The subtlety of this false teaching is often used in talking about “God’s calling.” I heard, “What about God’s calling for your life?” or, “Didn’t God call you to UBF / campus mission?” and so on. These are manipulative questions to incite guilt and to paralyze a person. This is often followed by comments on love and expectation from the organization, just as mrkim used with cmdiaz in a recent comment thread.

Again, we can look to UBF teachings on the book of Genesis for the basics of this indoctrination. Abraham’s story teaches someone says to leave “______” (all connections of love and attachment, such as family, friends, romance) and be blessed. Isaac’s story teaches to “stay in the land” and be blessed. Jacob’s story teaches to struggle with God alone and do as directed, although it seemingly contradicts the direction given to Isaac. Joseph’s story is used finally to teach that a person should accept all of the “sufferings” that come with following these UBF teachings that ironically lead people into a place similar to Joseph’s, isolated, indentured servitude, under the reason that God is sovereign and will bless you for it eventually even though you don’t know the outcome. It is taught that In the end that what happened was done by God, and you end up giving all to UBF.

The teachings of the body of Christ and the kingdom that Christ preached, especially by N.T. Wright, were immensely influential in regards to opening my mind about these false teachings and what the community of God’s people ought to be like—at the very least that community has to be a part of my thinking and doing, and that this community is much greater and far reaching than UBF. I’m also largely indebted to UBF daily bread that went through the books of Kings, Chronicles, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Hosea, Micah and other minor prophets at that time which all bring out the sin of the leaders and the people which was not religious but lacking in justice, mercy, compassion, and love for each other.

1. I felt free and relieved
2. My relationship with my wife and kids improved greatly
3. Seeking justice led me out of UBF. Justice compels me to remain in the conversation.
4. I been isolated from the world outside of UBF, including family and friends.
5. Disappointment, disillusionment, and hurt at those turned on me from the UBF chapter, those were silent, and how business went on as usual.
6. Blessings and joy in beginning to connect with and learn about Christianity outside of UBF and with the world, including extended family and seeking new friendships.

I thought I was doing right for my family, myself, and the church / God by my duties, offering them by faith. My devotion and activities were rewarded by UBF. But I realize that I was badly mistaken. I can say that am now in a much, much better place.

I remember vividly how my eldest daughter reacted the first week I was ‘out.” She knew that every Friday night I went to the church for music practice, since I led the praise music for the Sunday service. She asked me, “What are you going to do this Friday, Daddy?” I hadn’t thought about it—or her. I replied, “Whatever you want to do.” Her face lit up with joy and her eyes widened. She asked me, “Can we ride our bikes around the block?” When I told her, “Yes,” she was happy and stunned. I too was stunned by the amount of joy she received from my confirmation of something so seemingly simple.

By God’s help, ever since West Loop started in 2008, people have left us to join other churches. But even after they leave we are still good friends and we can meet to chat and fellowship freely anytime with no discomfort, ill will, guilt feelings, or cringe factors. This is surely nothing but God’s marvelous grace and God’s manifold blessing to us, who are “at” or “out” of UBF.