IGW

What IGW does

IGW (Institut für Gemeindebau und Weltmission), founded in 1991 in Zürich, is a non-profit theological education association operating across Germany, Switzerland, and Austria under two legal entities — IGW International (CHE) and IGW Deutschland e.V. (DEU). The institution delivers a dual theology study model that combines three days per week of academic theory with two days per week of supervised church practice, distinguishing it from both traditional state universities and standalone Bible schools. It serves aspiring pastors, church planters, working ministry professionals, and career changers through Bachelor-level programs (Studium Praktische Theologie, Bachelor of Arts), Master-level programs (MAS Theologische Praxis, MAS Theologie & Führung, MTh via University of Pretoria), and modular CAS, Jahresbibelschule, and Themenpakete offerings. Delivery spans 8 physical study centers plus a full distance learning option, with ECTE accreditation at EQF Levels 6 and 7 and BAföG recognition in NRW.

The technology stack is conventional education infrastructure rather than differentiated: WordPress-hosted learning platform for distance learners, Microsoft Teams and Zoom for live sessions, monday.com for application management, Calendly for counseling scheduling, and rapidmail/Mailchimp for email automation. The proprietary asset is the dual-study curriculum and its ECTS-aligned credit architecture (180 credits at Bachelor; 60 ECTS at Master), not the underlying platform technology.

The revenue model combines monthly student tuition (165–350 EUR/CHF per student) with mandatory church co-payments (125–375 EUR/CHF per month), MAS/MTh program fees of 9,500–21,700 EUR/CHF amortized across multi-year program durations, and donations with a stated 150,000 EUR annual target. The church network functions simultaneously as a co-financing channel, practice placement provider, and formal enrollment referral source — a prerequisite for admission. Distribution is hybrid: direct enrollment via online application, personal counseling, open house events at study centers, and church-network referrals; a joint TSC-IGW Academy consolidates Master-level continuing education as of 2025.

Name

IGW

Legal name

IGW International / IGW Deutschland e.V.

Website

https://igw.edu

Company type

Private

Founded year

1991

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

IGW is a non-profit theological education association founded in 1991 in Zürich, offering dual theology study programs that combine classroom theory with church practice across 8 study centers in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, serving aspiring and practicing pastors, church planters, and career changers in the DACH free-church ecosystem.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Theological Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (61131)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Ministerial Training Institutes (Clergy Formation) (EDAHAKAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Bible Colleges (Undergraduate Ministry & Biblical Studies) (EDAHAKAB), Seminaries (Graduate Theology & Ministry) (EDAHAKAA), Denominational Theological Colleges (e.g., Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, Evangelical) (EDAHAKAM)

Keywords

• Theological education
• Dual study theology
• Pastoral training
• Church planting programs
• Free-church seminary

Headquarters

HQ city

Zürich

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Student Tuition Fees: IGW charges monthly tuition fees paid by students and their sponsoring church community. In Germany, full-time students pay 165 EUR/month plus 250 EUR/month from their church. Part-time students pay 100 EUR/month plus 125 EUR/month from their church. Swiss students pay higher fees in CHF. This is the primary recurring revenue stream, billed monthly with church co-payment.
2. Church / Community Co-Financing: A distinctive element of IGW's model is that the student's home church or community organization co-sponsors tuition, reflecting the dual nature of the program. Churches are expected partners in the educational process and share the cost burden, making theology education financially accessible.
3. Master-Level Programs (MAS / MTh): MAS programs charge a total program fee (e.g., 9,500 EUR for MAS Missional Church Planting, 13,300 EUR for MAS for Career Changers). MTh is charged annually (2,950 EUR/year or 3,950 CHF/year). Semester fees also apply (90 EUR or 180 CHF per semester for Master-Level).
4. Donations / Charitable Contributions: IGW accepts donations from supporters to fund theology education. A target of 150,000 EUR per fiscal year is stated for training pastors and pastoral leaders. Donations are processed through dedicated portals for Switzerland and Germany.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

IGW delivers dual theology study programs combining three days per week of academic theory with two days of supervised practice in a local church. Bachelor-level and Master-level degrees (including a state-recognized Master of Theology via University of Pretoria) are offered in-person at 8 study centers across Germany and Switzerland or fully via distance learning, with students and their sponsoring church communities co-paying tuition.

Product overview

IGW is a theological education institution offering a dual theology study system combining theory and practice. The product portfolio consists of Bachelor-Level programs (Studium Praktische Theologie for DE/AT, Bachelor of Arts in Praktischer Theologie for CH, plus Jahresbibelschule and Themenpakete as module options), Master-Level programs (MAS Theologische Praxis variants, MAS Theologie & Führung, and the internationally-accredited Master of Theology awarded by University of Pretoria, all built from CAS modules), and complementary offerings including the free Entdeckungskurs discovery course, IGW Unterwegs preaching service, IGW Talks video podcast, and the TSC-IGW Academy platform for continuing education. The institution also publishes through Edition IGW and organizes Israel study trips. Through its partnership with TSC, IGW provides cross-institutional elective access and the TSC-IGW Academy as a unified continuing education hub.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Entdeckungskurs: Free 5-week discovery course for exploring calling and faith
• IGW Unterwegs
• editiontscigw
• IGW Talks

Products and services

• Studium Praktische Theologie (Bachelor-Level DE/AT) Dual theology study program combining theory and practice, designed for full-time or part-time study in Germany and Austria, leading to qualification for church leadership roles.
• Bachelor of Arts in Praktischer Theologie (IGW, Switzerland) Bachelor-level theology degree program in Switzerland, offering full-time or part-time study with accreditation through ECTE at EQF level 6 (180 credits).
• Jahresbibelschule One-year Bible school program providing foundational theological education with 3 days theory per week plus practical church experience.
• Themenpakete Individual topic packages allowing students to take specific theological courses within 2 years, with 8 credits per package.
• MAS Theologische Praxis (Allgemein) Master of Advanced Studies in theological practice for students with non-theological bachelor's degrees, focusing on deepening faith reflection through flexible distance learning.
• MAS Theologische Praxis (Quereinstieg) Career-entry program for non-theological professionals called to church ministry, providing practice-oriented theological training for leadership roles (13,300 EUR total program fee).
• MAS Theologie & Führung Master program combining theological depth with leadership skills for those already in leadership positions with a theological bachelor's degree.
• Master of Theology (MTh) Academic master's degree in theology awarded by University of Pretoria (ECTE accredited at EQF Level 7), including independent theological research with two assigned supervisors; 2,950 EUR/year or 3,950 CHF/year.
• CAS (Certificate of Advanced Studies) Individual certificate modules within Master programs, each comprising 4 courses of 4 credits (12 credits per CAS), available for continuing education; 1,900 EUR or 3,100 CHF.
• Entdeckungskurs (Discovery Course) Free 5-week discovery course guiding participants through Bible study and prayer with Dr. Philipp Wenk, designed to help prospective students explore calling and faith before committing to formal enrollment.
• TSC-IGW Academy Joint continuing education platform combining IGW and TSC Master-level offerings (CAS, MAS, MTh) under unified brand tsc-igw.academy, marketed and sold through a unified platform for working professionals.
• Israel-Reise (Israel Study Trip) Biblical study trip to Israel (scheduled November 26 - December 3, 2026) with IGW co-rectors and guides, visiting key biblical sites including Jerusalem, Galilee, and the Dead Sea.

Quantifiable outcome

• 340+ students currently enrolled and 1,000+ alumni trained since 1991
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration12 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Theologisches Seminar St. Chrischona (TSC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2024Since November 2024, IGW and TSC have formed a strategic partnership under a shared 'Gesamtleitung' (joint leadership). TSC-IGW Academy (tsc-igw.academy) consolidates all Master-level continuing education under one brand. Both institutions retain their own brands, legal entities, and student offerings. The partnership enables cross-enrollment in elective courses and creates the broadest theology education network in German-speaking Europe. Joint leadership includes Ruedi Röthenmund and Daniel Janzen (IGW) alongside Dr. Benedikt Walker and Dr. Dr. Beat Schweitzer (TSC).
• University of PretoriacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Through cooperation with two South African universities (University of South Africa and University of Pretoria), IGW enables graduates to pursue a state-recognized Master of Theology (MTh). The University of Pretoria confers the degree, providing international academic credentials. IGW provides academic supervision with two assigned supervisors. This is the only pathway to a state-recognized theology master's for IGW alumni.
• European Council for Theological Education (ECTE)coreOthersIGW's study programs are ECTE-accredited, confirming they meet EQF Level 6 (Bachelor) and Level 7 (Master) standards. ECTE certification serves as the primary quality assurance credential for IGW's programs within the European free-church ecosystem. This accreditation is central to IGW's market positioning as a credible alternative to state universities.
• ICF Church (International Christian Fellowship)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorICF Church (International Christian Fellowship) operates ICF College and partners with IGW as a practice placement provider. IGW students serve at ICF Hamburg and ICF Zürich as part of their mandatory church practice. ICF College is also listed as a network partner for IGW's educational ecosystem.
• FEG Schweiz (Freie Evangelische Gemeinden)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFEG Schweiz (Free Evangelical Churches Switzerland) is a key church network partner. Many IGW alumni serve in FEG congregations, and FEG communities serve as practice placement partners for IGW students. The partnership supports FEG's leadership development pipeline.
• Bewegung Plus (Switzerland)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBewegung Plus is both a church network partner and host of IGW's Burgdorf study center. IGW students practice at Bewegung Plus congregations, and the network actively recruits and trains leaders through IGW programs.
• VIVA Kirche SchweizmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVIVA Kirche Schweiz is listed as a partner church network. IGW and VIVA collaborate on leadership training and church worker development, with VIVA congregations serving as practice placements for IGW students.
• Schweizerische Pfingstmission (SPM)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSwiss Pentecostal Mission (SPM) is a partner organization. SPM congregations serve as practice placement hosts for IGW students, and SPM recruits pastoral staff through IGW's training programs.
• Freikirchen SchweizmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFreikirchen Schweiz (Free Churches Switzerland) is a partner umbrella organization representing the free-church ecosystem. IGW is recognized and integrated within the Swiss free-church network for leadership training.
• Hillsong Church ZürichminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHillsong Church Zürich is listed as a practice partner where IGW students can serve their mandatory church practice. A growing contemporary church that provides exposure to modern worship and community models.
• University of South Africa (UNISA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIGW enables graduates to pursue further studies at UNISA in addition to the University of Pretoria. Both South African university partnerships provide pathways for IGW alumni to earn state-recognized theological degrees.
• BAföG (NRW Government Education Funding)coreOthersIGW holds BAföG recognition in North Rhine-Westphalia (Germany), enabling students at the Essen study center to apply for German government education financial aid. International BAföG is available for German students studying at Swiss centers. This government recognition significantly reduces financial barriers for German students.
• Kirchenwerk Bund Evangelisch-Freikirchlicher Gemeinden (KBA)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKBA (Kirchenwerk Bund Evangelisch-Freikirchlicher Gemeinden) is a church association partner. IGW programs are recognized by KBA for leadership training, and KBA member churches serve as practice placements for IGW students.
• EC-West (Deutschland)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEC-West (Bund Freikirchlicher Pfingstgemeinden) is a German Pentecostal church network partner. IGW graduates are recognized for ordination within EC-West, and EC-West churches host IGW students for practice.
• Evangelische Gesellschaft Stuttgart (e&s)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributore&s (Evangelische Gesellschaft Stuttgart) is a church network partner. IGW programs are recognized within the e&s network for pastoral training and ordination.
• Pragma AcademyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPragma Academy is listed as a network partner, potentially offering complementary training content or joint educational offerings for IGW students.
• ACTS (Akademie für christliche Theologie und Seelsorge)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerACTS (Academy for Christian Theology and Counseling) is a network partner. IGW collaborates with ACTS on shared educational content and academic programs in the theological education ecosystem.
• GBFE ( Gesellschaft für Biblische Fortbildung Europa)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGBFE is a partner organization for biblical training in Europe. Collaboration supports IGW's mission to provide competency-based theological education across the German-speaking region.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• Akademie für christliche Theologie und Seelsorge (ACTS): Smaller German academy for Christian theology and pastoral care, partnered with IGW as part of the broader ecosystem. Overlaps in audience (pastors and ministry workers) but with narrower scope focused on counseling and continuing education rather than full degree programs.

Direct peers

• Theologische Hochschule Ewersbach: German reformed-evangelical seminary affiliated with the Evangelische Kirche, offering state-recognized theology degrees for church leadership. Comparable to IGW's Bachelor and Master offerings but with a more traditional reformed orientation versus IGW's missional free-church focus.
• Freie Theologische Hochschule Gießen (FTH): One of Germany's largest state-recognized evangelical theology schools, also serving the free-church/evangelical community with full Bachelor and Master programs. Directly comparable to IGW in mission and audience, though differentiated by its state-recognized status and broader (less missional) evangelical scope.
• CVJM-Hochschule Kassel: German Christian university offering Bachelor programs in theology, social work, and youth ministry, with state recognition. Comparable in mission (training Christian leaders) and DACH scope, though broader than IGW's purely theological focus.
• Martin Bucer Seminary: Evangelical seminary with German-language programs headquartered in Germany, training pastors and church planters across Europe. Closely comparable to IGW in mission, audience (free-church leaders), and curriculum focus on practical ministry formation.
• Theologisches Seminar St. Chrischona (TSC): Long-established Swiss evangelical seminary offering theology and ministry programs in the DACH region. Now formally partnered with IGW under joint leadership (TSC-IGW Academy) since November 2024, but historically and structurally the closest direct competitor — overlapping target market (free-church ministry candidates), similar ECTE-accredited curriculum, and parallel Bachelor/Master offerings.
• Theologisches Seminar Adelshofen: German evangelical seminary affiliated with the Evangelische Brüder-Unität, training pastors and church workers for German-speaking evangelical churches. Comparable audience and curriculum structure to IGW, though smaller scale and tied to a single denomination.
• Bibelschule Wiedenest: Long-established German evangelical Bible college offering one-year and multi-year theological training programs targeting free-church ministry candidates. Closely comparable to IGW's Jahresbibelschule and undergraduate tracks, though lacking IGW's ECTE Bachelor accreditation and dual-model structure.

Broad incumbents

• Universität Bern – Theologische Fakultät: State university theology faculty in Switzerland offering free academic theology degrees. Represents the traditional, low-cost alternative to IGW's practice-oriented programs in the Swiss market.
• Universität Basel – Theologische Fakultät: Traditional state university theology faculty in Switzerland offering accredited degrees. Competes with IGW for students in the DACH region at substantially lower or zero tuition, though lacks IGW's missional free-church orientation and dual-model practice integration.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@igwbewegt
• Instagraminstagram.com/igwbewegt
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/igwbewegt

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles21 records

Subsidiaries1 record

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 IGW