WHO WE ARE
OUR MISSION
Coastal School Ministries is a Non-Profit ministry that exists to share the love of Christ with students in Horry County middle and high schools during their elective class time during their school day. At Coastal School Ministries, we are committed to making a positive impact on the lives of young people through the teaching of biblical principles and values.
WHY IT MATTERS
THE IMPACT
Students today face growing emotional, social and spiritual challenges. We meet them with truth, consistency, and hope – through the Holy Scriptures from God. Many of our students may be starting their faith journey with CSM, and are growing in many ways such as local Youth Groups, student ministries at their schools, and even starting Bible studies of their own with classmates and family members. Our communities are realizing a positive impact on these teens. Our prayer is that after our class ends each semester, students will find community in a local church.
HOW IT WORKS
PROGRAM EXECUTION
Through a Release Time Bible Education program, classes are voluntary and parent-approved, allowing public school students to receive Bible instruction during the school day, provided it is not taught by the school or funded by any government agency.
Students are bussed off campus to a nearby host location, typically a church, for their elective class block. The class textbook is the Bible. Thoroughly vetted teachers walk thru the Bible from Genesis to Revelation in 50 lessons during the semester. High school classes earn credit towards graduation. LIVES ARE SHAPED NOT JUST BY THE LESSONS – BUT BY RELATIONSHIPS - KNOWING GOD’S INSTRUCTION TO LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.
OUR HISTORY
Coastal School Ministries is a Christian, interdenominational, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization governed by a board of directors and supported by staff and volunteers. Its mission is “to make the Bible and prayer a part of every public school day.” CSM operates within established legal precedent. The U.S. Supreme Court affirmed the constitutionality of released-time religious instruction in Zorach v. Clauson (1952), and the South Carolina Released-Time Credit Act (Act 322), signed into law in 2006, authorizes local school boards to grant elective credit for off-campus Bible classes. Founded in 2000 as Horry C.A.R.E.S. under the guidance of School Ministries, CSM launched its first released-time program in 2001 at St. James Middle School, serving 150 students. The ministry expanded to St. James High School in 2005 and was renamed Coastal School Ministries in 2008. From 2001–2025, CSM served 11 Horry County Schools, with hundreds of students professing faith in Christ. In 2023, CSM renewed outreach efforts in the Conway community and remains committed to expanding released-time programs to all 22 middle and high schools in Horry County. While we are continuing efforts to expand to reach more students, we are also committed to carrying out the ministry in excellence.
