Inside the student-led Bible Study at Lawrenceburg High School

(LAWRENCEBURG, Ind.) – Lawrenceburg sophomore Carter Banschbach used to be focused on football. 

It all changed when he attended a youth conference last year and felt a calling to create a new group at the high school. 

That calling was to start a weekly Bible Study with other classmates.

School administrators approved the student-led program and Carter made Bible Study the main point of his focus. 

“I quit playing football so I could fully pour myself into this,” he said. 

The Bible study sessions began last year and there were typically 20 students who attended.

With the support of school officials and more students becoming aware of it, the early morning meetings have nearly doubled every week this year. 

One recent Bible Study had 50 students who showed up! 

Every Tuesday

Carter and his dad leave the house early every Tuesday to pick up donuts and his friend, Max.

They arrive at school and he goes to the front desk secretary who prints off Bible Study documents that Carter has created that week. He then goes to the cafeteria and arranges the chairs before the meeting begins. 

The other students arrive and they grab donuts before Bible Study gets unerway around 7:20 a.m. each week. 

This past week, Carter didn’t have to worry about picking up donuts. 

Lawrenceburg’s four School Resource Officers bought 4 dozen donuts, 2 boxes of coffee and they all attended the Bible Study with the students. 

“It was awesome of them and was a really big help to me,” Carter said. 

Bible Study wraps up before the first bell rings every Tuesday but the impact of this student initiative is felt throughout the school day. 

Carter has grown to understand that many of his peers are seeking something more when it comes to their faith. This program is bringing them together in ways they didn’t expect. 

“I’m making connections with people that I never thought I’d connect with, and making friends with others that I never thought would be possible,” he said. 

Carter and his fellow classmates who attend Bible Study credit the school’s principal and other administrators for supporting this program. 

He encourages students at other schools in Southeast Indiana to pursue similar initiatives if they also feel compelled. 

He references Matthew 7:8 when discussing what other students can do by saying, “The one who seeks finds.” 

“It all starts with just small initiatives, like praying for five minutes in the morning, or reading the scripture, these things will help so much when it comes to your faith journey,” Banschbach said. 

Carter emphasized that every Lawrenceburg student and staff member is always invited to Bible Study and he looks forward to seeing new attendees every week. 

Like many other local schools, Lawrenceburg high schoolers and middle schoolers also have opportunities to join Young Life, which is a non-denominational Christian ministry focused on mentoring and outreach. Learn more about the local Young Life chapter by clicking here.