UBF Shepherd Training Model
The group employs all kinds of training methods, often invented on the fly. The new recruits are guided by a personal shepherd through six specific stages. The goals and length of time is varied per student depending on their individual situation. The stages are strikingly common across more than 30 UBF USA chapters I have observed in person. In the 1970's and 1980's this training often utilized harsh discipline for disobedience to the shepherd, including but not limited to locking a person in a room for days, standing in ice cold water for hours, and walking barefoot for over 5 miles, all to teach obedience. Recently these harmful training practices have been stopped in many UBF USA chapters. The "shepherd training" continues however.
Sheep Training
(up to 5 years)
- Stage 1: Birthing (1 to 9 months)
- Goal – commit to bible study
- Starts after first bible study
- Stage 2: Rooting (1 to 2 years)
- Goal – adopt the UBF worldview
- Starts after Sunday service attendance
- Stage 3: Growing (1 to 2 years)
- Goal – pursue more training
- Starts after sharing Life Testimony
- Stage 1: Birthing (1 to 9 months)
Shepherd Training
(2 to 4 years)
- Stage 4: Disciple Training (about 1 year)
- Goal – identity as “Shepherd X”
- Starts after joining common life
- Stage 5: Soldier Training (1 to 2 years)
- Goal – obedience to UBF authorities
- Starts after college graduation
- Stage 6: Leader Training (about 1 year)
- Goal – loyalty for life
- Starts after Marriage by Faith (arranged marriage)
- Stage 4: Disciple Training (about 1 year)
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