Campus Bible Study was established in 1975 at the University of New South Wales by the then Anglican chaplain Phillip Jensen. CBS celebrated its 40th Anniversary in 2015, and continues to officially operate out of UNSW's Anglican Chaplaincy. The current Anglican Chaplain is Carl Matthei.
Overview
During a typical week, CBS runs large public Bible-teaching meetings, many small-group Bible studies, and other training sessions in theology and ministry for students. CBS also runs three conferences per year, the largest one being Mid-Year Conference, which typically attracts 500-750 students. While officially linked to the movement of Sydney Anglicans, Campus Bible Study is non-denominational and welcomes everyone to their public meetings. CBS focuses on the Bible rather than particular denominations beliefs, and seeks to challenge individuals to consider the gospel of Jesus. Throughout its history, CBS has been the source of a number of innovative ministries, including the development of the Ministry Training Strategy and the creation of Matthias Media. Campus Bible Study has also been influential in encouraging an increasing number of young people from Sydney into full-time Christian Ministry, and has been linked to the growth in enrolments at Moore Theological College through MTS.
University Churches
CBS also runs five different university churches for various groups of students living in the residential colleges at UNSW. is an English speaking congregation. The at UNSW runs four congregations for international students — Mandarin, Cantonese, Indonesian, and International.
Affiliations
CBS should not be confused with the Christian Union, which was a student-run, Student-Guild-affiliated organisation. CBS and the CU work in concert to conduct ministry on campus. Most members of CU are also members of CBS. CBS is also affiliated with the Australian Fellowship of Evangelical Students but is not a member — the AFES group at UNSW is the Christian Union.
