Community Bible Study (CBS) is an interdenominational Bible study program that brings people together to study God’s Word. The purpose of CBS is to make disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ through an in-depth study of the Bible and committed relationships between members of the class.
CBS classes meet weekly and are led by trained discussion leaders. Each class follows the same curriculum, which is developed by CBS and focuses on books or sections of the Bible over the course of 30-week studies. The studies alternate between Old and New Testament books each year. Leaders guide participants through the study using questions meant to encourage discussion and application of biblical truths to daily life.
One of the hallmarks of CBS is its emphasis on inductive Bible study. This means participants seek to understand what the Bible says by making careful observations of the text, interpreting the meaning, and making personal applications. The inductive method contrasts with a deductive approach where the leader shares their understanding of a passage first. Inductive study allows each person to wrestle with the meaning themselves with guidance from the leader and input from others.
In addition to the weekly meetings, CBS encourages members to join small share and prayer groups that meet outside of class. These groups provide opportunities for deeper relationships, accountability, and prayer support. Participants also spend daily time in personal Bible study and prayer using the CBS materials.
The ultimate goal of CBS is life transformation through God’s Word. The organization’s mission statement says, “The ministry of Community Bible Study is to make disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ in our communities through caring, in-depth Bible study, available to all.” The Bible studies are meant to impart knowledge and understanding of Scripture, while the relationships built in the groups encourage real-life application.
CBS classes are open to anyone interested in learning more about the Bible. The studies assume no prior biblical background, so they work for new believers or longtime Christians alike. CBS aims to create a welcoming environment for people from all backgrounds to study Scripture together. Membership costs are kept low to allow participation regardless of financial ability.
The organization began in 1975 in San Antonio, Texas under the name Christian Women’s Club Bible Study. The founders were women who desired in-depth Bible study and community. As interest grew, CBS expanded across the U.S. and then internationally. Today there are classes in nearly 40 countries around the world. Both men and women participate, hence the name change to Community Bible Study.
While each class is unique, they share the same core characteristics that make CBS distinctive:
- Discussion-oriented: Participants are encouraged to ask questions, share insights, and wrestle with the meaning of Scripture together. The goal is learning through healthy interaction.
- Inductive Bible study: Observing, interpreting, and applying the Bible for oneself versus listening to a lecture.
- Commitment to Scripture: The Bible as God’s authoritative Word is foundational to the studies.
- Leaders are not teachers: Leaders facilitate discussion but do not lecture. Everyone participates in the learning process.
- Available to all: Costs are kept affordable and groups are open to any interested students regardless of church background or prior biblical knowledge.
- Encouragement of community: Small share groups foster deeper relationships outside of class meetings.
- 30-week studies: In-depth focus on one book or section of the Bible over an academic year of weekly meetings.
- Interdenominational: CBS transcends theological differences and brings together people from diverse church backgrounds.
While each class follows the CBS curriculum, they often reflect the unique interests and demographics of the local participants. Some classes focus on mothers with young children, men’s groups, youth groups, recovery groups, or specialized audiences while remaining open to all. Since its founding, CBS has maintained a commitment to welcoming women, hence the original name. Many daytime classes still reflect more female participation, though all adults are encouraged to join.
CBS classes are led by committed Christians who complete training in the CBS inductive Bible study method. These leaders voluntarily serve and are not paid. In keeping with the interdenominational nature of CBS, leaders come from diverse church backgrounds. What they share is a love for studying and teaching God’s Word and a commitment to encouraging others in their faith.
Prospective leaders must apply and be interviewed before acceptance into a training class. The training equips them to lead studies using the inductive method. Ongoing training opportunities exist as well. Class leaders are supported by area, regional, and international directors, along with the CBS headquarters staff.
CBS studies are appropriate for both new and mature believers. Participants have said:
- “I have attended CBS for 5 years. I keep coming back because I keep learning new things I have never seen before in Scripture.”
- “As a new Christian, I appreciated that CBS welcomed me and patiently answered all my questions without making me feel embarrassed about what I didn’t know.”
- “The way we studied verse by verse helped me finally understand books of the Bible I had found confusing before.”
- “It wasn’t just studying information. We prayed together and supported one another. This group has become my family.”
The Bible study format allows those with minimal biblical background to learn alongside more knowledgeable Christians. Discussion and questions are encouraged, so no one feels shy about admitting lack of understanding. Many classes intentionally include “Bible Buddies” where new believers are paired with mentors for additional support.
CBS publishes all the materials needed for their studies, including student lesson books, leader guides, and childcare resources. Digital access to materials is also available. Resources are available in English, Spanish, and many other languages to support global classes.
Studies alternate yearly between Old and New Testament books. The seven-year scope and sequence of books covered is:
- Year 1 – Gospel of John
- Year 2 – Genesis
- Year 3 – Acts
- Year 4 – Romans
- Year 5 – Isaiah
- Year 6 – Matthew
- Year 7 – Daniel
This progression allows students to survey foundational Old and New Testament teachings over the course of seven years. Additional “short studies” on topics like Christian character, missions, or Christian theology are available for classes to alternate with the core studies.
CBS encourages enrolled students to invite friends, family, neighbors, coworkers, and others to visit the class. Many classes schedule evangelistic events a few times a year where members bring non-believing friends to introduce them to the Bible study and community. Outreach events like group service projects also aim to increase local awareness and interest.
The ultimate goal of CBS is making committed followers of Jesus Christ who seek to live out their faith in all areas of life. The organization summarizes its aims as:
- Study the Bible inductively.
- Gain deeper knowledge of Scripture.
- Develop disciplines for lifelong study.
- Build loving relationships.
- Stimulate interest in global missions.
- Promote evangelism.
- Glorify God.
The impact of CBS can be seen in the changed lives of its members. Participants have grown deeper in faith, found encouragement through relationships, and learned to study the Bible in a way that transforms thinking and actions. The skills gained help students continue learning and applying Scripture on their own throughout life.
Community Bible Study offers a proven method for systematically studying the breadth of the Bible’s teachings. Those desiring a solid biblical foundation to their faith and understanding of Scripture can benefit from CBS. The combination of in-depth study, practical application, and commitment to building community makes CBS impactful. There is a role for all in CBS – as a participant, leader, prayer warrior, coordinator, host, or financial supporter.
The Bible exhorts believers to “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15). Participating in Community Bible Study helps Christians gain the biblical knowledge needed to fulfill this command. Those seeking biblical community and discipleship focused on Scripture are encouraged to visit a CBS class in their local area.