Frequently Asked Questions

 Released Time (“RT”) is the only legal means by which public school students may study their faith academically and devotionally during the school day. Schools may enter into a cooperative arrangement with the community group offering the classes. School personnel are required to remain neutral, neither encouraging nor discouraging students’ participation. While RT is equally available for any faith, School Ministries Ohio helps Christians offer Bible classes for the public school students of their communities. 

School Ministries Ohio educates, equips and encourages Christians to offer Bible classes for their community's public school students (K-12). As part of School Ministries, the nation's largest association of Released Time Bible Education programs, we mentor local leaders to create programming tailored to their students and values to start, grow and sustain Released Time Bible classes in keeping with time-tested resources and the nation's best practices.

Yes! RT has been around for more than a century, and was declared constitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1952. In addition, Released Time is the subject of statutes either requiring or permitting RT under specified circumstances in more than half of all U.S. states. See releasedtime.org.

No. Released Time classes honor the judicial doctrine of “separation of church and state” by following constitutional requirements established by the U.S. Supreme Court and affirmed by federal and state courts. The constitutionality of Released Time was recognized by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1952 and upheld since, as an expression of our right to the “free exercise of religion” protected by the 1st Amendment. Prominent voices across America’s ideological and theological spectrum agree on the constitutionality of Released Time. Note content and signatories to “Public Schools and Religious Communities”.Add an answer to this item.

It can help students find meaning and know they matter in a dark and hurting culture. Released Time is proven to help students academically, behaviorally and in character development. Teachers and volunteers provide much needed adult mentorship. Studies consistently show that students who take it, thrive.

Yes. Ohio law provides that students may earn up to 2 hours of academic credit for high-school level classes meeting specified requirements. This may not apply to all school districts, please check with your Light & Truth School Ministries school program coordinator.

Your community does! Light & Truth School Ministries has the responsibility and right to choose the non-denominational curriculum. Our organization may teach Bible classes and are not required to teach all religions.

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 Light & Truth School Ministries staff. Frequently, Released Time classes are scheduled for times when other electives are offered.

A student's parent or guardian is required to sign permission forms provided by Light & Truth School Ministries program. By law, the program must be FREE to schools!

Released Time classes are to be held off campus, typically at a local church, RT building or mobile classroom. If the classroom is not within walking distance, transportation is provided by the Released Time program — buses or vans owned by the local school may only be utilized if appropriate board policies are in place. Contact us to discuss details and possibilities for classes in your community.

No. Same goal - but very different approach.

School Ministries Ohio is committed to help local leaders who want to serve as led by God and customize their program to meet the unique needs of their community's students. Our fifteen-plus years of experience have shown that as communities own their own programs - with local control of costs and decision making - they are able to exercise good stewardship, keep local funds local and develop strong relationships with area churches to serve students and schools.    schoolministriesohio.org