About Us
Equipping the Church Through God’s Word
Calvary Institute of Biblical Studies exists to equip pastors and believers with a deeper understanding of God’s Word so they can faithfully live it, teach it, and make disciples among the nations.
Through pastoral training, biblical teaching, radio ministry, Bible distribution, and international outreach, CIBS works alongside believers and ministry leaders around the world to strengthen the Church and proclaim the Gospel. Our desire is simple: to see people grounded in Scripture and equipped to faithfully teach others.
MEET ROBERT HECKLER
A Heart to Teach God’s Word
Robert Heckler is committed to equipping believers with a deeper understanding of Scripture and raising up leaders who will faithfully teach God’s Word to others.
Through international pastoral training, radio ministry, online teaching, Bible distribution, and on-location ministry, Robert works alongside pastors and believers in countries around the world. His focus is not simply on sharing biblical knowledge, but on equipping leaders who will disciple others and strengthen the Church within their own communities.
Pastoral Training Classes
Radio Programs
Bibles Distributed
Grounded in Scripture. Focused on the Mission.
CIBS is committed to the authority of Scripture, the proclamation of the Gospel, and the work of equipping believers to make disciples and strengthen the Church.
What We Believe
Our ministry and teaching are grounded in the truth and authority of God’s Word.
Our Mission
To equip pastors and believers with a deeper understanding of God’s Word so they can faithfully live it, teach it, and make disciples among the nations.
Our Vision
To see a global Church strengthened by leaders who know God’s Word, live it faithfully, and equip others to do the same.
Our Foundation
Everything we do is rooted in the authority and truth of Scripture. We believe biblical ministry must begin with God’s Word, depend upon the work of the Holy Spirit, and ultimately bring glory to God.
The Story of CIBS: From a Small Fellowship to a Global Outreach
What began as a simple midweek Bible study in Ooltewah, Tennessee, has become a worldwide work of God’s grace and multiplication.
After more than thirty years serving in Calvary Chapel ministry—including a decade teaching at Calvary Chapel Bible College in Murrieta, California, alongside Pastor Chuck Smith and fellow instructors—Robert Heckler felt the Lord calling him east. His heart was burdened for regions where seasoned Calvary Chapel teachers were few and the need for sound biblical training was great.
Settling in Tennessee, Robert began sharing weekly teachings online. What happened next was unmistakably the hand of God. Messages began pouring in from pastors and believers across Africa and Asia—many newly converted, leading growing congregations with little or no formal Bible training. The need was urgent, and the invitations multiplied.
From those humble beginnings, Calvary Institute of Biblical Studies (CIBS) was born. The first international training was launched in Pakistan, soon followed by courses in Bangladesh, India, Uganda, Kenya, and Malawi. Today, CIBS pastors and instructors teach ongoing classes in multiple nations, equipping leaders through verse-by-verse study and foundational discipleship. Expansion is already underway into Zambia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Rwanda.
Beyond classroom training, CIBS provides Bible distribution, radio ministries reaching millions weekly, and on-site teaching tours in Israel and Greece. Twice each year, teams travel to Malta for evangelistic outreach—where hundreds have come to Christ.
What began with one man’s obedience has become a movement of many—pastors, teachers, and servants joining hands across continents to strengthen the church and spread the gospel. The story of CIBS is a testimony that when God stirs a heart, He builds a harvest far beyond what we could imagine.