SCM Nigeria Explores Partnership

SCM Nigeria Explores Partnership with Community Bible Study to Strengthen Small-Group Discipleship in Schools

SCM Nigeria is exploring a potential partnership with Community Bible Study (CBS) International to strengthen Bible study and small-group discipleship across secondary schools and campuses.

The proposed collaboration was discussed during SCM staff meeting held on 2nd of November, 2026 where Mr. Yusuf, Nigeria Country Director and Anglo-West Africa Sub-Regional Coordinator of CBS International, presented the ministry’s vision, approach and partnership model.

The meeting was attended by SCM National President, Dr. Adebayo Kolade; National Administrative Secretary, Pastor Paul; staff members, and from across the country. According to Dr. Kolade, the engagement followed an earlier meeting between the immediate past National President and the CBS team at the Lausanne Workplace Forum in Ghana.

Understanding Community Bible Study

Community Bible Study (CBS) is an interdenominational Christian ministry that operates in correctional centres, schools, orphanages and churches.

Its vision is to see lives transformed through the Word of God, while its mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ through accessible, caring and in-depth Bible study.

The ministry is guided by values including prayer, dependence on God’s provision, excellence, integrity, transparency and servant leadership.

A Different Approach to Bible Study

One of the key features of the CBS model is its book-by-book approach to Scripture. Rather than focusing primarily on topical studies, participants study entire books of the Bible over a period of six to forty weeks, depending on the group and study material.

The programme caters to different age groups and literacy levels, with materials ranging from nursery to young adults and adults. It also includes Bible-story-based methods for non-readers, alongside an online learning option.

Participants study the assigned passages individually at home before gathering in small groups of not more than 12 people to discuss their findings. A brief teaching session of 10–15 minutes, based on the same Scripture passage, follows the discussion.

In Nigeria, the materials are currently available in English and Hausa.

What the Proposed Partnership Entails

Under the proposed arrangement, SCM and CBS would first establish a formal collaboration agreement. CBS would then provide facilitator training to enable SCM to implement the programme. The partnership could also allow SCM to train facilitators from among those who have already participated in the studies, creating opportunities to expand the model across its network.

Another significant aspect is the possibility of obtaining permission to print and distribute CBS study materials locally. Participants would contribute a small amount towards production costs.

The arrangement is also flexible, as SCM would not be required to use CBS materials throughout the year. It could adopt the materials for selected periods while applying the CBS small-group facilitation approach to its own topical Bible studies.

CBS clarified that it does not provide project funding or undertake fundraising for its partners.

Why This Matters for SCM

Highlighting the potential value of the collaboration, Dr. Kolade observed that campus Bible study meetings sometimes become extensions of regular preaching services, leaving limited opportunities for participants to engage with Scripture, share insights and ask questions.

The CBS approach could help address this gap by equipping SCM facilitators with structured study materials and practical skills for leading interactive, Scripture-centred discussions.

The proposed printing arrangement also presents an opportunity to address an existing resource challenge. SCM currently distributes approximately 5,000 Bible study copies to secondary schools each term across several states, yet the available supply does not always meet demand.

With permission to reproduce the materials locally, SCM could potentially increase production and distribute copies according to the needs of its various locations.

Next Steps

CBS is expected to forward its collaboration documents and sample study materials to Pastor Paul at the SCM National Headquarters for review.

Although no formal agreement has been signed, Dr. Kolade expressed optimism about the proposed collaboration, indicating that he did not anticipate any major obstacles to reaching an agreement.

He also acknowledged the volunteer commitment of the National Executives, noting that the headquarters staff remain central to the day-to-day implementation of SCM’s work.

As discussions progress, the proposed partnership presents an opportunity for SCM Nigeria to strengthen its Bible study structure, equip more facilitators and deepen meaningful engagement with God’s Word among students and young people.