CBTE Must Cost the Human Work of Formation

Competence-Based Theological Education promises contextual, mentored formation in which learners demonstrate what they know, who they are becoming and how they minister. International literature more commonly uses the name Competency-Based Theological Education, while retaining the abbreviation CBTE. This article uses CBTE for Bible-college and church-based ministerial formation, not for Kenya's general occupational Competency-Based Education and Training, or CBET.

The promise of CBTE is often narrated through flexibility: learning can occur in ministry, prior learning can be recognised, evidence can be gathered digitally and progress can follow demonstrated competence rather than a uniform calendar. Every one of these features may widen access. None is costless. Flexible time requires responsive support. Authentic evidence requires observation and judgement. Mentor teams require preparation and coordination. Digital portfolios require systems, consent and review. Recognition of prior learning requires counselling, assessment and appeal.

A trustworthy CBTE programme must therefore cost the human work of formation, not merely the delivery of content. When that work is left unpriced, it does not disappear. It becomes hidden labour for faculty and pastors, hidden expense for learners, inconsistent judgement for assessors and hidden risk for the people among whom ministry is practised.

The OECD's International Review of Micro-Credential Systems, published on 1 October 2026, finds that short, flexible credentials need coherent definitions, quality assurance, recognition and links to wider qualification systems. It notes a real…