Our Mission
The Ezra Journey takes its name from Ezra 7:10, which says, “For Ezra firmly set his heart to study the Law of the Lord and to practice it and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel.” Ezra, a faithful scribe during the days of the Old Testament, made three resolutions. He committed himself first to study the Scriptures. Yet, he didn’t stop there. He further resolved to obey what he learned. He was not satisfied with just the information in his head, he wanted transformation in his life. Finally, Ezra purposed to teach God’s Word to others
Our History
After ten years of teaching weekly Bible studies in Columbia, South Carolina, to marketplace leaders, Bill Jones suspected that other marketplace leaders living in much larger cities might not have the opportunity to conveniently drive to and from a strong Bible study.
What began as an experiment in 2011 via email with five marketplace leaders around the country has grown into the Ezra Journey with a variety of Bible study options.
In 2022, Dr. Bryan Beyer joined The Ezra Journey to assist in strengthening the resources we have to offer. Dr. Steve Cloud joined The Ezra Journey team in 2025 to coordinate a comprehensive strategy for expanding the ministry.
After ten years of teaching weekly Bible studies in Columbia, South Carolina, to marketplace leaders, Bill Jones suspected that other marketplace leaders living in much larger cities might not have the opportunity to conveniently drive to and from a strong Bible study.
What began as an experiment in 2011 via email with five marketplace leaders around the country has grown into the Ezra Journey with a variety of Bible study options.
In 2022, Dr. Bryan Beyer joined The Ezra Journey to assist in strengthening the resources we have to offer. Dr. Steve Cloud joined The Ezra Journey team in 2025 to coordinate a comprehensive strategy for expanding the ministry.
Our Leadership Team
Dr. Steve Cloud, President
Dr. Steve Cloud served as pastor of Northside Baptist Church in West Columbia, SC for
20 years. During his ministry at Northside, the church significantly expanded its
ministries and facilities and purchased the property for its current location. The Lord
used the development of The Ministers Training Center, The Recreation Ministry, and
the daily radio program “Take a Minute” to reach many new Christ followers.
Since leaving Northside, Steve has served as president of Vision Ventures, a non-profit
organization committed to coaching, consulting, and equipping leaders through the
LeadersEdge and the Pastor’s Coaching Network. Steve continues to consult with
churches and Christian organizations to clarify their vision and plans to fulfill their
mission.
Steve is a graduate of Mississippi College, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary,
and Columbia International University. He and his wife Trish have three adult children
and eleven fantastic grandchildren. Steve enjoys riding his motorcycle and spending
time with family and friends hunting, fishing, and enjoying the lake.
Dr. Bryan Beyer, Bible Content
Dr. Bryan Beyer earned a B.A. from Colorado State University, an M.Div. from Denver
Seminary, and a Ph.D. from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. From
1985-2021 he served at Columbia International University (SC) in a variety of roles, and
in 2021 he ceased full-time employment at CIU to focus on teaching, writing, and
leading Israel tours.
Dr. Beyer has written for LifeWay Christian Resources (www.lifeway.com) since 1991,
including translation work for the Christian Standard Bible and the CSB Study Bible.
Four of his more significant publications include:
- Encountering the Old Testament: A Christian Survey (co-authored with Bill T.
Arnold; Baker Academic, 4th edition, 2024) - Readings from the Ancient Near East: Primary Sources for Old Testament Study
(co-edited with Bill T. Arnold; Baker Academic, 2nd edition 2026) - Encountering the Book of Isaiah: A Historical and Theological Survey (Baker
Academic, 2007) - Scripture’s Grand Story Through the Old Testament (co-authored with Bill Jones;
Wipf and Stock, 2022)
