” published in 1991, lists UBF as a case study, though counter-cult researcher Ruth Tucker critiqued Enroth’s methodology, arguing that his findings were based on one-sided testimonials from unhappy former members. Allegations of spiritual abuse and excessive authoritarianism have been reported, but these claims have not been universally accepted or verified. As of 2016, UBF continues to be monitored by several cult-watching groups in the United States.
UBF’s approach to marriage has also been a point of contention, with some critics raising concerns about arranged marriages between members, often across national boundaries. The organization’s intense focus on Bible study and mission work has led some to describe UBF as having cult-like characteristics, although the group consistently denies these allegations and maintains that it is a legitimate Christian ministry.
In recent years, UBF has made efforts to address some of the criticisms leveled against it. The organization has implemented reforms aimed at increasing transparency and accountability within its leadership structure. Some chapters have also sought to distance themselves from more controversial practices associated with the group’s earlier years.
Beyond its focus on campus ministry and international missions, UBF also engages in global initiatives like the Bethesda Medical Center in Uganda, reflecting its commitment to a broader humanitarian and evangelical mission. This demonstrates the organization’s efforts to expand its impact beyond traditional evangelism and discipleship.
image via UBF
