School Ministries 757 is on a local mission

A Released Time program is one in which—with parental approval—public schools release students for a part of the school day to attend off-site religious instruction offered by a private sponsoring group. It recognizes and reinforces the constitutionally protected right of parents to direct the religious education of their children.

Federal court decisions have specified three condition that must be followed regarding what schools are allowed to do when accommodating and working with Released Time programs:

1. Student attendance must be voluntary, with written parental permission,
2. Instruction must take place off school grounds, and
3. No state resources (taxpayer funds) may be expended.

Released Time Bible Education (RTBE) utilizes the structure of Released Time as a format to teach Biblical principles to public school students.

Our first program will be at Jamestown High School in the 2024-2025 school year. Weekly classes will run 75 minutes at the Williamsburg Community Chapel during the 4th/8th block. Attendance will be recorded as excused absences and students will work with teachers to determine any makeup requirements. Classes will be led by experienced instructors who have demonstrated experience and competency in Bible education.

Yes. Released Time is not a violation of the judicial doctrine of separation of Church and State. In fact, Released Time honors that principle by adhering to the guidelines established in the key U.S. Supreme Court decision Zorach v. Clauson (1952), which has been tested thoroughly but upheld ever since. For more information regarding Virginia please visit https://releasedtime.org/virginia.

No. Released Time classes do not interfere with your child’s mandatory school courses or after school activities. The class schedule is set by school personnel in consultation with School Ministries 757 staff. Typically, Released Time classes will be scheduled for periods when other electives are offered and participation will not affect attendance records. Students will coordinate with teachers for any make-up work involved. 

Since its initial printing in 1454, the Bible has been the most widely read, studied, written about and reproduced book in the history of our world. The complete Bible has been translated into 704 languages and the New Testament has been translated into 1,551 languages. Its impact can be defined in multiple dimensions, including:

• Historical significance and recording of ancient Jewish antiquity
• Moral teachings
• Influence on literature and culture
• Similarities and difference with other religions and faiths
• The life and salvation message of Jesus Christ

• Purpose and meaning for children's lives beyond the accumulation of wealth or achievement of social and/or professional status.
• Safe venues where they can ask deeply challenging and sensitive questions without fear of censure.
• Bible education that prepares them to be responsible adults, contributing citizens and Godly examples.

Children are our future.  They need people like YOU to care and commit to them through Released Time Bible Education. School Ministries 757 cares and is committed to help you bring your community’s public students the message of God’s love for them and create a love of God’s Word within them.