By UBF Institute Continuing Education
The “Ecclesiology Toward a Healthy Church” continuing education course, instructed by Dr. Augustine Suh and Pastor Juan Seo, was successfully instituted during the Fall Semester 2025. This course was a vital component of the UBF Institute’s commitment to equipping leaders with sound theological and practical understanding for building thriving church communities.
The course, which consisted of seven bi-weekly synchronous online sessions starting September 15, 2025, was attended by dedicated chapter leaders from various UBF chapters across North America (Chicago, Cincinnati, Cornerstone, New York, Tampa, Toledo, Washington, Wright, Hamilton) and Cologne, Germany. This global representation enriched the discussions, offering cross-cultural perspectives on the application of biblical ecclesiology and UBF’s ministry principles in varied settings.
Participants systematically examined: (1) Foundational Theology: The Trinitarian, Eschatological, and Messianic identity of the church. (2) Historical and Missional Contexts: Key historical trajectories and the concept of the missional church. (3) Marks of a Healthy Church: In-depth analysis of essential characteristics, including Word-centered, worshiping, praying, edifying (Koinonia and Discipleship), missional, and led by Christ-centered leadership, drawing from New Testament models and contemporary evangelical authors. (4) UBF Focus: A critical review of UBF practices and the NA Local Chapter Guidelines.
The assignments—including weekly Readings, Presentations, and the rigorous Healthy Church Analysis—ensured that participants not only grasped the theoretical frameworks but could also apply diagnostic tools to critically and constructively assess their local chapters. Participating leaders were able to articulate a practical, biblically sound theology of the church relevant to their ongoing UBF church ministry.
Overall, the course has provided participants with actionable frameworks and a strengthened theological foundation, equipping UBF leaders to foster dynamic, healthy, and Christ-focused church communities globally. Some leaders stated that our local chapter leaders would greatly benefit from these courses. We thank God for blessing our time of exploring, learning, and growing together as a community.
Courses for the Spring 2026 term will be announced soon.