What People Are Saying

"First-class content."

"Nothing comparable to this!"

"Refreshing, motivating, and inspiring."

"I wish every Bible study could be like this."

"Like having a cup of coffee with the authors."

"This is why I came to IABC!"

Real people.

Real conversations.

Real engagement
w/ biblical texts
& each other

At IABC, we’re not just studying the Bible—we’re learning to think with biblical authors, as if sitting across the table from them. Here’s what people are saying about their experience:

“Nothing comparable to this exciting, innovative program!”
– A world-class scholar calls IABC’s approach unique and transformative.
“First-class content in high-definition quality.”
– A longtime member highlights the investment in both teaching and technology.
“I wish every Bible study could be like this.”
– A participant praises the open-minded, non-denominational, research-driven approach.
“Refreshing, motivating, and inspiring.”
– A student reflects on how IABC’s method brings new depth to biblical study.
“Why I came to IABC!”
– Personal stories of those who sought deeper engagement and found it here.

These are just a few voices from those who have experienced the impact of responsible, contextual, and conversational Bible study at IABC.

—2—
What People Are Saying

Hear from others who’ve benefited from IABC.

"Nothing comparable to this exciting innovative
program!"

"Having a cup of coffee with the authors of the NT" is both an exciting and appealing way to conceive of what is a unique encounter with the text of the NT. Gary Collier, the moving force behind the program, is an extremely gifted Bible scholar and at the same time an especially exciting and effective teacher. Those who participate in this program will not only receive the very best instruction but will find practical resources for their spiritual life and their daily walk. I know of nothing comparable to this exciting innovative program and I am happy to recommend it with the highest enthusiasm.

Professor Donald A. Hagner, Ph.D.,
George Eldon Ladd Professor of New Testament,
Fuller Theological Seminary

"First-class content
in high-definition quality!"

[The following note was sent, unsolicited, to our study group
by Lee, a longtime member of the group, during the year-long study topic
"The Apocalyptic Context of the Bible."]

I was unable to attend LIVE on Sunday, so I just now finished watching the recording. I’m grateful that our sessions are recorded for us and are available in our online Virtual Commentary. The recording is first class in terms of technology. Those who have not been with us from the beginning (2012) are likely not aware of how much work/time/money has been put into the process of developing such high quality video recordings. I am very pleased that IABC has invested so heavily in this area. Watching the video is almost like being there in person. There were a number of times in watching the recording when I just about started to type something in the chat box 😊.

Not only that, the class content bears witness to the same level of investment. It’s nice to start getting a sense of how the journey we have taken thus far in the study of the roots of Apocalyptic concepts through the literature of ancient Mesopotamia and the like will bear fruit in our contemplation of Biblical texts.

Lee Patmore
Preacher, Shepherd Team, Student of the Word
Saskatchewan, Canada

"Why I Came to IABC!"

Portia Regan

IABC Board Member
Bunny Mama &
Ret. Leadership Trainer

I came to IABC 10 years ago after searching for effective, life-changing Bible study. Merely attending "Sunday School" wasn’t enough and left me wanting so much more.

Through IABC’s unique study approach I have learned how to dive deeply into texts and engage with other members. Gary’s passion for serious personal engagement with biblical texts keeps me actively involved and coming back for more.

Gary D. Collier

IABC
Director

We launched IABC for a more serious engagement with biblical texts than most churches offer.

We look for study partners who energetically advocate responsible, contextual, and conversational biblical-text study, not only for personal reasons, but also for the health and growth of Christians and churches.

Twila Higginbottom

IABC Board Member
Bible Teacher

I came to IABC (then CWP) to engage in responsible, contextual Bible study and conversations for the purpose of being transformed into the likeness of Christ in a community of Christ.

It seems to me that many Christ followers are increasingly of the mind that Bible study is not relevant or too hard to do. It's easier to have someone else tell us what to think—through tradition or doctrine or authoritative stance. We often don't believe the Lord will engage us in our sacred writings. IABC is just the place for that type of engagement: both with the Lord, and with with each other.

"I wish every Bible study
could be like this."

[The following note was sent privately and unsolicited by Jim, a member of the group for less than a year, during the year-long study topic
"Scripture, Canon, & Inspiration: A Fresh Look."
Included here by permission]

I wish every Bible study could be like this: nondenominational, open minded, and lead by a professional scholar with other knowledgeable participants. It's a definite blessing for me and I've learned valuable information, particularly continuing to clear out some faulty assumptions that are easy to fall into regarding "scripture" and canon. My knowledge is much less than some of the others so I can't necessarily contribute the same level of input, but it clearly benefits me—and some of what I learn can be (delicately) shared with those I worship with.

Jim Eoff
Retired chemist and industrial manager
Lives near Bandera, TX.

Barry Francolino
Christian Cross Cultural Worker based in Romania
Now temporarily in the Netherlands
and being GP (Grand Papico aka Granddad) to our first grandson!

"Refreshing, motivating,
and inspiring"

[The following note was sent privately and unsolicited by Barry,
while working himself thru the recorded Apocalyptic Context course.
Included here by permission]

I’m going through your awesome course on Apocalyptic Context. I’m also going through the GNT3 translation of Revelation. It’s been great to be reading some of the earliest texts that make of the roots of the subject. Yes indeed it’s a very fresh thought to think that the roots of the notion/subject of apocalyptic thinking find their beginnings in ancient cultures we usually only give a head nodding to without giving them their due respect.

I’m convinced that few will do more than give them a nod of the head, but for me, I so respect God’s unreserved historical participation with humanity, that it’s refreshing, motivating, and inspiring to have you do such hard (and serious work) to help us neophytes come to grips with the impact these ancient document have had on our canonized writings and all other writings we would respect related to them.

Ps: One of my main concerns is that we who hold the Bible in high regard can have a tendency (and thus give the impression) to treat it like a book only given, spoken and dropped en-toto out of heaven. History, therefore, doesn’t matter only what God says does. This is one reason why I like how you are approaching the historical reality that what comes up again and again is that humankind is scared and wants to know what’s our destination and destiny.

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What People Are Saying

Real people.

Real conversations.

Real engagement w/ biblical texts& each other

—2—What People Are Saying

"Nothing comparable to this exciting innovative program!"

"First-class content in high-definition quality!"