The Local Church-Based Bible School—How to Establish
A Definition & Description
A local church-based Bible school is a Bible study ministry that seeks to recruit students from its local community to study the Bible. It also follows up with any interests that come through a headquarters Bible correspondence school (BCS). The goal of the school is to study with interests, lead them to baptism, and mentor them to become active disciple-makers.
The church board votes to establish a Bible school and appoints a Bible school coordinator. Every church member can be involved in one or more aspects of the Bible School, including offering, hosting, delivering, participating in, and/or giving Bible studies. The Bible school coordinator works closely with the interest coordinator and recruits study leaders, visitation teams, and assistants as needed.
Leaders and members involved in local church-based Bible schools can often find helpful training, resources, and support from conference, union, and division personal ministries directors. Sample handbooks and supporting materials can also be obtained at info.bibleschools.com, a ministry of Voice of Prophecy in North America. The password/username is vop. The materials on this website can be adapted for various local cultures and ministry needs.
Organizing a Local Church-Based Bible School
Foundation – Pray for Bible study leaders and interests regularly.
Step 1
Gather Information.Contact your local conference Personal Ministries Department for Bible school resources.
Step 2
Obtain Authorization.Propose a Bible school to your church board: (1) obtain a vote for its establishment and (2) select and vote into office a Bible school coordinator (and assistant coordinator if needed).
“Bible School Coordinator—The Bible school coordinator organizes and coordinates the church’s Bible school outreach ministry to the community. The coordinator should work closely with the pastor, the interest coordinator, and the personal ministries leader”
Church Manual, 2022 Edition, p. 107
Step 3
Put together a Team.In addition to a coordinator and assistant coordinator, add other personnel as needed. Communicate prayer needs to the church's prayer coordinator. Work closely with the personal ministries secretary to obtain Bible study guides and advertising supplies. Work with the interest coordinator to review and assign study interests. Recruit and train members who will serve as study leaders to follow up interests.
Step 4
Choose Resources and Methods.Decide which methods of giving Bible studies you will utilize. These methods may include formats such as one-on-one, small group, online or digital studies, correspondence, and drop-off studies. Decide which Bible study guides to use and how you will advertise to find interests.
Step 5
Develop a Financial Plan and Order Supplies.Work with your church pastor and treasurer to develop a budget. Order your Bible study guides and advertising supplies.
Step 6
Register Your School.Some conferences want you to register your Bible school with the Personal Ministries Department or another coordinating department.
Step 7
Obtain a Post Office Box.If using postal mail, obtain a post office box for the Bible school.
Step 8
Know Your Resources.Read any training books or other resources provided by your conference, union, headquarters Bible correspondence school, or the General Conference Sabbath School and Personal Ministries Department.
Step 9
Arrange for Training or Consultation.Your local conference or headquarters Bible correspondence school are generally available to help you when you start your school.
Step 10
Know Your Lessons.Those working with the Bible school ministry should know and understand the content of the Bible lessons they will use.