Pastoral Cohort Program

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). 

UBF HQ has developed the UBF Pastoral Cohort Program to support and equip leaders, including chapter directors. Equivalent to a Master of Divinity program, it emphasizes UBF's mission, vision, and core values. This program is designed to develop leaders with sound biblical/theological foundations, leadership strength, and Christlike character. Our goal is to develop competent shepherds for God’s flock.

Vision

To promote solid teachings and godly practices within UBF communities, the educational programs we offer will be based on sound doctrines. We affirm an Evangelical, Reformed, non-denominational position, guided by a high view of Scripture and a focus on obedient, personal faith. While we are united on core doctrines, we permit differing evangelical viewpoints on lesser issues.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

To equip ministry leaders: We want to assist and develop our leaders with sound biblical/theological foundations, leadership strength, and Christlike character.
To prepare for pastoral ordination: For those who aspire to receive UBF ordination (such as sizable chapter directors), the certificate of the program can be considered, along with the candidates’ integrity of character and practical experiences in ministry. 
To provide a unified teaching for UBF ministries based on sound doctrines in a biblical evangelical tradition.

TARGET GROUP

Writeup to be provided

Principles of Discipleship

To promote solid teachings and godly practices within UBF communities, the educational programs we offer will be based on sound doctrines. We affirm an Evangelical, Reformed, non-denominational position, guided by a high view of Scripture and a focus on obedient, personal faith. While we are united on core doctrines, we permit differing evangelical viewpoints on lesser issues.

Pastoral Cohort Program Curriculum Overview

PASTORAL COHORT CURRICULUM The Pastoral Cohort Program is offered only once every three years, in sequence, and does not include electives. Therefore, if students plan to graduate in three years, they must take each class as it is offered. Upon completion of the required courses, UBF will issue a certificate of completion. *As a pilot program of the PASTORAL COHORT, the Pan-Africa Cohort has been established under the UBF General Director’s supervision to provide quality spiritual, biblical, and theological training to African ministry leaders. This comprehensive four-year program includes 24 courses, with six courses per year.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Required credits are 72 (24 courses x 3 credits) and above. Each course (3 credits) is usually 12 weeks long.

EXAMPLE CURRICULUM MAP

Writeup to be provided

Year 1

REQUIRED COURSES UBF Shepherdology (Discipleship) (1 Course) Biblical Studies (10 courses): Methodology (3), OT (4), NT (3) Methodology (3): New Testament Greek, Biblical Hebrew, Biblical Hermeneutics, Inductive Bible Study, Biblical Theology Old Testament (4): Pentateuch (Genesis, Exodus…), History (1-2 Samuel…), Wisdom/Psalms, Prophets New Testament (3): Gospels, Acts & Pauline Epistles, Revelation  Historical Studies (4 courses):  Church History I (Early Church), Church History II (Medieval Church, Reformation), III ((Modern Church) Local church studies (e.g., African Church History), History of Missions Doctrines/Ethics (5 courses): Doctrines (4), Ethics & Apologetics (1) Christian Doctrines: I (Prolegomena: The Kingdom and Covenant; Scripture; Theology proper); II (Anthropology; Christology); III (Pneumatology; Soteriology), IV (Ecclesiology; Eschatology), Church’s Creeds Christian Ethics, Christian Apologetics Ministry/Mission Studies (5 courses):

Year 2

Biblical Studies (10 courses): Methodology (3), OT (4), NT (3)
New Testament Greek (3)
Biblical Hebrew (3)
Biblical Hermeneutics (3)
Biblical Theology (2)
Inductive Bible Study (2)

Old Testament studies (3 courses)
Pentateuch (3)
History (3)
Wisdom/Psalms (3)
Prophets (3)

New Testament Studies (3 courses)
Gospels (3)
Acts & Pauline Epistles (3)
Revelation (3)

Historical Studies (4 courses):
Church History I (3)
Church History II (3)
Church History III (3)
History of Missions (3)
Regional Church History (e.g., Armenian Church History)

Doctrines/Ethics: Doctrines (4), Ethics & Apologetics (1)
Christian Doctrine I (3)
Christian Doctrine II (3)
Christian Doctrine III (3)
Christian Doctrine IV (4)
Church’s Creeds (2)
Christian Ethics (3)
Christian Apologetics (3)

Year 3

Ministry/Mission Studies (6 courses):

Ministry Studies: 
UBF Shepherdeology
Pastoral Care & Counseling (3)
Pastoral Theology (3)
Spiritual Warfare (3)
Christian Leadership Development (3)
Preaching (3)
Corporate Worship (3)

Mission Studies: 
Theology of Mission (3)
Cultural Anthropology (3)


African Traditional Religion (for PAN-AFRICA COHORT)

About the Application Process

Each cohort consists of 5-8 members. The program committee makes announcements for recruiting a new team each year. During the application period, applicants for Pan-African Cohort are to submit the online Pastoral Cohort application form, life testimony (3-5 pages), and recommendation letter from their chapter directors. Usually, the application deadline is October 31 each year.

After the student submits the application and supporting documents, the Pastoral Cohort committee reviews the documents and confirms the completion of each applicant’s file. The application process involves an interview with the program committee.

Admitted applicants will receive cohort orientation information, and all applicants will be notified of their admission status by email.

Once the application is open, the committee will post all the necessary details, including the application form. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the committee via phone or email.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Annual tuition for full-time students in a ministry $750/year
UBF chapters with enrolled full-time students are asked $750/year 
Auditing (not a cohort member)                                           $50/credit hour