A Personal Case Study in Partnership: My Relationship with University Bible Fellowship

Scott MoreauProfessor, Intercultural Studies (Wheaton College)

Editor, Evangelical Missions Quarterly

Historical Perspective

OriginsInternal traumasExternal traumas and responses

AccusationsUBF Responses

UBF (Cultural) Values

DisciplineCollectivism HumilityHonor and FaceLeadership and social power Patron-client relationshipsConservative (Reformed) theology

Relationship with UBF

Informal stage (1997-2005)Initial introductionOngoing development

Formalizing stage (2005 to present)UBF members coming to Wheaton to studyRequests for help Invitation to help re: contextualization

The Dance of CollectivismMoreau’s Benefits

Connection with a greater part of the whole body of Christ Renewal of faith, energy and vitalityOpportunity for study and growth as a teacher

UBF’s BenefitsConnection with a greater part of the whole body of Christ“Translator” for American evangelicals

The Dance of Honor and Face

Moreau’s BenefitsProtection of my honor and faceLoyalty to meStudents being sent to Wheaton to study

UBF’s BenefitsMirror in which they can see themselves without threat to face or honorStudents study at Wheaton

The Dance of Patron and Client

Moreau’s BenefitsLoyalty and respectA platform to address UBF needsA chance to impact the organization in a positive way

UBF’s BenefitsHonor/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.