Cost Sharing

Why a Suggested “Shared Cost Gift” for Email and Web Teaching?

World Bible School has a long history of “teaching the Word and reaching the World.” WBS also has a long history of "shared costs." WBS teachers have always paid for the printed lessons to exchange with students via postal mail so they would be available at no cost to the students. This funds approximately one-quarter of the annual worldwide WBS ministry, while the remainder is funded by the financial support of generous donors. The shared cost model has led to the most effective and cost-effective ministry for sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with millions.

Isn’t Internet distribution free?

WBS has long-used email and the Web to teach students all over the world. These media have real costs which are not as obvious to some as are the printing and postage costs of postal teaching. Evolving technologies and new product development allow us to enhance both the student experience and teacher experience so that more hear the Good News. To better fulfill the Great Commission using technology, WBS invests in:

• servers and Internet bandwidth to host the materials
• customized software to power communications and databases
• services to manage code, monitor for problems and backup these systems
• specialized talent to further build and maintain these servers, software solutions and services

WBS’ investment in technology continues to pay off. In fact, it is apparent that WBS teaching with technology will only get cheaper and will soon be much cheaper than teaching with printed lessons. Using technology, WBS is teaching many more truth-seekers and involving many more everyday Christians to teach them more effectively.

How is WBS’ Internet department funded?

Gifts of support from generous donors cover the costs of the WBS Internet department. Shared cost gifts from Email and Web teachers are (and are expected to remain) a small portion of those gifts.

What is the suggested "shared cost gift" amount?

All email and Web teachers are asked to donate $10 per month or $100 per year. (See “I can’t afford…” below.)

How do I provide my shared cost gift?

You can submit shared cost gifts through Paypal, which accepts all major credit cards. You can give general donations securely here. After April 1, 2012, you will be also be able to give your shared cost gift there. Of course, you can also mail a check to WBS.

Is my payment secure?

Yes. WBS and its third party giving software service is fully in compliance the requisite industry standards.

Is my shared cost tax-deductible?

Yes, as provided by law for your individual circumstances. You will receive an acknowledgement for each shared cost gift.

Will WBS send me a reminder to pay monthly?

No. WBS will automatically charge your credit card each month and send you a receipt for your records.

When will I be charged each month?

WBS will charge your credit card each month on the anniversary of the date your shared cost gift was initiated. For example, if you enroll on August 7, your credit card will be charged on the 7th of each month following.

My congregation pays for my postal teaching costs. Can my congregation make a donation to WBS to cover shared cost gifts?

Yes. Many churches want to fund shared cost gifts for teachers to involve more of their members. WBS asks churches to provide $100 per active Email or Web teacher. If five or more are active, we ask for $80 per teacher. We ask that a church makes this shared cost gift on behalf of teachers in addition to other gifts of support.

I can’t afford the suggested shared cost gift amount. Can I still participate in this ministry?

Yes! First of all, any shared cost gift you can give will help. Otherwise, generous donors have created a scholarship fund for any teacher in need, whether postal, email or Web. Contact info@worldbibleschool.net and request information about the "Myers-Cox Teacher Assistance Fund."

Can I give an amount that can cover someone else’s shared cost gift?

Yes. Please contact us to find out how to contribute to the Myers-Cox Teacher Assistance Fund.

May I try Web teaching before I provide a shared cost gift?

Yes. Register and teach two active students at a time to get a feel for the ministry. As you get experience and see success in sharing Jesus, consider taking on more students and providing a shared cost gift to continue. This is a great way to see just how impactful teaching with WBS can be!

We are excited about the unprecedented opportunities we have for fulfilling the Great Commission via technology. God has blessed WBS to be able to share Jesus with millions using our interactive Bible lessons, both printed and electronic. Those numbers will only increase as we continue to integrate technology options for both students and teachers into the evangelistic ministry of WBS. Thank you for your partnership in the Gospel!