Greetings,
Thank you for your interest in CBI South. We are still a year away from our first semester, but are already praying for our initial class of students. Whether you’re looking to gain a deeper knowledge of Scripture and training for ministry, or you’re taking a gap year to lay a stronger foundation for your faith, we pray CBI South will be exactly what you need. Let me share with you a little about our history, our affiliations, our preparations, our emphasis, and our timetable.
In the spring of 1980 God called me to put down everything else in my life and prepare myself to serve Him… but where would I go? I had heard of a church in California called Calvary Chapel, that was full of grace and truth. So this Southerner jumped on an airplane and flew 2000 miles to Southern California to attend their Bible College. Their curriculum was just three months, but my time there changed my life. And when it was done I came home with the determination to start a Calvary Chapel in the Deep South, and the dream of one day launching a School of Ministry so that Calvary Chapel-loving Southerners wouldn’t have to travel 2000 miles to prepare themselves to serve the Lord. Over the last 44 years the Lord has built the church. Now it’s time to start the school! At Calvary Chapel Stone Mountain we are excited that God has open doors to begin such a school in the fall of 2025.
Over the years I’ve enjoyed a ministry friendship with Pastor Jerel Hagerman and the Calvary Bible Institute (CBI) in Yucca Valley California. Several years ago, Jerel had the vision to start a School of Ministry modeled after the original Calvary Chapel Bible College started by Pastor Chuck Smith. Having been greatly impacted by the Bible College I wanted to give back and help Jerel. Thus, over the last several years every time I’ve traveled to Southern California I’ve tried to stop in and teach at CBI. My heart resonates with their focus and mission. We are now happy to be partnering with Jerel to start a CBI in the South.
In my role as the Calvary Chapel Association regional pastor for the Deep South I’ve seen firsthand the need that exists in our part of the country for a CBI. I’ve had conversations with dozens of Calvary Chapel pastors who share the vision and are willing to help. Our faculty will include many of these pastors who have agreed to come to our campus and teach a block class. We also have pastors on staff who have many years of experience and are excited to share with our students. I personally, want to be as involved as possible in this new venture. We believe our graduates will be able to find opportunities for meaningful ministry with the pastors they’ll meet at our school. Ultimately, we’re hoping CBI South will strengthen the Calvary Chapel Association in our part of the world.
Over the last several years Calvary Chapel Stone Mountain has been purchasing properties adjacent to our main campus. In July 2024 we purchased a third house which now gives us space to host separate lodging for men and women. Over this next year we’ll remodel one of the houses and hire RAs (resident assistants) for our men’s dorm and women’s dorm.
We’ll begin to receive applications for the 2025 Fall Semester in January. Over the next few weeks we’ll be launching a website, CBISouth.com. Please frequent the website for updates and progress reports. Over the remaining months of 2024 we’ll be posting costs, course offerings, schedules, faculty, and other important details to the website.
Our main focus at CBI South will be the Word of God. In Psalm 119:9 the psalmist asks, “How can a young man cleanse his way?” And his answer, “By taking heed according to Your word.” There are no shortcuts to a strong and active faith. For people to live victoriously in Christ they need to know the Bible. But we also want to be doers of God’s Word, not hearers only, so our school will involve its students in the practical ministry of the church. There’ll be plenty of opportunities for you to get a taste of ministry and discover your own gifts. Finally, another big part of our school will be its “body life.” CBI South will require its students to not only worship together, but to live together for a semester and learn to love and care for one another.
Our first Fall semester will begin in August 2025 and end before Thanksgiving. Spring semester 2026 is scheduled from February to May. Exact dates will be released soon. Our campus will be able to receive overnight visits from perspective students next summer leading up to the Fall semester. These visits will include a Sunday and give you and your guests an opportunity to attend our church and visit with our pastors, Dean of Students, and resident assistants.
Again, thanks for your interest in CBI South. I’m confident God will lead you in the next phase of your walk with Him. I’ll be sending out updates in the months to come. If you have questions or want to correspond don’t hesitate to write us. Send your correspondence to [email protected].
Blessings,
Sandy Adams
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