Program Description

The Pastoral Cohort is one of UBF Institute’s flagship initiatives, specifically designed to develop Chapter Directors. It is equivalent to a Master of Divinity program, with an emphasis on UBF’s mission, vision, and core values.

Program Objectives

• Equip North America chapter directors and pastors with sound biblical and theological foundations, as well as strong leadership skills, to build Christ-centered, missional communities.

• Provide unified teaching for UBF ministries globally, grounded in UBF DNA, Gospel-centered tradition, and sound doctrine.

• Prepare candidates for pastoral ordination. For those aspiring to receive UBF ordination (such as directors of sizable chapters), the program certificate may be considered alongside integrity of character and practical ministry experience.

Admission Requirements and Procedures

Applicants must submit an application along with supporting documents. Each application will be reviewed based on:

• UBF ministry experience

• Prior academic performance

• Recommendations

• Life testimony

The application process also includes an interview with the program committee.

Applications must be submitted via ubfinstitute.org.

All applicants will be notified of their admission status by email. Admitted students will receive new student orientation information.

Pastoral Cohort Curriculum

• Total required credits: 72 credits (24 courses × 3 credits)

• Each course is typically 12 weeks in duration

• Courses are offered one at a time, in sequence

• No electives are currently offered

• The program runs once every four years

• Upon completion, UBF issues a Certificate of Completion

Current Continental Cohorts

• Pan-Africa Cohort (launched January 2024)

• Asian Pastoral Cohort (launched January 2025)

• European Pastoral Cohort

Financial Information

Annual Tuition: $1,500

• $750 (student contribution)

• $750 (chapter support)

For special circumstances, please contact the Institute.

Required Courses

UBF Shepherdology

• Discipleship (1 course)

Biblical Studies (10 courses)

Methodology (3 courses):

• New Testament Greek

• Biblical Hebrew

• Biblical Hermeneutics

• Inductive Bible Study

• Biblical Theology

Old Testament (4 courses):

• Pentateuch (Genesis, Exodus, etc.)

• Historical Books (e.g., 1–2 Samuel)

• Wisdom Literature / Psalms

• Prophets

New Testament (3 courses):

• Gospels

• Acts & Pauline Epistles

• Revelation

Historical Studies (3 courses)

• Church History I: Early Church

• Church History II: Medieval Church & Reformation

• Church History III: Modern Church

• Local Church Studies (e.g., USA or Canada)

• History of Missions

Doctrines & Ethics (5 courses)

Christian Doctrines (4 courses):

• Doctrine I: Prolegomena, Kingdom & Covenant, Scripture, Theology Proper

• Doctrine II: Anthropology, Christology

• Doctrine III: Pneumatology, Soteriology

• Doctrine IV: Ecclesiology, Eschatology, Church Creeds

Ethics & Apologetics (1 course):

• Christian Ethics

• Christian Apologetics

Ministry & Mission Studies (5 courses)

Ministry Studies:

• Pastoral Care & Counseling

• Pastoral Theology (Ministerial Personhood)

• Spiritual Warfare

• Preaching

• Worship & Liturgical Practices

• Christian Leadership Development

Mission Studies:

• Theology of Mission

• Cultural Anthropology

Possible Additional Courses

• Human Sexuality

• Stress Management

• Pastoral Epistles

• Prayer and Spirituality

• Additional courses may be added in the future