The History of Our Bible Study Guide Ministry

Laying the Foundation: The Early Years

Our Bible Study Guide Ministry traces its roots back to the faithful efforts of Rev. Lloyd Norman, who had a deep passion for equipping believers with the Word of God. From the very beginning of his pastoral leadership, he recognized the importance of providing study materials to help members engage in personal devotion and reflection.

Initially, Rev. Norman distributed Bible Study handouts, offering key insights into scripture to encourage deeper learning. In 1997, he expanded this effort by introducing sermon synopsis sheets, summarizing his weekly messages and providing thought-provoking points for further study. These handouts became a staple in the church, giving members an opportunity to meditate on the Word beyond Sunday services.

A Vision for More: The Call for Deeper Study

When Rev. Samuel Bailey Wilson, III became pastor, he continued this tradition, ensuring that church members had access to study materials that reinforced biblical teachings. However, as the church grew and matured spiritually, the need for more in-depth and structured study material became apparent.

In 2004, Minister James Wilson, II, who served as the Education Curriculum Ministry Leader, approached Pastor Wilson with a bold idea: What if the church provided study guides that went beyond sermon summaries and handouts—guides that encouraged systematic study, reflection, and application of God’s Word?

Pastor Wilson and the Education Ministry discussed this idea for nearly a year, recognizing its potential impact but struggling to move forward with implementation. The vision was there, but the execution seemed daunting.

The Birth of the Bible Study Guide Ministry

After much prayer, discussion, and waiting on God's direction, Rev. Wadsworth Clower, Jr., a dedicated member of the Education Ministry, felt led to take action. Instead of waiting for a committee decision, he took it upon himself to create a sample Bible Study Guide—a more structured and detailed resource for personal and group study.

To ensure the guide was effective, he presented it to Sis. Coran and Sis. Wilson, both experienced educators, to get their feedback. They immediately recognized the value of this new approach and encouraged him to present it to Pastor Wilson.

After reviewing the guide, Pastor Wilson saw the potential for transformation in the way the church engaged with the Bible. And with that, the Bible Study Guide Ministry was officially founded.

Early Challenges and Growing Momentum

The transition from simple handouts to longer, more comprehensive study guides was not immediate. Many church members were accustomed to brief notes and sermon summaries, so the shift to detailed study materials required an adjustment period.

However, the ministry persevered, refining the study guides to make them both educational and accessible. The breakthrough moment came in 2007, when the Bible Reading Plan Ministry was formed. The integration of structured reading plans with study guides provided a clear roadmap for spiritual growth, and soon, members began embracing the materials.

Expansion and Impact

By 2009, the church took a major step forward by incorporating the Bible Study Guides into Tuesday Night Bible Study Classes. This shift solidified the guides as an essential part of the church’s discipleship efforts. Members no longer viewed them as optional resources but as valuable tools for spiritual growth.

Over time, the ministry flourished. What was once overlooked or avoided became highly sought after. Instead of hesitating to use the study guides, members began requesting them—not just for general study, but for specific topics, scriptures, and areas of Christian living.

A Thriving Ministry with Lasting Impact

Today, the Bible Study Guide Ministry stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, prayer, and dedication to God’s Word. What started as a simple effort to help members study more has become a cornerstone of the church’s teaching ministry.

Now, when members engage with the study guides, they do so with excitement and expectation, knowing that God’s Word is alive and transformative. What began as a vision years ago has now become an indispensable part of our church’s commitment to biblical education and spiritual growth.

The ministry continues to grow, adapt, and expand its reach, ensuring that every believer has the resources they need to study, apply, and live out God’s Word. And with each new study guide produced, we reaffirm our mission—to equip the saints for the work of the ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12).