FAQ

In many African countries, churches have – on average – one trained pastor for every 50 churches! The aim is therefore to provide training to the 93% of pastors and preachers who are not trained adequately (or not at all) and to equip them with the help of a theological, pastorally-recognised programme. Then there are those who study theology – not necessarily to make it their profession, but simply to equip themselves in the Word. COGIBC offers them such an opportunity.

There is a great need amongst this group of people. They are excluded from many academic institutions and do not have access to further study until they have passed matric. Many of those who have a burning desire to go to Bible College face this barrier and have given up all hope. Now there is an opportunity for them to study further. Our bridging course opens the door for them and even allows those who have not obtained a matric to continue their studies. Recognition of Prior Learning – RPL – will be taken into account later.

What does this bridging course entail? The bridging course is a preparatory course with a curriculum that prepares students for deeper theological study. It ensures that prospective Bible school students all have the same foundation when tackling the curriculum and that the fundamental building blocks of the Gospel are well established. In other words, every student starts with a solid, sound understanding of the Christian faith

The course takes six months to complete and is called Transformation Acts 20/20. It covers the following topics:

• Redefine the Believer
• Redefine the Church
• Redefine the Gospel
• Redefine the Preacher

We are a unique theological college in Africa with a curriculum that focuses directly on the theological training of prospective students who have never before had the opportunity to qualify themselves theologically. We offer a Certificate in Theology for Ministry (CTM) which is endorsed and issued by the Europe Theological Seminary (ETS).

This course is only done via distance education; no classes are physically attended. The Bible College is accessible to anyone and everyone: whether you live in an urban city or in a remote rural area, e.g. Sudan, Chad, Niger, etc. The Bible College is now within your reach.

A Certificate in Theology for Ministry (CTM). This is a course in theology and church management

Students must be able to read and write English.

Usually three years, with a curriculum of 36 different subjects.

COGIBC’s curriculum has been compiled by a group of selected academic theologians who are experts in their field.

No, students are required to complete a Portfolio of Evidence for each subject. The students must basically master ministry skills. This means that students receive a comprehension test and answer it in their own words after he/ she has completed each unit. The portfolio is completed electronically and then marked by assessors and examiners.

Students receive a package with a student guide, Portfolio of Evidence workbook, and a Portfolio guide. The guide will help students identify the Portfolio of Evidence requirements for their final evaluation. Students can be assisted by the facilitator in preparing their final Portfolio.

COGIBC is privileged to have their qualifications endorsed internationally by various institutions. In April 2021, the Church of God World Missions Africa Council approved the College’s curriculum for the use of pastoral training and to add value to ministers’ ministry in Africa and worldwide. An important aspect of this decision is that this approval gives all students who are members of the Church of God in Africa the opportunity to apply for admission to the ministry in the Church of God (Africa) upon registration with COGIBC. It now creates the opportunity for students in 44 African countries to obtain their theological academic qualifications through COGIBC with the full support of the Church of God World Missions Africa Council. Accredited by the European Theological Seminary (ETS) in Germany, which is an academic institution in academic relationship with Lee University in Cleveland USA, has concluded a memorandum of understanding with COGIBC. Furthermore, an academic postgraduate opportunity is created for students who meet certain ETS admission requirements to study further at ETS after completing their studies at COGIBC. Through the necessary recognition of prior learning (RPL), with supplementary studies, students can obtain an accredited Bachelor’s degree at ETS. The Faculty Board and Senate of COGIBC are currently in further negotiations with other academic institutions to obtain further benefits for students to pursue the best academic career opportunities.

A once-off fee of $30.00 USD (~ R565) is payable upon registration and is valid for the full duration of the course. The cost for one year of study at the Bible School is R3000. That is R250 per subject/module.

1. The curriculum is a Word-based Biblical-accountable study for the student through a systematic curriculum in the Word.
2. The College places theology in the hands of every student, and Bible knowledge is now within the reach of every student.
3. The student also has the opportunity to study theology further, because there is now an academic path that can take them further in their studies through the already existing memorandum of agreement that we have obtained.