Starting somewhere new is a lot.
Whether you're the freshman about to walk into a room of strangers, or the parent wondering who your student is spending time with, here's a plain look at what The Bible Talks is and how to take a first step.
If you're the one starting
- You don't need an invitation. Freshman, transfer, grad student, or just new to TBT — reach out for any reason and someone from our team will get back to you.
- You don't need it figured out. You don't need to have read the Bible before, and you don't need your beliefs sorted out. Bring your questions.
- You can just show up. Mondays, 3:55pm, Williamson Building, Room 2212. No text required.
- Not up for walking into a Sunday service alone? Tell us and we'll meet you there and sit with you.
- It's free. TBT costs nothing. Some events, like trips, cost money, and the price is listed on each one.
- There's no formal commitment. Come and check it out. We do encourage students to be committed.
If you're a parent or guardian
- Who we are. TBT is a campus ministry at Youngstown State University and a ministry of Old North Church in Canfield, Ohio. It's student run and staff led: students work on the ground alongside four Old North staff members, led by Pastor Bruce Chimani.
- Who leads your student's group. Leaders have been part of TBT for at least a year and are committed members of the group and of a local church. They're trained in three areas: convictions, character, and competencies.
- What we do. Students read the Bible, ask honest questions, and pray for one another. On Mondays at 3:55pm we work through a book of the Bible or a topic, then pray for the people around us.
- What we believe. It's all public. Read our beliefs and meet the team →
- Your student's information. We only use it to reach out about TBT, and we never share it with third parties. We do post photos from our meetings.
- Want to talk to a person? Email Pastor Bruce at bchimani@oldnorthchurch.org, call Old North Church at (330) 533-6848, or text our team at (234) 297-7413.
Questions people ask
Do I have to be a Christian to come?
No. Whether you're curious, skeptical, or ready to dive in, we want to talk.
Do I need to sign up first?
No. You don't need an invitation. Just show up on a Monday — 3:55pm, Williamson Building, Room 2212. If you'd rather say hi first, you can text our team or fill out a 30-second form, and someone will get back to you.
What if my question about the Bible is basic?
No question is too basic or too hard. We'd genuinely like to talk it through.
What if I need a ride or some help?
Ask. Groceries, an appointment, the airport — if you're stuck without a car, tell us and we'll see if anyone can help. Having a rough week? Tell us that too and we'll pray, with you or on our own.
Does it cost anything?
TBT is free. Some events, like trips, cost money, and the price is listed on each event on the Events page.
Do I have to commit to anything?
No. There's no formal commitment, so come and check it out. We do encourage students to be committed.
Who leads the groups?
Leaders have been part of TBT for at least a year and are committed members of the group and of a local church. They're trained in convictions, character, and competencies. TBT is student run and staff led, with four staff members from Old North Church, led by Pastor Bruce Chimani. You can email him at bchimani@oldnorthchurch.org.
Where and when do you meet?
Mondays at 3:55pm in the Williamson Building, Room 2212, at Youngstown State University. On Sundays there is a service at Old North Church at 9:15am, then TBT Sunday School at 10:55am.
Who is behind The Bible Talks?
TBT is a campus ministry at YSU and a ministry of Old North Church in Canfield, Ohio. You can read what we believe and meet the team.
What happens to the information I give you?
We only use it to reach out about TBT, and we never share it with third parties. You can read more on the privacy page.
Take the first step, however small
Text a real person on our team, fill out a 30-second form, or just show up on Monday.
We'll only use your info to reach out about TBT — we never share it with third parties.