Info for New Staff Returning to Complete IBS

If you attended New Staff Orientation previously and did not complete all your first-year IBS courses, you will have the chance to complete them this summer.

Why IBS? 

We use the Scriptures every day in ministry. Whether we are proclaiming the life-changing message of the gospel or helping ground people in the truth of God’s Word, the Scriptures inform all we do. Have you ever finished leading a small group Bible study and thought, “I wish I knew the Scriptures better?” Have you ever found yourself in an evangelistic conversation in which you thought, “I wish I knew how to respond more effectively to this person’s questions?” Have you ever been in a conversation with someone who is deeply struggling and thought, “I wish I was better able to relate the truths of Scripture to my friend’s problems?”

I am convinced that to carry out our mission in the fullness of its scope requires kingdom-workers with a passion for God who are growing ever deeper in their ability to understand and apply His Word to their own lives and the lives of those to whom they minister. We need to be women and men who treasure Christ, being captured by a vision of His greatness; people who are able to apply the resources of the gospel to the lives of broken people; and women and men who possess great confidence in the promises of God.

This summer you'll have the chance to complete two courses: Intro to Christian Theology and Bible Study Methods.  These courses do not represent “hoops” to jump through. They play an integral role in preparing you for the ministry to which God has called you. Through these courses you will have the opportunity to be refreshed in your spirit, revitalized in your vision and renewed in your thinking.

What are the details?

IBS runs four weeks (but you are only required to attend two weeks).  BSM and ICT are offered during the first two weeks of IBS.  There is a 17 day gap between the end of your courses and the beginning of Cru19.  You have two options: (1) take your IBS courses, go home and then return for Cru19 or (2) take additional IBS core courses the second two weeks.  (If you stay over 30 days, there is a substantial discount on your on-campus housing in the dorm.)  If you have questions or need help figuring out which option would work best for you, send an email to ibs.info@cru.org.

Please register by March 30.  Registration closes April 17. 

Warmly,

Keith E. Johnson, Ph.D.
Director of Theological Education and Development