What is Released Time Bible Education?

Here are the Basics

History of Released Time

Released Time Education programs were first started by Dr. William Wirt, a School Superintendent in Gary, Indiana in 1914. He created the program as a way for public school children to receive religious education during the school day.

In 1952, the Supreme Court upheld the legality of such programs in its Zorach v. Clauson decision. The Supreme Court found that those off-campus programs operating with parental permission for students were legal as long as the programs were not supported by the United States taxpayer. Since 1952, the Supreme Court has upheld the Released Time program operations as legal under the Constitution of the United States.

How Released Time Will Help

Released Time Bible Education provides the unique opportunity of allowing students to learn about God during the school day.

Studies done by School Ministries have shown that those students who participate in Released Time programs have shown increases in critical learning skills and have fewer behavioral problems. Our studies have also found that Released Time can reduce the rate of psychological problems such as severe depression, attention deficit, and hopelessness.

The Released Time programs give today’s youth the hope and the opportunity to transform their lives through accepting Jesus Christ. Youth will be able to grow spiritually in a familiar environment with their classmates and will then be able to return to their homes to share the Good News with families.

When and Where to Start

Released Time Bible Education is a nationwide program that has been constitutionally upheld since 1952. School Ministries can work with anyone from anywhere in the country to start a new program.

Starting a program takes time, but it is time well spent. Why wait for someone else to start a program in your area? Take charge and begin praying for and planning a program today. For more details, visit Getting Started, an interactive guide to Released Time.