Announcements > HQ

The UBF HQ Online Program supports and equips UBF leaders, including chapter directors and local UBF ministries. This concise program is biblical, practical, and relevant to the UBF ministry. For the fall term (September 9- November 30, 2024), we offer two courses: Early Church History (Church History 1) and Communicating the Gospel in the Context of 3D Cultures.

Early Church History (Church History 1):

The church has defended orthodoxy throughout the ages. To know what happened in the past is crucial to understanding what is happening now. This course will explore the history of the church from its apostolic beginnings through the first four centuries, focusing on key issues (e.g., the Arian controversy and the formulation of the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed, the Chalcedonian Creed) and figures (e.g., Irenaeus, Athanasius, the Cappadocian Fathers, Augustine). The purpose is to reflect on how an understanding of historical foundations can help address current challenges the church faces in combating heresy and defending orthodoxy. By studying the past, we can ensure that the church continues to grow in both knowledge and faith, remaining true to its roots while effectively engaging in global discipleship and mission.

We will start our course in the second week of September and meet over Zoom six times every other week.

• Tentative Meeting Dates and times: Saturdays 9 am CDT (Chicago Time)
• Orientation: Saturday, Sept. 14th at 9 am CDT
• Course Instructor: John Rhee- M.Div. (Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary); Th.M. in Systematic and Historical Theology; Ph.D. Candidate in Systematic Theology (Southern Baptist Theological Seminary)

*Sign up for the course at https://forms.gle/3VD6Dpbot2MijAw36

Communicating the Gospel in the Context of 3D Cultures

This course is designed to enhance improved gospel and cultural understanding of how the gospel speaks to all cultures. The gospel is like a multifaceted diamond, and God wants people of all cultures to experience his complete salvation. However, Western Christianity tends to emphasize one aspect of the gospel (i.e., forgiveness of sins) and neglect the other facets of the gospel. While Western theology addresses guilt and innocence, people in other world cultures seek honor to cover shame and power to mitigate fear. In today's globalized world, we, as spiritual leaders and missionaries in UBF, need to develop a better understanding of the three-dimensional gospel to experience the full power of the gospel and to effectively serve in cross-cultural ministry. This course demonstrates how the gospel speaks to cultures of guilt, shame, and fear, and shows how we can communicate the gospel cross-culturally.

• Tentative meeting dates and times: 6 sessions, every other Monday at 7 pm CDT (Chicago Time)
• Orientation: Monday, September 9th at 7 pm CDT
• Course Instructor: Dr. Sarah T. Ahn- M.Div. (Portland Seminary); D.Min. in Leadership and Spiritual Formation (Portland Seminary)
• Partnering with M Luke Hong and S Liz Hembekides

*Sign up for the course at https://forms.gle/3VD6Dpbot2MijAw36

When you sign up for the courses, we will send you an email invitation to our class homepage (ubfinstitute.org).