The Headquarters Bible School—Mission and Methods
A headquarters Bible school, often referred to as a Bible correspondence school (BCS), generally consists of a director, instructors, and office assistants. These schools often write, design, and print Bible courses and supporting materials. Many of them utilize software programmers and technicians to develop and manage digital platforms. They also prepare marketing strategies and materials to engage the public in studying Bible courses. The end goal of any headquarters Bible school is to make disciples of those receiving Bible studies by connecting them to local churches for follow up.
Philosophy of Mission:
The mission of a headquarters BCS is to make active disciples of Jesus Christ through a systematic, life-transforming study of the Bible in partnership with local churches.
Methods Used:
When correspondence schools began, printed Bible study guides were delivered using postal mail, but most headquarters schools now also utilize digital technology such as websites and mobile apps to engage people in studying the Bible.
Strategy:
Develop a Disciple-Making Plan—Every headquarters Bible school should design a step-by-step journey to lead interests from first contact to active discipleship.
- Church Integration—The headquarters school should create pathways and platforms for students to connect with local churches for study and mentorship, promoting total member involvement.
- Assist Local Church-based Bible Schools—The headquarters school should also provide support and resources to local churches to aid them in following up Bible study interests and seeking new interests in their communities.
Tasks of the Headquarters Bible School:
- Provide resources, including Bible study guides in print and digital formats, that meet the personal and spiritual needs of people and prepare them for Jesus’ soon return.
- Utilize digital platforms to connect interests with local churches.
- Create user journeys using headquarters Bible school resources and disciple-making evangelism initiatives that equip local pastors and members.
- Conduct field training to support and multiply local church-based Bible schools in cooperation with conference, union, and division entities.
Implementation of the Headquarters Bible School:
The implementation of the mission, vision, and tasks of the headquarters Bible correspondence school system is accomplished by:
The International Association of Bible Correspondence Schools (IABCS) coordinates a quinquennial meeting of division Bible correspondence school coordinators, media centers, and media ministries, including Adventist World Radio and HOPE Channel. At this meeting, recommendations are made to create a global strategy and framework to accomplish the Seventh-day Adventist Church's vision and mission.
Division Bible School Coordinators oversee and implement the recommendations and cooperative strategies of the IABCS in consultation with the General Conference-appointed Bible School Coordinator.
The GC Bible School Coordinator facilitates the sharing of the following resources among worldwide Bible correspondence schools:
Bible and lifestyle courses.
Advertising resources for print and social media.
Organizational systems (CRM and other related platforms).
Digital assets.
Digital paper pamphlets, tracts, and books.
Digital platforms and technology.
The headquarters BCS:
Encourages pastors and church members to operate a viable local church-based Bible study ministry, which will:
Follow up headquarters Bible correspondence school students.
Seek Bible study students from the local community.
Give Bible studies and share other relevant material.
Obtain decisions for Christ, share the Bible truth, and disciple new members.
Develops new courses for Bible correspondence schools and other church entities.
Promotes Bible study material, including the Sabbath School Bible study guide.
Promotes faith-sharing activities.
Provides training resources to assist in the multiplication of local church-based Bible schools.
Develops a follow-up strategy for each Bible study student, incorporating a personalized and step-by-step disciple-making plan. No interest should be neglected, and every interest should be followed up unless or until they ask for no further contact.