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Over thirty years
ago, Mr. and Mrs. T. M. Constance had a vision for Bible study classes
where individuals could come together – not under the banner of a church
or denomination – but under the common banner of Jesus Christ. Together
they would read and study God’s Word, seeking the guidance of the Holy
Spirit to illuminate the truths of scripture in a structure that
encouraged disciplined, systematic study. Today there are classes and
small groups through the US and in other parts of the world using our
curriculum and study methods. Through the power of His Word, many lives
have been changed – families strengthened – and communities impacted, as
individuals applied what they have discovered and learned.
Helping to organize,
promote or teach an Explorer's Bible Study class can have an
immeasurable impact on individuals in your community. Lives are touched
through the power of God's Word. Explorer's seeks to be an effective
tool to provide spiritual healing, restore marriages, strengthen
families, and empower churches to do the work of God's kingdom.
Interdenominational Focus:
Almost all of our
classes are comprised of members representing many different
denominations. The focus of our study is reading, studying, exploring,
and sharing with one another what God, through His Holy Spirit has shown
us in His Word. We make a special effort to leave our denominational
"hats" at the door—seeing each other as fellow believers seeking to know
His will for our lives. Our curriculum does not seek to impose specific
doctrinal teachings, choosing instead to lead the student to discover
what the Bible says for themselves. Classes meet in various churches,
but we are not endorsed, sponsored, or associated with any particular
church or denomination.
Training:
We believe that the
key to a successful class is training and direction given to class
teachers and leaders. Explorer's holds a major training event every
other summer. Class leaders from around the country come together for
our Leadership Training Conference for support, fellowship, and training
to make their classes the best they can be. Other support is offered
through Leadership Manuals, video training tapes, and through our
dedicated staff at headquarters by phone or in person.
Guidelines:
We believe that an
effective class needs to have a basic structure. We provide a
Leadership Manual that contains the general guidelines and structure for
developing and operating an Explorer's Bible Study class. These
guidelines are not meant to be unyielding, rigid rules that cannot be
broken; rather they are designed to provide a framework and boundaries
that we have found essential for a successful class. The guidelines are
developed based on many years of experience and reflect tried and true
principles that will make the Explorer's experience one that is
enjoyable and sought after by students.
Teacher
Approval:
We require that each
teacher and assistant teacher be approved prior to assuming leadership.
Each teacher and leader must subscribe to the basic understanding of the
Christian faith as outlined in our Statement of Faith.
(A copy of our
Teacher's Application Form can be downloaded in PDF format:
ebs class Forms
)
Video:
Taped lectures are
available for classes without a qualified Teacher. Please contact us
for details about this option.
Size
Requirement:
We are often asked if
we have a size requirement and the answer is NO. Since our founding,
our desire has been to make quality Bible study materials available to
smaller towns and communities.
We have successful
classes with as few as 10 members. Guidelines regarding the way the
class functions are tailored to work best for each class based on its
size.
Children’s
Materials:
Explorer Bible Study
provides materials for a children’s program for infants through age 5.
Often providing a children’s program makes it possible for young mothers
to attend class.
Explorer's
Classes can meet at various times:
•
Weekday mornings - meeting
9:30 - 11:00 a.m.
•
Lunch time classes - meeting 12:05 to 12:55 during lunch hour
•
After-work classes - meeting late
afternoon (5:00-6:00 p.m. for example)
•
Evening classes - men's, couples, or mixed group classes meeting from
7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
How to Get
Started:
If you are interested
in getting started, we would ask that you contact us by phone or e-mail
(just click on this
information link
and fill out the short questionnaire) so that we can get you a packet of
information and an easy to follow step by step “How to Get Started
Manual.” Our staff will be glad to work with you in any way possible to
make a class in your community a reality.
E-MAIL:
customersupport@explorerbiblestudy.org
PHONE:
615-446-7316
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