Theology of the Body

What Theology of the Body does

The Theology of the Body Institute (TOBI) is a private non-profit religious educational organization founded in 2002 and headquartered in Quarryville, Pennsylvania, operating from the Black Rock Retreat Center near Lancaster. It exists to educate and form men and women in St. John Paul II's Theology of the Body (TOB) — the late pope's 129 Wednesday audience addresses on human sexuality, love, and dignity — through a curriculum taught by President Christopher West, Th.D., and a faculty that includes Senior Lecturer Bill Donaghy, M.A. The portfolio comprises six core courses (TOB I: Head and Heart Immersion, TOB II: Into the Deep, Love & Responsibility, Catholic Sexual Ethics, Theology of the Body & The New Evangelization, and Writings of Saint John Paul II on Gender, Marriage, and Family), eight elective courses (including Way of Beauty, Vatican II, Spiritual Direction, and Poets for the Kingdom), a Certification Program bundling eight courses, and a Master of Sacred Arts degree co-sponsored with Pontifex University. Delivery spans five-day in-person immersions at Black Rock, on-demand online courses powered by a third-party portal (portal.tobinstitute.org) with 120-day access, live touring events (Made for More, The Well, Way of Wonder, THRIVE, FLOURISH, Ignite Hope), pilgrimages to holy sites, and a publishing arm through the TOBI Store.

TOBI serves multiple customer segments: Catholic individuals seeking formation, parishes and dioceses hosting events and programs, clergy and consecrated religious, Christian educators pursuing the Certification Program or academic degree, and singles/couples discerning marriage through Next Step and Discerning Marriage. The business model is a hybrid of paid tuition (online $995/course, in-person $1,395/course), a $350 certification administrative fee, live-event ticket sales hosted by institutional partners, a subscription-based Patron Community at tobpatron.com, e-commerce book sales through shop.corproject.com, and tax-deductible donations processed via a Neon CRM giving form. Reach is global: in 2022, 1,171 students from nearly two dozen countries completed courses, 18 Made for More touring events were hosted across 11 US states, the Ask Christopher West podcast reached 1.97 million cumulative downloads, and the YouTube channel served 42,100 subscribers. Operational scale is small — stated headcount is 1-10 employees — and the leadership team comprises President Christopher West, Executive Director Jason Clark, COO Ross Busby, and CFO Faith Rumano, with Episcopal Advisors chaired by Archbishop Charles Chaput.

Name

Theology of the Body

Legal name

Theology of the Body Institute

Website

https://tobinstitute.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2002

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Theology of the Body Institute is a non-profit religious educational organization that trains Catholic individuals, parishes, clergy, and educators in St. John Paul II's Theology of the Body through in-person courses, online classes, live touring events, pilgrimages, certification, and a master's degree.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Religious Education and Faith Formation Services

NAICS

Religious Organizations (8131), Educational Services (611), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Faith-Based Education & Formation (Seminaries, Religious Schools, Catechesis) (BPAGAJAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Religious Education & Catechetical Publishing (Sunday School, Catechism, Study Guides) (MPAJAHAC), Divinity Schools (University-Affiliated) (EDAHAKAC), Sexual Health & Relationship Wellness Education (EDAAAHAM)

Keywords

• Catholic formation services
• Theology education programs
• Religious immersion courses
• Faith-based certification
• Marriage discernment resources

Headquarters

HQ city

Quarryville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. In-Person Course Fees: Five-day immersive courses at Black Rock Retreat Center with accommodations, meals, and all materials included. Pricing at $1,395 per course with early bird discounts available.
2. Online Course Fees: On-demand online courses priced at $995 each. Students have 120 days to complete the course with approximately 2 hours of materials per week.
3. Certification Program: One-time $350 administrative fee for the certification program bundling eight courses together for Christian educators and leaders seeking formal credentials.
4. Live Event Tickets: Touring events like Made for More and The Well are hosted by parishes and dioceses worldwide, featuring live music and presentations by Christopher West and Mike Mangione.
5. Publishing and Store: TOB Institute Press publishes books including God Is Beauty and Christopher West's Eating the Sunrise. Books and resources sold through the TOB Store (shop.corproject.com).
6. Patron Community: Digital platform with exclusive videos, ebooks, study programs, and resources for patrons who provide ongoing support for the mission.
7. Donations: Tax-deductible donations supporting the mission to spread St. John Paul II's Theology of the Body globally.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Theology of the Body Institute (TOBI) is a nonprofit Catholic educational institute that delivers in-person five-day immersive courses, online on-demand courses, certification programs, and a graduate degree program based on St. John Paul II's 129 Wednesday audience addresses on human sexuality, love, and dignity. The Institute also produces touring live events, pilgrimages, podcasts, and books that make its formation accessible globally.

Product overview

Theology of the Body Institute offers a multi-format educational platform centered on St. John Paul II's Theology of the Body teachings. The portfolio comprises in-person five-day immersive courses (including flagship courses TOB I, TOB II, Love & Responsibility, Catholic Sexual Ethics, and Writings of JPII) and elective courses (Way of Beauty, Interior Life, Vatican II, Spiritual Direction, Marian Mystery, Poets for the Kingdom, Sexual Integration). The Institute provides a Certification Program bundling eight courses for educators, and a Master of Sacred Arts degree in partnership with Pontifex University. Live events include Made for More, The Well, The Way of Wonder, THRIVE, FLOURISH, and the new Ignite Hope retreat. Supporting offerings include the Patron Community digital platform, Next Step and Discerning Marriage programs, pilgrimages, podcasts (Ask Christopher West, Word Made Fresh, Discerning Marriage), and an online courses platform with on-demand access. The TOBI Store sells books and resources.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Theology of the Body I: Head and Heart Immersion The foundational flagship course introducing students to the key themes of John Paul II's 129 Wednesday audience addresses on Theology of the Body, covering imago Dei, fall and redemption, Christian ethics, freedom and person, gender and vocation. Offered as a five-day in-person immersion at Black Rock Retreat Center and as an online on-demand course.
• Theology of the Body II: Into the Deep A deeper dive into the mystical dimensions of TOB with emphasis on John Paul II's hidden teachings on the Song of Songs, available as an in-person immersion and online.
• Theology of the Body & The New Evangelization Examines implications of TOB for the new evangelization, studying the Catechism through the lens of spousal theology to present the Gospel to the modern world.
• Love and Responsibility Explores John Paul II's classic philosophical work on human love, examining sexual attraction, dignity of the person, and integrating desire with virtue.
• Catholic Sexual Ethics Provides clear, integrated understanding of the Church's sexual ethic rooted in grace and the joy of loving as Christ loves.
• Writings of Saint John Paul II on Gender, Marriage, and Family Examines works including On the Christian Family in the Modern World, On the Dignity & Vocation of Women, Letter to Women, and Letter to Families.
• Certification Program Bundles eight courses (six core and two electives) to provide credentials for Christian educators and leaders seeking to teach TOB formally in parish, diocesan, or classroom settings. A one-time $350 administrative fee plus separate course fees applies.
• Master of Sacred Arts (with Pontifex University) Joint Master of Sacred Arts program in Theology of the Body and the New Evangelization, combining TOBI's immersive five-day courses with online learning from Pontifex University to prepare agents of cultural renewal and effective catechists/evangelists.
• Patron Community Digital subscription membership providing exclusive videos, ebooks, study programs, virtual conferences, retreats, and resources for supporters of TOBI's mission.
• Next Step (and Next Step Parish) 8-part formation program for people discerning marriage, walking seriously dating couples through topics for discernment. Next Step Parish delivers the program in parish settings.
• Awaken Parish Program Parish-based program gathering Catholic leaders to live, learn, and share St. John Paul II's Theology of the Body with exclusive formation and events.
• Discerning Marriage Program Online resources and program for preparation for marriage regardless of relationship status, including single, dating, engaged, or post-breakup individuals.
• Pilgrimages Sacred journeys to holy places including Italy, Poland, Mexico, Spain, Portugal, France, and Holy Land, crafted as incarnational experiences that anchor TOB wisdom in real life at sacred sites.
• Made for More Multi-sensory evening of beauty and awakening featuring live music, visuals, and dynamic storytelling, hosted by parishes and dioceses worldwide.
• The Well Evening of Eucharistic revival through the story of the woman at the well, with live music and presentation by Christopher West, hosted by parishes and dioceses.
• The Way of Wonder 2.5-hour immersive experience exploring classical and contemporary art, music, and theology to reawaken wonder at being human, hosted by parishes and dioceses.
• THRIVE (Seminarian Formation Event) Formation experience for seminarians to rediscover celibacy as a sign of embodied love and integrate humanity with priestly identity.
• FLOURISH (Religious Sisters and Consecrated Virgins Event) Experience of prayer, study, and community for religious sisters and consecrated virgins exploring feminine genius and spousal identity.
• Ignite Hope Retreat Catholic retreat dedicated entirely to helping young adults discern marriage as a vocation with prayer, formation, community, and practical tools.
• Ask Christopher West Podcast The world's leading Theology of the Body podcast hosted by Wendy West, tackling the toughest questions on vocation, sexuality, marriage, and Catholic faith; 1.97 million downloads as of December 2022.
• Word Made Fresh Podcast Explores the presence of the divine in culture, movies, music, and everyday experience through a TOB lens.
• Discerning Marriage Podcast Podcast focused on marriage discernment content from Theology of the Body Institute, available on YouTube and podcast platforms.
• TOBI Online Courses Platform On-demand video-based courses with 120-day access, digital workbooks, and graduate-level instruction accessible globally via the EzyCourse-powered portal at portal.tobinstitute.org.
• TOBI Store Online store offering books including Theology of the Body for Beginners, God Is Beauty, Fill These Hearts, Eating the Sunrise, and other theological works in English and Spanish.

Quantifiable outcome

• 1,171 students trained in 2022 across in-person and online formats from nearly two dozen countries
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core, supporting and minor.

• Pontifex UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint Master of Sacred Arts program in Theology of the Body and the New Evangelization. Combines immersive five-day courses at TOBI with online learning from Pontifex University. Degree granted by Pontifex University. Integrates truth and beauty to prepare agents of cultural renewal and effective catechists/evangelists.
• Divine Mercy UniversitysupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerTuition reduction partnership for TOBI students pursuing graduate programs in psychology and counseling at DMU in Arlington, Virginia. Covers online and campus-based M.S. and Doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology, M.S. in Psychology, and M.S. in Counseling, as well as online certificate programs.
• Holy Apostles College and SeminarysupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdvanced standing credits toward Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies (MAPS) online program. Students earn 2 credits of advanced standing for each weeklong course completed, up to maximum of 6 credits. MAPS program offers concentrations in General Studies, Marriage and Family, and Spiritual Direction/Pastoral Counseling.
• Black Rock Retreat CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary venue for in-person five-day immersive courses, providing accommodations, meals, gorgeous grounds, and retreat environment for the TOBI course experience near Lancaster, PA.
• Order of Malta LancasterminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSpecial event partnership for Order of Malta Lancaster, with events scheduled at the venue.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Word on Fire Catholic Ministries: Founded by Bishop Robert Barron, Word on Fire is a Catholic evangelization and media organization producing video content, podcasts, and parish programs. Directly comparable to TOBI in combining Catholic thought leadership, digital media, and parish/diocesan outreach to deepen formation.
• Ascension Press: Ascension Press is a Catholic publisher and provider of parish-based Bible study and faith formation programs (e.g., Jeff Cavins' Great Adventure). Comparable to TOBI as a Catholic education/content provider serving parishes and individuals with curriculum and certification-adjacent programs.
• St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology: St. Paul Center offers Catholic biblical theology courses, online studies, and parish programs led by Dr. Scott Hahn. Comparable to TOBI as a Catholic theology education institute with online courses, certifications, and parish-aligned programming.
• Catholic Productions: Catholic Productions produces Catholic video content, online courses, and live events on themes of spirituality and theology. Directly comparable to TOBI's media-led approach to Catholic education, with overlapping content format and target audience.
• FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students): FOCUS is a Catholic collegiate evangelization organization that runs missionary-led programs, conferences, and formation experiences on U.S. university campuses. Comparable to TOBI in emphasizing immersive formation experiences, training/credentialing lay leaders, and broad Catholic audience.
• Catholic Answers: Catholic Answers is a Catholic apologetics and education organization producing podcasts, courses, and live events. Comparable to TOBI in combining high-profile Catholic personalities, digital content, and educational programs targeted at deepening Catholic understanding.
• Dynamic Catholic: Dynamic Catholic is a Matthew Kelly-founded faith formation organization that produces books, parish programs, and live events aimed at re-engaging Catholics. Highly comparable to TOBI in direct-to-consumer faith content, parish program sales, and event-driven growth model.

Regional players

• Holy Apostles College and Seminary: Holy Apostles is a Catholic online college and seminary that offers graduate programs in pastoral studies, theology, and philosophy. Directly comparable as a partner institution offering TOBI students advanced standing in MAPS, and overlaps in Catholic theology education audience.

Broad incumbents

• Franciscan University of Steubenville: Franciscan University is a Catholic university known for theology, philosophy, and evangelization programs. Comparable to TOBI as a Catholic formation institution with a strong Theology of the Body heritage, but operates at a much larger scale as a residential university.
• EWTN (Eternal World Television Network): EWTN is the largest Catholic media network globally, offering TV, radio, and digital programming across catechesis and formation. Broader incumbent with overlapping audience and educational content, but operates at significantly larger scale and broader topical scope than TOBI.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/TOBInstitute
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@TheologyoftheBodyInstitute
• Facebookfacebook.com/TOBInstitute
• Instagraminstagram.com/tobinstitute
• TikToktiktok.com/@tobinstitute
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/theology-of-the-body-institute

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Theology of the Body