Associate of the International Council of Evangelical Theological Education (ICETE) &
Affiliate of Columbia International University (CIU)

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Becoming What God Intended 

is an educational non-profit founded by Dr. David Eckman founded in 1997

BWGI offers a comprehensive, 5-Course Spiritual Formation & Discipleship Concentration for individuals, organizations, churches, seminaries, and Bible schools around the world.

Discipleship & Ministry Resources and Training

Become What
God Intended.

BWGI International Institute — Est. 1997

Two pathways. One mission.

Our vision and courses are intended to ignite Christian leaders worldwide to inspire others to participate in the life of the Trinity by breaking down barriers that prohibit a growing, healthy relationship with God the Father.

Serving 24 countries  ·  98% student satisfaction  ·  50+ years of biblical research

What Leaders Are Saying

Trusted by Pastors, Authors & Ministry Leaders

Endorsement from Steve McVey, author
Endorsement from Chip Ingram, pastor and author
Endorsement from Melina Rabon, Ed.D., Associate Dean at Columbia International University
Endorsement from Roy Low, Ph.D., President of Grace Biblical Seminary
Endorsement from Stu Weber, pastor and author
Endorsement from Josh McDowell, author and speaker
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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.

BC101

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.

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BC102

Head 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.

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BC103

Theology 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.

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Two Pathways

BWGI Discipleship Certification

Take all five courses together and earn the BWGI Certification — a recognized credential for ministry leaders, disciplers, and church workers worldwide.

Learn more about BWGI Certification »

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.

Learn more about the M.A. »

What makes our courses unique?

Completely Online
Completely Online
The full MA program is offered completely online, allowing you to study from anywhere without ever having to relocate or travel to South Carolina. This gives you the freedom to pursue your calling while staying rooted in your current life and ministry.
Rich History
Rich History
Since 1921, Columbia International University has been preparing students for ministry, leadership, and service worldwide. BWGI has a 29-year track record of changing lives around the world — including North America, Asia (especially China and India), and Australia.
Competency Based Theological Education
Competency Based Theological Education
CIU and BWGI use Competency-Based Theological Education — so you graduate with real discipleship skills, not just information. The CBTE program provides a streamlined, affordable approach to earning your degree while actively serving in your calling.
Multicultural Faculty
Multicultural Faculty
While most spiritual life and discipleship programs are shaped by a single cultural lens, BWGI has an internationally diverse faculty team.

Our online courses go far beyond borders. With an internationally varied student body, you won't just study about the global church — you'll learn alongside it.
Educationally Sound LMS
Educationally Sound LMS
Unlike schools that simply digitize their classrooms, we apply evidence-based educational science at every level. Our faculty are trained in leading educational theories so every online interaction is purposeful, research-backed, and built to transform learners.
At the Heart of It All
At the Heart of It All
The BWGI International Institute at Columbia International University exists to help believers experience and participate in the vibrant life of the Trinity. Discover refreshing, experientially rich courses designed to restore joy and depth to your walk with God — and find the life He has always intended for you.

Associations & Affiliates

BWGI is an ICETE Associate.  ICETE is a global community, sponsored by seven regional associations (ATA, ABHE, ECTE, ACTEA, and more) of theological schools, to enable international interaction and collaboration among all those concerned for the enhancement of evangelical theological education worldwide.
Columbia International University is dedicated to educating students from a biblical worldview, equipping them with the knowledge, character, and skills to impact the nations with the message of Christ.

Over 100 Years of Faithful Impact
Since 1921, Columbia International University has been preparing students for ministry, leadership, and service worldwide. CIU's history is built on faith, vision, and a relentless commitment to preparing leaders who will transform the world for Christ. 

Our Vision

To ignite Christian leaders to inspire others to participate in the life of the Trinity by breaking down barriers that prohibit a growing, healthy relationship with God the Father.
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What people are saying about Dr. David Eckman's material

"is profoundly biblical" | "helps us to know Abba Father" | "is powerfully insightful" | #saved my life | #is material you can trust

“Dr. Eckman isolates the issues people have
and gives solutions
in a way that’s fresh
and profoundly biblical.

- Josh McDowell,
author of over 150 books
“I especially like what Dr. Eckman writes about the imagination. I’m a big believer in submitting our imaginations to the Holy Spirit in order to allow Him to ‘reprogram our minds’ about who our Abba-Father really is.”

-Steve McVey,
author of Grace Walk
“God has given David powerful insights to help people discover
who they are in Christ and show them what a huge difference this truth can make in everyday life.”

- Chip Ingram,
author of The Invisible War
“David is a man you
can trust. 
His
teaching resonates
with God’s wisdom
and compassion.”

-Stu Weber,
author of Tender Warrior & Four Pillars of a Man’s Heart

The 5-Course Spiritual Formation & Discipleship Courses

The 5-courses have been developed by Dr. David Eckman, who was a pastor for over 16 years and a former Vice-President and Dean of Western Seminary in the heart of the Bay Area, California, Sacramento, and Oregon.

Tens of thousands of pastors, small-group leaders, lay leaders and enthusiastic participants all around the world have been transformed by this material and have trained others. Now there is a systematic and effective way for you to be trained too. 

FOUNDATION

BC101
 Becoming
What God Intended

SMALL GROUP EXPERIENCES

BC102
Head to Heart 

THEOLOGICAL BACKBONE

BC103
Theology of Romans 

MANAGEMENT

BC104
Theology
 of Emotions

EVANGELISM

BC105
Skills for Living - A Bridge for the Gospel

About Dr. David Eckman

   50 years of biblical research

Our content is the life work of Dr. David Eckman who has spent over 50 years in Biblical research. He is an instructor in the disciplines of spiritual life formation, and he has spent countless hours counseling and discipling individuals. The result is a uniquely gifted individual who effectively communicates God’s truths to a hurting world. David grew up in a dysfunctional family. He found emotional freedom when he finally experienced how God truly loved him. In 1997 he founded BWGI Ministries, which fosters spiritual transformation through helping people all around the world understand who they are in Christ.

 Credentials

David Eckman, Ph.D., has been a pastor for 16 years, followed by 7 years as a Dean and Executive Vice-President for Western Seminary in San Jose and Portland. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Philosophy), Master of Theology, Master of Divinity, and Doctor of Philosophy (Hebrew Studies and Old Testament). He studied at Oxford University in England from 1982-1986 to work on his doctorate and received his Ph.D. in Old Testament and Hebrew from Golden Gate Seminary. Dr. Eckman was a member of the National Association of Hebrew Professors and was supervised by Professor James Barr at Oxford University. James Barr was widely acknowledged as one of the leading Hebrew scholars of the English-speaking world.

 Author of books & contributor to the New King James Study Bible 

Dr. Eckman is an author of over a dozen books and an international speaker and educator. David Eckman is also a contributor to other books, such as the New King James Study Bible, “Micah through Malachi: Commentary on the Minor Prophets,” and “Who's Afraid of the Holy Spirit?: An Investigation into the Ministry of the Spirit of God Today.”

    Making an impact

During his over 25-year career at Western Seminary, he was responsible for training in spiritual life for over 3,000 students. Those he has trained have taken that training to many tens of thousands of others. Moreover, at the same time, he was involved in the community 
evangelism involving thousands of participants. He is active in ministry in North America and Asia, where many thousands have heard him teach on the spiritual life. Many more have read his books on spiritual life in English and other languages.

What makes our courses unique?

Biblical material

Dr. Eckman spent 50 years in Biblical research. He has a BA, M.Div., M.Th., and Ph.D. (Hebrew & Old Testament). He studied at Oxford University, England & was supervised by James Barr.

Proven

We have a 98% satisfaction rating from students. Our material has been used in over 15 countries and throughout North America.

Trusted

Seminaries, Bible schools, and organizations have used our material.  The material is cross-cultural and in multiple languages.

Time-tested method

Unique method of teaching that follows the Biblical pattern of discipleship & evidence-based pedagogical methods.

Evidenced Based Teaching 

BWGI uses evidence-based learning techniques, sound pedagogical theories, and engaging activities that foster transformation and deep learning.

Experienced faculty

Faculty of nine individuals with a combined experience of 250+ years.

Becoming What God Intended

is an educational non-profit founded 
by Dr. David Eckman, 29 years ago in 1997.
BWGI offers a comprehensive, 5-Course Spiritual Formation & Discipleship Concentration for individuals, organizations, churches, seminaries, and Bible schools around the world.
Write your awesome label here.

The 5-Course Spiritual Formation & Discipleship Courses

The 5-courses have been developed by Dr. David Eckman who was a pastor for over 16 years and a former Vice-President and Dean of Western Seminary in the heart of the Bay Area, California, Sacramento, and Oregon.

Now, these seminary-level courses are being made available to all. Tens of thousands of pastors, small-group leaders, lay leaders and enthusiastic participants all around the world have been transformed by this material and have trained others. 

The 5-Course Spiritual Formation & Discipleship Courses

BC101 - Becoming What God Intended:

BC102 - Head to Heart

BC103 - Theology of Romans

BC104 - Theology of Emotions

BC105 - Skills For Living: