Our Philosophy
The first Community Bible Study started as a result of prayer, and the ministry continues to undergird everything it does with the same emphasis on prayer. This is God's ministry, and we seek to do everything for His glory! Since its inception the philosophy of Community Bible Study has always been that it is every person's Bible study, available to all. Each man, woman, youth, and
child will be so cared for and loved that all will feel comfortable in their class regardless of background, education, church involvement, ethnicity, or economic status. Our desire is to build unity in the midst of diversity in our community. Community Bible Study makes every effort to stand in the center of the mainstream of historic Christianity. We concentrate on the essentials of the Christian faith, not on denominational distinctives. As we grow in our love and respect for one another we learn that Christians can hold differing views on matters that are not essential to salvation. Regardless of these differences, we learn to love and care for each other as we grow in our knowledge of the Bible and in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The focus of Community Bible Study is to glorify God. Leaders are volunteers who are called by God to their roles, and give of their time and talents out of love for Him. Shepherding occurs at every level so that each individual feels connected and cared for and does not operate in isolation. Regional and Area Directors, Teaching Directors, Associate Teaching Directors, Coordinators, and Children's Directors must attend National Training. Local class leaders are trained by their Servant's Team at the beginning of each class year. In addition, continual training takes place at weekly Leadership Councils as well as in workshops and local and area retreats. The goal is spiritual enrichment as well as role training. Three out of every five years a Teaching Directors Conference is held to thank our teachers for their service and commitment to the Lord. While attending this conference, additional equipping and encouraging also take place both for Teaching Directors and Area Directors. A Servants Team manual has been written to assist classes in operating as effectively and efficiently as possible. In it are guidelines that have been developed and found to be successful over the years. The ministry is constantly striving for excellence in all areas. Statement of Faith
We believe the Bible, both Old and New Testaments, is divine revelation and the inspired Word of God, inerrant in the original manuscripts. Its teaching is the final authority for all Christian life in matters of faith and practice. We believe in the unity of the Godhead, eternally existing in three Persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and yet identical in nature; all-powerful, all-knowing, everywhere present, and unchangeable; infinitely perfect in love, truth, righteousness, justice, goodness, grace, and mercy. We believe Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is both fully God and fully man, two natures in one Person. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He performed miracles to manifest His deity, lived a sinless life, suffered, and died as a completely satisfactory sacrifice for the sin of the whole world. He arose from the dead on the third day and His bodily resurrection guarantees the resurrection of all who believe in Him. He ascended to the right hand of God the Father where He reigns over the universe and intercedes for believers, and will return to earth to establish His kingdom. We believe man was created in the image of God but fell into disobedience by a voluntary decision and, as a result, became separated from God, and therefore spiritually dead and subject to physical death. This fallen nature was transmitted to all humanity, except Jesus Christ, who lived a sinless life. The blood of Jesus Christ was shed for our redemption. Only those who receive Jesus Christ by faith are forgiven, born of the Holy Spirit, and thus become children of God. Faith alone is the condition of salvation, but good works and righteous living should accompany such faith and furnish evidence of its existence. We believe the Holy Spirit indwells and seals every believer at the moment of saving faith. The ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ and, during this age, to convince men of sin, regenerate the believing sinner, and indwell, guide, instruct,and empower the believer for godly living and service. We believe all Christians should witness for Christ in His power and study the Bible with His help. We believe the Church, composed of all who genuinely believe in and accept Jesus Christ as Savior, is united together into one body, of which He is the Head. As members of the Church, it is our responsibility to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, supporting the local church and loving one another with pure hearts.
