CBS- More Than a Television Network!

A few years ago I was playing in my monthly Bunco group when one of my girlfriends invited me to attend her bible study!

I had participated in several studies at my church but this one was not affiliated with a particular church or denomination. It was simply called CBS, short for Community Bible Study, and they met at a nearby church that allowed use of the building.

To sweeten the pot they offered a program for children. At the time, Pablo was 2 and Sophie was a 5 yr. old afternoon kindergartener. HMMM! Free childcare while I met new women and learned more about the bible? Where do I sign up? The only problem was that it was May and the new class didn't begin until September.

September finally arrived and I somehow got the kids into the right classrooms and myself into the "lecture hall" where I didn't know a soul (my girlfriend was absent for the first two weeks). As I watched the Teaching Director and Associate Teaching Director present the details of the class I thought they were so smart, brave and Godly! I would love to be like that someday!!

I also remember looking around and thinking, "Who will God bring into my life through this study? After all, He knew before the foundation of the world that I would be in this place at this time with these women..."

The structure of CBS is:
1. you read scripture
2. complete "homework questions" about the scripture reading
3. discuss the lesson in a small group
4. hear a lecture covering the material

This four-fold approach is great because it addresses every kind of learning style.

As class began that first day I couldn't wait to dig into my lesson!! And when we divided into small groups I discovered most of the women in my group were around my age but with a variety of bible knowledge represented. Throughout that year I grew to love the women in my "core group" and I made many friendships I still treasure.

About halfway through the year I was approached by the Teaching Director (I couldn't believe she knew who I was!) and asked if I would consider being a children's teacher. Looking back I understand that this was a privilege but at the time I didn't feel that way. ~ Just as I was clicking with women they wanted to throw me back with the kids.~

Then the TD said perhaps I should work with the women. Now that blew my socks off and I said "YES" right away.

So two years ago I stepped into leadership by facilitating a "core group" of amazing women. By the end of that year I had accepted the role of "Prayer Chairman" even though I felt completely unworthy of that job. I figured this was God's way of stretching me and growing me in prayer. Besides it was mostly "behind the scenes" stuff. It wasn't like I had to speak in front of the class or anything.

Then one day in August of last year I got a phone call. The woman who was to be the Associate Teaching Director had to step out of leadership due to family obligations and would I consider the job?

NO! I don't want to do that job; it is HUGE and though I am growing I am still so little! I can't, I will fail!

"Not by might, nor by power but by my Spirit says the LORD Almighty," Zechariah 4:6b
NO NO NO! I want to go shopping and travel and spend my time at the gym, this would be too big of a sacrifice of my time!

"Seek first my kingdom and my righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33

OK LORD, I have faith to do what you are calling me to do but I need to be sure it is you and not my own ambitions that are driving me:

"But now listen (Kelley) my servant, (Kelley) whom I have chosen. This is what the LORD says--He who made you, who formed you in the womb, and who will help you: do not be afraid, O (Kelley) my servant, (Kelley) whom I have chosen.......I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants." Isaiah 44:1-2, 3b

I am now in my second year as Associate Teaching Director (ATD). It's funny that one of the first things I had to do after accepting the position was travel in the form of an "all expenses paid" trip to Colorado Springs for training.

Pablo is in his 4th year in children's CBS and he knows more scripture and bible facts than all of my other kids combined! This is much more than "childcare", it is a phenomenal kids bible study!

No, I don't recieve a "paycheck" for what I do but I can honestly say that NOTHING else I have ever done (outside of being a mother) has given me this kind of purpose and fulfillment. This year my mom has been able to be a part of the class and I am thrilled that she joins me every Wednesday morning to grow in God's word with 150 other women. God has indeed blessed me!!

To learn more about CBS or to find a class in your area click here (and be sure to let me know if you do!!).

Exploring Garden of the God's in Colorado Springs before training.

One of the best parts of training "the food!"

Rubbing elbows with Camilla Seaboldt~ Executive Director of CBS
"Graduation Certificates!"

*CBS is very much like BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) but there are some differences. My husband has begun attending BSF with two of our girls. We are blessed to live in a community that offers so many options for worship and bible study!