Comments on: West Loop UBF, 2008-2014

By: MJ Peace

MJ Peace — Thu, 02 Apr 2015 21:53:03 +0000

“But as I began considering the Trinity, I realize that relationships of love and trust are crucial, foundational and fundamental to the church and to all of life.”

Relationships are the most beautiful things in life. They give life flavor and meaning. I believe that God is answering your (and the other leaders’)prayers for West Loop to be a safe place. I know for me personally, Sunday is my favorite day of the week. I don’t want to miss it. I like that we are not forced to attend any service or meetings. West Loop is not perfect; people have said that we are too democratic and it’s hard to get stuff done. We are loud and annoying sometimes, but we do have community and a whole lot of honesty.

I am also overwhelmed by the support. If someone wants to do homeless ministry, they can. Or human trafficking or world hunger or compassion ministry (sponsoring children) they can. We are not limited to one single type of ministry because we each are created individually and uniquely and we are at different stages of life. It’s the emphasis on relationships and not evangelism, the emphasis on the indicatives and not imperatives that is so refreshing. May we continue to live out the gospel in life and community (and may that statement not grow hackneyed, banal and trite).

By: Ben Toh

Ben Toh — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 15:38:46 +0000

big bear, You are most welcomed to visit me and/or West Loop anytime. My home address is 822 S. Miller St, Chicago, and the West Loop chapter is 1015 W. Polk, which is just round the corner from my home.

By: big bear

big bear — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 12:57:07 +0000

Ben…hope that God changes other chapters in the way He has matured you and those at Westloop….I have come to realize that God had to take me through the last few years to change me as well from the legalisms and the works based demands of UBF….It has been exciting to live in love and freedom in God grace….I thank God for the change in Brian, Joe and others as well…ministry work must be free in grace and the control must be let go….it has been almost 3 years since I attended a UBF worship and feel it has been an liberating experience….if ever your way will stop to visit…but unless other chapters change it is best my family stays away until they get healthy and liberated in Christ…

By: Ben Toh

Ben Toh — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 11:07:31 +0000

Thanks so much for your encouraging words, Libby. I learned that it’s not easy to change after doing something in one particular way for several decades. I conclude that it was not I who changed, but God, who through (upside down) events and circumstances, changed me!

By: Ben Toh

Ben Toh — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 11:04:43 +0000

Thank God for your multiple exciting endeavors! Thank God that you are the right person and in the right place to serve needed exit counseling for those hurt by UBF. I definitely look forward to your visit anytime. A room is always ready for you to stay at my home.

By: Libby

Libby — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 12:22:08 +0000

Thanks for your honest sharing. It is really encouraging to read. I believe that your Point of not making People dependent on your person or 1:1 bible study is really crucial. The bible is a living word, not a book being studied in vacuum. Nor by the many boring question sheets of UBF. It proves in your everyday life, whether the word lives in you or is still a theory. And i also appreciate your breaking toaboo of this age-hierarchy that is common in Korean culture and many others. How refreshing to see the examples of the Scriptures. God turns this upside down, Age is nothing Special before HIM

By: BrianK

BrianK — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 02:57:07 +0000

Ben, I absolutely LOVE this list! I am so very happy about what has been done by you and everyone at WestLoop church. In the past couple years I’ve not gone to church except to worship with you and WL– and each time was heartfelt, sincere and thought-provoking.

God-speed for all you do! I love your “year of…” statements. I look forward to the year of jubilee!

“As you look forward to the new year 2015, do you have stories to share about your life’s journey?”

In 2014, I published 3 books that tell my authentic self-narrative. Now I don’t have to keep repeating the same old stories about my life, but can just point people to my books. I sold or gave away just under 200 copies, mostly Kindle editions.

I also am just finishing my 4th book and have ideas for my 5th book.

For the new year I look forward to: more learning and growing at QuickenLoans as a leader and system owner, publishing more books, attending the Reformation Project cohort from Matthew Vines, joining the Lasting Supper, celebrating my wife’s PhD, and of course, visiting WestLoop!

I am not looking forward to it but I am willing to continue my ubf exit counseling if people continue to contact me for help (about once a month this happened in 2014). Someone contacted us again just a few days ago with a desperate story filled with physical abuse. I just don’t see how ubf stays operational with all these situations.