OUR STORY

Community Bible Study began in 1975 with one Bible Study class in the Washington D.C. area of the United States of America. Today there are classes in 126 countries, in 101 languages. There are over 73,000 volunteers serving with us and approaching a million Bible Study participants globally. See the latest encouraging Global Impact Report.

The first CBS class gathered in Bethesda, Maryland, to study the Gospel of John. The work expanded quickly, with multiple classes across the United States and, within a few years, in London, United Kingdom (1979), and Lima, Peru (1980).

The official international CBS ministry (CBSI) began in 1992 with studies in Europe, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East. As God opened doors, caring, in-depth Bible study became accessible to new communities and contexts. The ministry started reaching those in prison, college students, and professionals, while continuing to invest in children and youth. Responding to requests from numerous countries for study materials in other languages, translation efforts accelerated, and pioneer leaders launched new classes around the world.

As the ministry embraced online capabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic we witnessed countless lives transformed. New initiatives were launched, including Spoken CBS for oral-reliant or oral-preferred learners, and CBS Connect, an innovative online platform for small-group Bible study that can be done anytime, anywhere. Additionally, during this period, CBS collaborated with local churches, denominations, and other ministries worldwide, contributing to a remarkable 439% growth.

Today classes are held around the world in churches, prisons, schools, refugee camps, homes, coffee shops and online. Keep an eye on the International Newsletter here.

Asia/Pacific Region

CBS began in the Asia/Pacific Region in 1996 and has grown to 18 countries in the region, including Australia. Our goal is to make CBS available in every language in the Asia Pacific Region, and to train leaders in each country so that CBS is available to all.

Australia

In 2007 the first Community Bible Study classes were established in Warragul, Berwick, Mordialloc, Hobart, Darwin and Rockhampton. We thank God for the blessing CBS has been to us in Australia, and look forward to introducing many more people to the transforming power of God and His Word as we continue to grow together.