The Bible Blast Program is a part of “Release Time”, a Pennsylvania State Approved Program which allows public school students in Grades 3-6 to be dismissed from school for religious instruction for up to 30 hours per school year. Students must have parental permission to participate. Bible Blast is not illegal in any state, but laws and restrictions vary from state to state. Bible Blast runs from the first week in October until the last week in April and takes place at the following schools and locations:
- Shrewsbury Elementary
- Wednesday’s, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM @ Grace Church Shrewsbury
- Southern Elementary
- Thursday’s, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM @ Bethlehem Steltz Reformed Church
- Friendship Elementary
- Thursday’s, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM @ Bethlehem Steltz Reformed Church
What Happens at Bible Blast?
After being transported from the elementary school to the hosting church, the Bible Blast program is structured into three main parts:
- Singing & Small Snack
- A Bible Lesson & Scripture
- Small Group Time with Review and Prayer
Through this time, students can earn points for various activities, such as memorizing monthly Bible verses, wearing their Bible Blast T-Shirt, bringing their Bible, inviting a friend, which them earns them various gifts and prizes.
Why Bible Blast?
Enrolling your child in the Bible Blast benefits him or her in many ways. The National Council on Crime and Delinquency did a study on Bible Blast classes that found the following:
- “A comparative review of all 3rd-6th graders involved in this program perform better than their classmates as a whole in almost every category”;
- “Bible Blast students improved after one year in three categories of literacy skills: comprehension, spelling, and vocabulary”;
- “The program also provides youth with strong adult mentorship and bonding, and reinforces positive moral and character development in an environment where teachers and administrators struggle with unruly students.”
Students who participate in Bible Blast are being educated far beyond their peers who don’t attend. These are just a few of the proven benefits that Bible Blast has provided to students.
- Bible instruction—Bible lessons are taught simply and clearly, incorporating an understandable Bible principle for the child to practice. We don’t want to overwhelm children with too much instruction at once. The lessons we’ve developed allow children to grasp and apply a simple principle before moving onto the next one. The teaching of biblical principles by caring adult role models results in both spiritual and academic growth.
- Bible memory work– God’s memorized Word is a valuable resource to the mind and heart for life. Scripture memory develops mental sharpness and equips children to live in the abundant life God offers.
- Character instruction– Good character qualities and attitudes are modeled and taught, with encouragement for the child to make them personal habits. Spiritual and character training equips children to make good choices in a culture that often promotes less than God’s best.
- Relationships– Beneficial bonds of friendship, trust, and affirmation are established between your child and at least one caring adult.
- Learning skills– Practice at listening, memorizing, thinking, and processing along with positive social interaction strengthens the same skills that are vital to public school education.
Benefits for Parents
- The instruction of moral values that you provide your child at home are affirmed in Bible Bible by caring adult volunteers who intentionally invest in your child.
- Your child can learn in a safe environment. Bible Blast is also a spiritually safe environment in which children can openly ask questions about God, the Bible, and the Christian faith.
- You have the opportunity to serve as a volunteer in your child’s Bible Blast class, thus giving you the chance to be involved with your child during the school day.