The One Body Life Academy (OBLA)

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The Mission: Equipping Peacemakers for God’s Democratic Assembly (Ekklesia)

The One Body Life Academy (OBLA) is a unique and intensive program dedicated to equipping a generation of peacemakers. Our mission is to unleash within Christ’s followers the three gifts given by Jesus—divine life, glory, and liberating truth—which foster authentic fellowship and the profound oneness of the Body of Christ. This vision is directly inspired by the Lord's prayer in John 17: three gifts were given that His diverse followers would be one, just as the Father and Son are one, so that the world may believe. OBLA achieves this through a unique blend of deep theological study, practical ministerial training, and lifestyle practicum.

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Addressing a Critical Gap in Theological Training

Traditional theological education, focusing on personal salvation, often prioritizes systematic theology biased toward specific denominations, inadvertently graduating students into ecosystems of division. This creates a critical gap: a woeful lack of focus on the oneness of Christ’s Body and the organic building up of God’s Ekklesia (the original Greek term for a "democratic legislative assembly," frequently mistranslated as "church" in Matthew 16:18).

OBLA fills this gap by providing a deep theological framework with an unwavering focus on God’s eternal purpose: Christ and the building up of His Ekklesia (Democratic Assembly). We appreciate and support God’s work within organized churches and ministries, which have been preaching the gospel and teaching the Bible to untold millions of people around the globe. Nevertheless, divisions among God’s people are multiplying. Therefore, there must be an inspiring call and equipping to motivate God's diverse people to unite and manifest the Trinity’s glory, crush Satan, and fulfill His eternal purpose on earth—His Kingdom come!

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The Depth of the Unity Challenge

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Unity among diverse believers faces extensive challenges. Many Christian leaders pay “lip service” but avoid the complex entanglement of actively teaching and practicing it. This hesitation is rooted in historical experience. Well-intentioned unity preachers have fallen into two camps: 1) Ecumenical movements have often been viewed with suspicion and negatively because they are willing to compromise the One Faith of Jesus Christ. 2) Others have insisted that unity must be founded upon uniformity in doctrines or Christian practices; therefore, leave “division” and join us. Both of which became sources of further division.

Consequently, the vital equipping of God’s people with the biblical truth of the Body of Christ's unity is inhibited. Biblically-oriented followers, wary of compromise and forced uniformity, are warned to shun “unity” movements and retreat into their “doctrinal silos.” Their conclusion is to forget about the unity of the Body of Christ and instead focus solely on the unity within the safety of their specific denomination, ministry, or sect.

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OBLA’s Distinctive Framework

Centered on Christ and His Ekklesia—God’s Eternal Purpose, our comprehensive curriculum covers Christology, Ecclesiology, Pneumatology, Soteriology, spiritual formation, Eschatology, and Kingdom theology.

Using the entire scope of Scripture (both Old and New Testaments), OBLA methodically presents a theological framework that yields numerous fresh and impactful insights often missed in traditional Bible teachings. This approach enables believers—from diverse theological traditions—to intersect and find profound harmony in the common faith of Jesus Christ.

The ultimate goal is not to form another distinct group or to federate with an existing or newly formed church. Instead, OBLA aims to equip individuals to become powerful peacemakers, regardless of their church or ministry affiliation. As peacemakers, they will be capable of:

• Dismantling walls of division and alienation between believers in any environment.

• Actively foster genuine fellowship across differences.

• Facilitate the Lord’s Democratic Assembly (Ekklesia), where inclusion thrives, differing perspectives are welcomed, and Jesus Christ is uniquely uplifted.

 

Peacemaker’s Reward

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These peacemakers are blessed as "mature sons of God" (Matt. 5:9). Their lives are destined to be joyful and purposeful to the highest order, receiving both God’s commanded blessing (Psalm 133) and His unlimited provisions (Matt. 6:33).

This mission seeks to fulfill the Lord's purpose of building His Ekklesia (Democratic Assembly) in Matthew 16:18, a vision powerfully manifested in His passionate prayer in John 17 for His diverse people to be one. This unity in diversity powerfully displays God’s manifold wisdom and glorifies Him throughout the earth (Eph. 3:10-11, Rom. 15:6). In this unity, the God of Peace will use the feet of these peacemakers to crush Satan (Rom. 16:20; Eph. 6:15). The work of the peacemakers results in a complete incentivized package of divine victory and provision: God is glorified, Satan is crushed, and they are blessed in every way.

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Proven Impact and Course Structure

• Impact: Since 2020, over 200 students—representing more than 100 different churches and ministries—have graduated using our curriculum. The majority of our graduates are on pastoral staff or have significant ministerial training, highlighting the depth and relevance of our material. Their experiences are consistently described as liberating, purposeful, and vision-reviving.

• Structure: OBLA is a comprehensive 12-course series. Each course is designed for 11 weeks of study, supported by six standardized textbooks, a video series, detailed study guides, a practicum, and dedicated instructor support.

• Platform & Certification: Our online platform provides access to all resources, interactive discussion forums, and real-time meetings. Students who complete all 12 courses receive a certificate of completion from OBLA and our Seminary/Bible School partners. Graduates are encouraged to apply to teach their own classes, extending the reach of this vital message.

 

Program Information
 

Total Program Duration: A course is equivalent to 3 college credit units. If taking one course at a time, two and a half years would be needed to finish the program. Courses can be taken sequentially or in parallel. 

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Tuition/Cost: 

• The cost per course depends on the location of the students. It can range from $15.00/course for African countries to $90.00/course for Western countries.

• Scholarship is liberally available. This is a “pay forward” financial arrangement where students who benefited from this course will support another in the future. 

 

Target Audience Clarification: OBLA is designed for current and aspiring ministry leaders, pastoral staff, and seasoned believers seeking liberation in a deeper understanding of the truth and unity-focused theological training. No formal theological education is required, but a good knowledge of the Bible is helpful.

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Take the Next Step: Become an Equipped Peacemaker

If you see yourself in our target audience and feel stirred by this vision, your journey starts here. We invite you to move beyond division and step into your role as a peacemaker in God’s Ekklesia (Democratic Assembly). Apply now to enhance your vision, deepen your theological foundation, and join a global network of believers committed to the oneness of the Body of Christ.

 

Application Process Summary: Please visit our website to view course details and submit your application to One Body Life Academy