StudyShelf — Where We Specialize in Nonsense.

Yes, nonsense. The kind the world rolls its eyes at.

The kind that says, God actually wins in the end.
The kind that dares to believe grace is bigger than religion.
The kind that suggests love might be stronger than fear, stronger than judgment, and maybe even stronger than our carefully constructed doctrines.

To most people, that sounds like nonsense.

But we’re okay with that.

At StudyShelf, we happily proclaim this “nonsense” to the out-called – the curious, the questioners, the ones who suspect that there might be more to the story than what they were told.

We’ll be honest: we’re not really built for the masses.

In fact, we’re more of a “not-many” ministry. History shows that when you start talking about the outrageous goodness of God, the audience usually gets … smaller.

Apparently, grace isn’t a crowd magnet.

So, if you’re looking for the biggest stage, the loudest platform, or the most popular message, you may want to keep browsing.

But if you’re one of the few, the curious, the slightly suspicious that God might be better than advertised, you’re in the right place.

Our Approach to Scripture

We are dedicated to:

• the absolute sovereignty and deity of God (Romans 11:36);

• the proclamation of the riches of God’s abundant, exceeding joy (Ephesians 1:7);

• the affirmation that God will save all through the death, burial and resurrection of Christ (I Timothy 2:3-4; 4:10; Titus 2:11);

• the universality of death and resurrection (I Corinthians 15:21);

• the unique evangel of Paul – which he calls “my gospel” (Romans 2:16; 16:25; II Timothy 2:8; I Corinthians 15:1-4; Acts 13-28; Acts 20:24);

• the epistles of the present Secret Administration being Ephesians & Colossians (Ephesians 3:2, 9; Colossians 1:25);

• true freedom and liberty apart from law (Galatians 5:1);

• the organic nature of the One Body (Ephesians 4:16);

• the Secret Administration, being the operational revelation for today (Ephesians 3:9);

• the unprophesied, Celestial hope and calling of the One Body (Colossians 3:4);

• the distinct message and ministry of Paul, the apostle to the nations (Ephesians 3:1-3);

• the importance of receiving all whom Christ has received (Romans 14-15);

• the recovery of rich Biblical truth that has too long remained hidden under the veils of traditionalism, prejudice, misunderstanding and fear (Mark 7:7, 13);

• the completeness of the believer in Christ (Colossians 2:10), with:

– total freedom from sins (Colossians 1:14);

– union in His death, burial and resurrection and ascended seated position among the celestials (Ephesians 2:6);

– adult sonship position (Ephesians 1:5).

We do not claim infallibility for the contents of our publications; thus, they are not meant to imply finality on any subject discussed, or that further research would not add further light from the Word of God. God’s storehouse of truth is inexhaustible, so draw on its wealth by prayerful study. Our readers are asked to be as the Bereans and search the Scriptures (Acts 17:10-11; I Thessalonians 5:21).

Our History

Since 1980 we’ve been dedicated to supplying quality Bible study materials, for the serious, hungry-hearted student of Scriptures. For the first two decades of this work, we distributed only the publications of others.

In 2006 the Bible Student’s Press was founded, which now makes up the majority of the literature offered.

Our Staff:

The constant behind these efforts, now into their fifth decade, is Clyde’s teaching ministry, whose life has been dedicated to the recovery and sharing of Biblical truths. He has been the publisher of The Biblical Standard (1976-1980), The Old Paths (1981-1985), Forgotten Truths (1986-1989), Grace Testimony (1986-1995), the now weekly periodical The Bible Student’s Notebook™ since 1989.

Mr. Pilkington has served in Christian ministry as assistant pastor (Victory Baptist Church, Hampton, VA, 1977-1980), pastor (Old Fashioned Gospel Tabernacle, Hampton, VA, 1981-1986; Grace Bible Church, Hampton, VA, 1986-1995), educator (Bible Believer’s Institute, Gospel Tabernacle Christian School, Grace Library, and the Bible Study Broadcast) and director (Grace Edification Ministries, Prospect, VA, and Gladstone, VA, 1995-1997).

He is now involved in the greatest endeavor of his life, the Study Bible Project. He resides in Paint, PA, enjoying his cherished roles of husband, father and grandfather.

In 1988 André and Clyde would become lasting friends, forming an instant bond that would eventually lead to his retirement years being dedicated to passionate, full-time labors as Executive Editor of Bible Student’s Notebook, Daily Email Goodies, Bible Student’s Press, Bible Student’s Courses, the Study Bible Project, as well asStudyShelf web site administrator.

After a career with the US Navy, and having worked for a Naval contractor and in private communications support and management, André now resides in Amherst County, VA, where he enjoys country life with his family. He conducts his ministry from home, where he spends his days with his beloved wife, Nadine, and their wonderful children.

Steve, dubbed “the Grace Dude,” is an author and host known for his insightful contributions to the Bible Student’s Notebook™ and his engaging YouTube series, “Freedom Journey” and “Interviews with Steve.” Raised in a conservative Mennonite community, Steve embarked on a transformative journey of understanding and embracing unconditional love. This revelation led him to question and reject many traditional Christian doctrines, including the hell doctrine. Steve’s passion lies in sharing the message of freedom through grace, a concept he believes is for everyone. His writings help people recover from fear-based religion and rediscover God as loving, joyful, and trustworthy. After decades in Christian ministry, he stepped away from

performance-driven systems to write about a happy God who loves all unconditionally and whose grace leaves no one out. His work invites readers into rest, freedom, and a faith shaped by love rather than fear.

Beyond his writing and online presence, Steve is a devoted husband to Ella Mae, a proud father of three children, a loving grandfather to 11 grandchildren, and a great-grandfather to little River.

Mark grew up in Altoona, PA, attending a church that placed emphasis on Paul’s unique message, under the ministry of Henry Kulp, associated with J.C. O’Hair (1876-1958), Charles F. Baker (1905-1994), and C.R. Stam (1909-2003).

After an extensive military career as a Marine pilot stationed in Pensacola, FL, Mark had a career as a private pilot, as well as pastoring a “Grace Movement” church, in Williamsport, PA.

Since 2020, Mark has been Associate Editor of the Bible Student’s Notebook. He also serves as the Director of Curriculum for Bible Student’s Courses.