Community Bible Study A Local and Global Movement of God’s Word

By Mary Boland and Jeanine Marlow

We love seeing what happens in people’s lives when they discover God through studying His Word. Community Bible Study (CBS) offers studies for all age groups and stages of life, from classes for toddlers and teens to classes for adults who are single and married. Our Rabun County Community Bible Study class started in 2022 with Women’s and Children’s classes, and soon we are expanding with studies for high school and college ages (NextGen). We are growing!

Together we explore the Bible and what it tells us about the God who has woven His story through history and is present with us now. Community Bible Study is nondenominational and open to all. The mission of CBS is to make disciples of Jesus Christ through caring, in-depth Bible study available to all. Their vision is to transform lives through the Word of God.

Our Rabun County classes are part of a worldwide ministry with a rich history. Since 1975, men, women, teens, and children across the United States and worldwide have studied the Bible in CBS classes – and now Rabun County joins this worldwide ministry!

We are a community. We can’t underscore enough the emphasis on bringing all parts of this community together to study the Bible. We learn from and encourage one another to develop deep personal relationships while studying God’s Word. Our curriculum is grounded in Scripture, and participants follow a study guide with daily assignments.

To a new participant, the “homework” may seem intimidating. Once you begin, you realize it takes less than 30 minutes a day. Even if you are new to Bible study or have never opened a Bible, don’t be intimidated by the in-depth study because you are learning alongside others!

Sarah Peters, wife and mom to three from Otto, NC, just finished her first year with Rabun CBS. Sarah found community in her CBS core group and the children’s program that happens simultaneously.

“From day one, we were welcomed and lovingly received into the children’s program. I knew the workers in the children’s area genuinely wanted my kids there and were excited about discipling them! What a true ministry to myself as a Mom and an effective and Biblical way to love on a younger generation.

During the week, Tatham, our oldest, and I have been able to study the Bible together as he has his own book that correlates with our study. It’s such a sweet and encouraging process to hear and see the Holy Spirit teach him through this.

Each Tuesday morning the kids are learning how to study the Bible with their peers and how to pray for each other. They are learning solid theology, fun Bible songs that they continue to practice at home, Bible verses they recite throughout the week, and lots of other fun things.”

Our Women’s and Children’s classes are held Tuesday mornings from 10 am until noon at Clayton Baptist Church. The church generously donates its campus, providing a central location and excellent facilities to accommodate our large group gathering, classrooms for our six different core groups, a servants team meeting, a nursery, and two Children’s classes.

What does a day at CBS Women’s Bible Study look like?

10:00 am: We gather at 10 am for an Opening or Welcome. This can be a time of fellowship, worship, or sharing.

10:15 – 11:30 am: Core Groups – Small groups (15 or fewer) remain together throughout the study year. These are supportive small groups where every member is made to feel cared for, comfortable, and become confident in God’s Word, guided by a dedicated Core Leader. During Core group meetings, leaders encourage discussion and sharing based on the current week’s lesson. Every member is appreciated and loved!

11:30 – Noon: Teaching – everyone returns to the Sanctuary for a lecture and insightful commentary to better understand passages in the week’s lesson. These lectures are given by trained CBS Teaching Directors.

What does a day in Children’s Ministry look like?

Children’s Ministry is not daycare! Rabun County CBS Children’s Ministry is currently preschool and elementary with a carefully designed curriculum. We provide a nurturing environment where children can learn important lessons through Bible teaching, Scripture memory work, crafts, music, games, and other activities. Loving servants in our CBS Children’s Ministry come alongside parents as they teach and train their children to live out God’s truths. Everyone who works in the CBS Children’s Ministry has been trained and received a background check.

How did Rabun County CBS get started?

When you are ready to help bring Community Bible Study to your community, a CBS leader, a U.S. Ambassador, works with you to start a new class through an Impact Group.

The first step is to gather people from various churches, backgrounds, and ages who are passionate about studying God’s Word. This group, known as the Impact Group, begins to meet weekly, seeking God’s will for a class through prayer, Bible study, and learning about the Ministry of CBS.

The core values of Community Bible Study are highlighted in the first six meetings, and the next eight weeks are devot- ed to a study of the Book of Nehemiah. These meetings aim to develop the leadership and vision necessary to establish strong, sustainable Community Bible Study classes where lives will be transformed through the study of God’s Word. The milestones for becoming a class include the following:

1. Gather enough interested people to start an Impact Group.

2. Initiate the Impact Group process.

3. Develop leadership and vision.

4. Identify God’s called servant leaders for the class.

5. Attend CBS Leadership Training.

6. Prepare for and begin the new class.

The Ambassador provides weekly support and direction during the first part of the process. As the potential for leadership and appropriate growth becomes apparent, a nearby Area Director will become the shepherd of the Impact Group and guide them through becoming a class.

Before Rabun County Community Bible Study began, a group of ladies prayed for three years under the leadership of Debbie Bruce. Debbie and Jim moved to Clayton from LaGrange. Debbie had attended CBS in Opelika, Alabama, and was a leader in a similar Bible study in LaGrange. She envisioned seeing CBS come to this area and is now serving as the Teaching Director.

Originally from Athens, GA, Camilla and Bill Seabolt relocated permanently from Colorado Springs to their vacation cottage in Rabun in 2020. Rabun County has been a part of their lives since 1963. Camilla has a long, rich history with CBS that began in 1982, and served as the Executive Director from 1997-2013. The Lord brought so many people together to

Faith see this Bible study begin. The time for establishing a Rabun County CBS class was perfectly ordained.

Since the early beginnings of Community Bible Study in 1975, hundreds of people have faithfully served in the Ministry. Without them and their answers to God’s call, CBS would not exist. Everyone who has been a part of CBS has stories of the “God-incidences” that led them to join the Ministry. Are there opportunities for fellowship outside of Bible study? Yes! Core groups meet throughout the year for luncheons. The entire CBS class gets together for lunch twice a year, providing an excellent opportunity to mix with members of other core groups, share experiences, and make new friends. CBS participants often make life-long friendships by studying and becoming confident in God’s Word together.

Registration for 2023 – 24 Studies

If you seek a comfortable, loving, and caring community that encourages spiritual growth, Community Bible Study could be your place to call home! We are now registering for the 2023-2024 study year beginning August 22. God shows up in significant ways when we gather to study His Word and we pray that you will join us! Sign up early!

Ephesians – 12 weeks

Ephesians tells the story of God’s eternal plan to unite people who have been estranged from Him and one another into a beautiful community that reflects His glory to the world. This study will guide participants to engage with what it means to be reconciled to God, how that is possible, and the amazing benefits God gives as a result. It will also give practical guidance for how to apply these eternal truths to your everyday life.

Ruth and Samuel –

18 Weeks

The Old Testament books of Ruth and 1 and 2 Samuel describe the faith journey of men and women like us. In this study, you will see people who took their pain and anger to God and those who did not. And in either case, you will see how God remained faithful.

How do I sign up?

Online: https://rabuncounty.cbsclass.org

For assistance, please contact Christine Jason, Class Coordinator 518-848-5222 or zarahridge@windstream.net

About CBS Curriculum

CBS concentrates on the essentials of the Christian faith, not on denominational distinctives. CBS theologians, writers, editors, and reviewers seek to ensure a balanced representation of biblical viewpoints, accurate historical details, and in-depth coverage of the passages.