BWGI International Institute
Five-Course Discipleship Certification
Experiencing the Transforming Life of the Trinity — one course at a time.
Unlike courses that focus only on information, BWGI's 5-course concentration uses Competency-Based Theological Education — so graduates will be discipled and know how to effectively disciple others.
The Five Courses in the Certification
Each course can be taken individually or as part of the full BWGI Discipleship Certification or M.A. in Ministry Studies.
Becoming What God Intended — Foundations of the Spiritual Life
A course on the 12 Biblical truths every Christian should know. A discipleship process that leads the student to live within the life of the Trinity so as to experience God as an Abba Father, Jesus as our Identity, and the Holy Spirit as our Helper.
View course BC102Head to Heart — Experiencing the Father's Affection
A discipleship intensive on what every Christian needs to learn, integrate, and experience. The Head to Heart Small Group Experience may well be the most effective and most thoughtful group experience presently being practiced. It is truly transformational with long-term, positive results.
View course BC103Theology of Romans
A course on the theological backbone of discipleship. The purpose is to teach how the contents of Romans created the backbone for the Foundations of the Spiritual Life course — creating confidence to live out of Trinitarian Theology. Romans teaches what it means to truly surrender to our good God.
View course BC104Theology of Emotions
A course on discovering what the Bible says about emotions and how to minister to your emotions. Surveys the Old and New Testament's description of the source, function, and management of emotions. The purpose is to create a true Biblical psychology for the benefit of pastoral counselors, Christian counselors, disciplers, and Bible teachers.
View course BC105Skills for Living
A course on creating a bridge for sharing the Gospel through secular versions of BWGI Ministries materials. Skills for Living is a secular version of a Christian mental health program originally designed to train counselors in the 60 mental health centers of the universities of Beijing. This course serves as an introduction to mental health principles and instructs how to create a bridge for sharing the Gospel.
View course Two PathwaysBWGI Discipleship Certification
Take all five courses together and earn the BWGI Certification — a recognized credential for ministry leaders, disciplers, and church workers worldwide.
M.A. in Ministry Studies
Apply your BWGI coursework toward an accredited Master of Arts in Ministry Studies through Columbia International University — combining biblical depth with recognized academic credentials.
See all coursesChoose Your Level
Study With Purpose.
At Every Stage of the Journey.
Whether you're growing personally, training to lead others, or pursuing a graduate degree — there's a track designed for exactly where you are.
Level 1
Foundations
Build your spiritual foundation
$200
per course
For those interested in personal enrichment or going deeper into a particular book associated with a course. You'll receive the course book, Part-A video teaching for each chapter, and a guided learning path through the BWGI LMS — all at your own pace.
Level 2
Facilitator Certification
Facilitate a small group
$225
per course
Recommended for those who want to become a BWGI-recommended and endorsed facilitator — either for a Small Group Ministry at a church or with an organization. Includes Part-A & Part-B go-deeper video teaching, live Zoom sessions with class & Faculty, and questions answered by Dr. Eckman & the BWGI team. Upon completion you'll receive a BWGI-endorsed Facilitator Certificate.
Level 3
Master Teacher
Be discipled, mentored, and learn to teach effectively
$450
per course
($125 if towards an M.A.)
Recommended for Pastors, Missionaries, or Church Leaders who want to become a BWGI-recommended and endorsed teacher to effectively teach a BWGI course. You will be discipled and mentored with 1-on-1 support from Dr. Eckman & Faculty through projects. Includes both course books, all video teaching, live sessions with your class, and a BWGI-endorsed Master Teacher Certificate. Credits may count toward the accredited M.A. in Ministry Studies.
Compare the Three Levels
Every level includes access to the BWGI LMS (Learning Management System — your dedicated online classroom where you access videos, materials, and track your progress), plus direct access to Dr. Eckman & faculty.
| Level 1 Foundations $200 per course | Level 2 Facilitator $225 per course | Level 3 Master Teacher $450 per course | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course Materials | |||
| Book 1 for the course | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Book 2 (additional text) | — | — | ✓ |
| Part-A video teaching | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Part-B go-deeper videos | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Live Interaction | |||
| Guided learning path (BWGI LMS — dedicated online classroom) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Access to Dr. Eckman & faculty | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Live sessions with faculty & class | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| 1-on-1 Discipleship Development with Dr. Eckman & Faculty through projects | — | — | ✓ |
| Personal mentoring from Dr. Eckman & Faculty | — | — | ✓ |
| Certification & Credentials | |||
| BWGI Facilitator Certificate | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| BWGI Master Teacher Certificate | — | — | ✓ |
| Credits toward the accredited M.A. | — | — | ✓ |
| Earns Certificate | ✦ Pathway to the M.A. | ||
Pursuing the accredited M.A. in Ministry Studies? These same courses count toward your degree — at a fraction of the standalone price. Learn about the M.A. program →
Not sure which level is right for you? See full level descriptions →
Five Simple Steps to Get Started
From browsing to your first live session in as little as a week.
Speak to a BWGI Advisor
A personal conversation — no pressure. We'll help you find the right course and level for where you are.
Choose Your Course
Browse the 5-course concentration and select the one that fits your season of life and ministry calling.
Select Your Level
Pick Foundations, Facilitator, or Master Teacher based on how deeply you want to engage — personal enrichment, facilitation, or full certification.
Register & Pay
Complete your registration. Your login is linked to the email you provide at checkout — one registration per participant.
Show Up & Study
Join your class online — from anywhere in the world. Study at your pace or attend live sessions with faculty.
Ready to take the first step?
Browse the courses →
Your Journey Into the
BWGI Experience
Starts With One Course.
Seminary fills your head. BWGI changes your heart.
BWGI's five courses — each one built to solve what traditional programs miss: experienced faith, emotional health, real-world discipleship, and a bridge to the people who need it most.
These courses are also part of the full BWGI MA in Ministry Studies at CIU — an accredited online degree for as little as $8,625.