Explorer’s Bible Study is an interdenominational ministry with headquarters located just west of Nashville in Dickson, Tennessee. Tom and Nellie Constance founded the Bible study in 1972. They did not set about to begin a Bible study ministry, but saw a need, and being obedient to God’s call, sought to fill that need. Mrs. Constance helped establish and teach a Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) class for 10 years. During that time, she saw the power and effectiveness of this wonderful study method. There were many members of the class who were traveling over 60 miles each way to attend the Bible Study. These women approached Mrs. Constance and asked if she would be willing to write similar curriculum to have available in their communities. The need for in-depth study materials for use in smaller towns and communities where BSF was not available became the driving force for what would become Explorer’s Bible Study.
Within 5 years, there were over 60 classes established throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. In 1977, the ministry was formally organized as a non-profit ministry. Today we have thousands of active participants globally as God has richly blessed the ministry.
At first, the lessons were written by hand, then typed onto a mimeograph stencil which Mr. Constance duplicated on a small machine in the basement of their home. When the basement was outgrown, an old chicken coop behind the garage was remodeled to accommodate the growing ministry. Over the years, we have continued to grow and expand. In 1993 God provided a beautiful headquarters facility with plenty of room for future expansion in Dickson, Tennessee.
The heart beat of EBS is volunteers. 99.9% of all ministry done at EBS is done through volunteers who have dedicated large portions of their lives to helping others meet God through the study of His word. Additionally, the ministry has always been funded largely through generous financial donations of it’s members.
What is exciting is that God is not finished with the work He is doing through EBS. We are praying for rapid growth as more people are drawn into a closer walk with God through in-depth Bible Study.