CHILDREN’S BIBLE MINISTRIES REACHES CHILDREN THROUGH…

1.    Released Time Classes

How Does Released Time Work?

After local school board approval, interested parents give their permission for children to be “released” from school for a designated time to go to a location off the school property.  There they can be taught the wonderful truths of God’s Word by CBM workers.

Are Such Programs Legal?

Yes! In 1952, the constitutionality of Released Time ministry was tested in the Supreme Court case of Zorach vs. Clauson (343 U.S. 306). The ruling found such ministries not to be in  violation of the United States Constitution.  The court said, “When the state encourages religious authorities by adjusting the schedule of public events to sectarian needs, it follows the best of our traditions, for it then respects the  religious nature of our people and accommodates the public service to their spiritual needs.  To hold that it may not, would be to find in the Constitution a requirement that the government show a callous indifference to religious groups.  That would be preferring those who believe in no religion over those who do believe.”

How is God Using Released Time?

Consider these words from the booklet Released Time Religious Education: An Overlooked   Open Door, prepared by the Christian Legal Society: “…It is an opportunity overlooked by most parents, clergymen, and educators. Religious released time is the most effective open door by which students may receive religious instruction during their school day.  Released Time is the only means by which religious instruction…is allowed during the school day.”

At this printing, more than 200,000 children are being reached in schools across America with many hundreds being saved through this tried and proven method.

How Can I Start Released Time?

1. Begin to pray.

2. Have others pray with you.

3. Contact the CBM National Office or the CBM area closest to you for more information.

2.     After school Bible clubs

3.   Home school programs