A clear, four-fold programme structure provides the setting for the delivery of BUILD training. Within that structured setting BUILD’s locally developed curriculum provides the focus for the teaching and learning.
The structure of a BUILD programme
BUILD’s unique four-fold structure is not only central to the way the programme functions, it also means that the work is scalable and can be replicated in different contexts. The structure is based on and connects with three different types of educational culture. Formal, non-formal and informal types of education lie behind three components of a BUILD programme. That is then driven by a fourth, the coordination and curriculation that is needed for a healthy programme, which sits at the top of the outline below.
1. The force behind a BUILD programme
Programme coordination and curriculum
Every BUILD programme needs to be driven by a team of coordinators who can see the big picture and help guide the training.
This element is like the sun and rain that feed and water a tree, it nurtures and nourishes the whole programme.
2. The foundation of a BUILD programme
The formal training-of-trainers
The formal training-of-trainers is the foundation of every programme. Ideally this is done through our block-release style diploma course. But it can be done through training workshops or even by explaining the system to competent and well qualified leaders. The course strengthens trainee-trainers in their own theology and practice, and equips them to pass on the training at the non-formal level.
This component is like the roots of a tree, it provides a strong base for the whole programme.
3. The focus of a BUILD programme
The non-formal, group-based training of local church leaders
The focus of the training is the non-formal equipping of grassroots pastors in local BUILD groups by the trained trainers. These groups of lay readers, evangelists, catechists, Sunday school teachers and others are trained using the BUILD course and they encourage one another in their ministry.
This part is like the trunk of a tree, it is the centre-piece and strength of the whole programme.
4. The fruit of a BUILD programme
The informal learning in churches and other outcomes
The fruit of the work is the informal learning and discipleship that goes on in churches, together with the improved leadership, preaching, care and outreach.
This final part is like the fruit of a tree, a visible display of the impact and outcomes of the programme.
BUILD’s curriculum
BUILD’s biblically-faithful curriculum lies at the heart of any BUILD programme. The curriculum development process began when a team who had been gathered from across Uganda listed Scriptures, themes and issues that were central to Christian formation and relevant to their experience of local ministry.
Core content
This process was taken further by identifying ten potential modules and structuring the training around those. This was helped by the decision to embed four main elements into the titles of each of those draft training modules. Those elements were, first, a key book of the Bible; second, the group of books or type of writing which book belongs with; third, a theological theme that is both linked to those books and to the local context; and, fourth, an important leadership issue that flows from those Scriptures and the local situation. The carefully sequenced learning was then built around those four elements.
For example, the first, foundational, module, has this title: 2 Timothy and the Pastoral Epistles: Preaching the Gospel and Godly Leadership. It takes a book of the Bible (2 Timothy); a group of Bible books that the book is linked to (the Pastoral Epistles); a theological theme that is central to both the book and to pastoral leadership (Module One takes ‘Preaching the Gospel’ as that theme); and a leadership issue that flows out of that book and theme (‘Godly Leadership’ is that issue for Module One, a particularly important one in the local setting).
The ten BUILD modules
Following the pattern above, the BUILD curriculum is made up of the following ten modules:
Module One
2 Timothy and the Pastoral Epistles: Preaching the Gospel and Godly Leadership.
Module Two
Genesis and the Pentateuch: Understanding God’s Story and Leading by Faith.
Module Three
Mark and the Gospels: The Servant King and Servant Leadership.
Module Four
Nehemiah and the Historical Books: Building God’s People and Strategic Leadership.
Module Five
Acts and the New Testament Story: The Church in Mission and Missional Leadership.
Module Six
Psalms and Poetry: Worshipping the King and Wholehearted Leadership.
Module Seven
Ephesians and the Epistles: God’s Plan for the Church and Local Church Leadership.
Module Eight
Proverbs and Wisdom: The Fear of the Lord and Practical Leadership.
Module Nine
Isaiah and the Prophets: The Sovereign King and Prophetic Leadership.
Module Ten
Revelation and Apocalyptic: The Victorious Christ and Leaders that Endure.
Four types of learning units
Not only do the modules and their titles have four main elements, those elements are explored and taught through the use of four types of learning unit.
Tools
First, there are ‘tools’: units that help learners to encounter God’s word in the context of God’s world. These units provide the knowledge and skills learners need for handling the Bible and give practical insights that help people to understand and apply the Bible in their own contexts.
Encounters
Second, there are ‘encounter’ units in which participants encounter God’s word in God’s world. These units put the tools to work as they look at passages of Scripture. They help them to discover the meaning of those passages and to then teach them to others.
Reflection
Third, there are units of ‘reflection’ for gaining wisdom. These units help participants to think for themselves about different issues, and equip them to lead others in that process. This model of theological reflection or Christian learning, which is applied to different local issues, is a centrepiece.
Action
Finally, there are ‘action’ units, which strengthen participants as leaders in mission. These units provide practical training in a number of areas such as preaching, pastoral care and leadership that are essential for local church leaders.
These different types of learning unit provide a richness and depth to the curriculum in a range of ways. For example, they represent different learning styles and therefore not only provide variety but also stretch the learners to learn in different ways, as well as providing styles that some learners will find easier, due to their own personalities and preferences. This not only creates effective learning experiences; it also means that learners have different styles of learning and teaching modelled to them.
Curriculum structure
In terms of its modules, units and contact hours the BUILD curriculum can be described as follows:
- The curriculum has 10 modules;
- Each module contains 15 units;
- Each unit is designed to take around 2 contact hours;
- Each module, therefore, involves a minimum of 30 contact hours;
- The entire curriculum contains around 300 contact hours of material.
A number of key decisions led to that particular shape, and these are described in more detail on our BUILD Training site. But the outcome of these factors led to the creation of ten modules of basic training, with fifteen units in each module, a total of 150 units. And with each unit taking around two contact hours to teach, 30 hours total, a module could be covered in a week in a residential setting, an ideal configuration for the training of trainers (although that, and local non-formal training, can be configured in a whole range of ways).
An overview of that curriculum can be viewed here.
BUILD’s outcomes
BUILD provides excellent training for everyone involved, but the impact depends on the participants’ background, and their roles in the work.
For those without theological education BUILD provides basic and empowering training for growing and leading churches. For those with formal training BUILD helps participants apply that prior learning, and to use it to train others. A further impact is the effect on other leaders in the church, whether they lead the children and youth, or care for other groups.
BUILD also has a proven impact on local communities: participants not only feel more confident in their own ministry but also in their involvement in areas such as HIV and AIDS education, outreach programmes, and efforts at sustainable agriculture and livelihood development.
