How We Do It - a Unique Method » Starting a New Class
Starting a New Class
A class can be started in any community, many situations and in a variety of venues. There are classes in churches, community buildings, homes, social clubs and prisons. Classes consist of small groups starting with three people and larger classes of 90-plus. CBSI offers a flexible system of courses which fits all these situations.
The six steps to starting a CBSI:
1. Form a team
CBSI is a Team Ministry. Whether you are in a Church situation, or two or three Christians wanting to impact your Community, a team of two, preferably three-plus, is essential.
2. Choose a Study
Our team building study will help you discern your vision and define your individual roles, using the powerful tool of prayer whilst studying the wonderful book of Nehemiah. This eight-week course is offered free of charge. On completion of this study and having defined your roles, full training and support is given before you start a class.
3. Start your study
Identify a leader (not necessarily the person who will eventually lead the class, but someone who will facilitate the start-up procedure). With the Nehemiah Study , we recommend a time of prayer to start with and then a discussion leader should lead the discussion, making sure all questions are covered and that no one person dominates, but all are included during this important part of the class. Timing is important. The discussion can take between 40 minutes and an hour. Another member of the group will be asked to provide a wrap up talk. This should be a prepared ‘thought’, which will relate to the study and have a practical application.
4. Organisation
Decide on roles for the leadership team (see 5). Discuss the people you are wishing to reach. Decide on a venue and time to meet. Remember that it is important that people should feel comfortable. Decide on a study from the CBSI study list. Start to publicise – we can provide you with suggestions for invitations and posters.
5. Training
When you have decided you would like to form a Bible Study Group, we offer training for the various roles involved. When possible a CBSI class is supported by a Teaching Leader, a Coordinator (Administrator) and an Assistant Teaching Leader. For larger classes there are also Prayer Coordinators and other assistants. Training is given in these specific roles. The background and structure to CBSI is covered as well as group dynamics, administration and how to prepare a talk. You will need Small Group Leaders as the class grows, whom you will train yourself. Each class is issued with a leadership manual detailing procedures and policies, covering all aspects of running a group.
6. The first day of your class
This is usually an introductory session rather than a formal study time. Use an ice-breaker to get to know people. Ask participants about themselves. Register contact details. Introduce the study and explain how the system works. Give a background introductory talk about the subject being studied.