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Religion

Groups worldwide learn in harmony

By GAIL HOLLENBECK
Published August 13, 2005

Community Bible Study began in the fall of 1975 at Fourth Presbyterian Church in Bethesda, Md. The organization is interdenominational and classes are composed of people from many different churches. The studies are designed to complement, not compete with, the local church.

According to its literature, the mission of Community Bible Study is to "make disciples of Jesus Christ in our communities through caring, in-depth Bible study available to all.

"We offer a wide range of courses throughout the United States and welcome people from all backgrounds and levels of Bible knowledge," says the literature. "For over a quarter of a century, CBS has been helping people - from children to seniors - to grow in their knowledge and love of Jesus Christ.

The group promotes Christian growth and knowledge through individual study, small-group discussion, fellowship and teaching by a teaching director.

Class leaders are volunteers. A yearly $20 registration fee and weekly offerings cover the cost of producing materials and annual gifts to the host churches.

The classes last for 30 weeks and are held during the school year. Materials include commentaries and questions prepared by a team of Bible scholars, writers and editors.

Community Bible Study began classes in England and Peru in 1979. By 1986, there were many more requests for courses overseas. Community Bible Study International was incorporated as a separate ministry in 1994, dedicated to making disciples for Christ around the world. The group provides Bible study materials and teaching aids for the international organization that are then translated and given to teachers in Europe, South and Central America, and Asia.

A booklet published explains the concept:

"Since its inception the philosophy of CBS has always been that it was to be every person's Bible study, available to all. This means that each man, woman, youth and child will be so cared for and loved that everyone will feel comfortable in their class regardless of their background, education, church involvement (or lack thereof), ethnicity or economic status.

"Our desire," the statement continues, "is to build unity in the midst of the diversity of the community. CBS makes every effort to stand in the center of the mainstream of historic Christianity. We concentrate on the essentials of the Christian faith, not individual church doctrine. As we grow in our love and respect for one another we learn that Christians can hold different views on matters that are not essential to salvation. We learn to "agree to disagree' and still love and care for each other as we grow in knowledge of the Bible and in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ."

For more information on CBS, visit www.communitybiblestudy.org

[Last modified August 13, 2005, 01:22:17]