Released Time Bible Education is Children's Bible Ministries' application of a long-established and legally recognized educational option that allows children to receive Bible-based instruction during the public school day — with written parental permission, off school property, and at no cost to families.
Released Time is a constitutionally protected option that allows parents to choose religious instruction for their children during the school day. Participation is voluntary, instruction occurs off public school property, and programs are not funded or administered by the public school.
Released Time was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in Zorach v. Clauson (1952) and has been practiced in the United States for over a century. It is fully legal and continues to be used in communities across the country today.
Children's Bible Ministries uses this legal framework to provide Bible-based instruction — which is why we refer to our programs as Bible Released Time. While Released Time itself applies broadly to religious instruction, CBM's purpose is clear and specific: to teach the Bible and share the gospel with children who may otherwise have little or no access to biblical instruction.
In CBM's Bible Released Time programs, children are released from public school at a designated time during the school day to attend Bible instruction at a nearby off-campus location. Classes are taught by trained CBM missionaries and volunteers, and all instruction is rooted in Scripture.
Each class focuses on age-appropriate Bible teaching designed to help children understand the Scriptures, hear the gospel clearly, and grow in their understanding of God's Word. CBM's Released Time curriculum is built around the same biblical foundation used across all CBM ministry expressions.
Bible Released Time programs can be established in communities where CBM missionaries or trained volunteers are present and willing to lead. Churches, parents, and community leaders who desire to see children in their area receive biblical instruction are often key partners in getting a program started.
CBM provides training, curriculum, and support resources for those looking to establish or lead a Released Time ministry. If you are interested in learning more about starting or supporting a program in your area, CBM is glad to help you explore next steps.
View the Released Time Starter KitBible Released Time is one of the primary expressions of the first "C" in CBM's ministry model — Classes. Together with Correspondence Lessons and Camps, Released Time Bible Education forms part of a cohesive, Scripture-centered approach to reaching children and families with the gospel.
Learn More About the Ministry Model: The 3 C'sBible Released Time is one of the most effective tools available for reaching public school children with the gospel during the school week.