Tips for a Successful Bible Study

As a Bible study leader, you may serve as a teacher, liaison and support person. Therefore, you should be prepared, select appropriate Bible class material and manage your meeting time.  

Preparation

As a leader, you are seen as a guide and expert. Therefore, you should be over-prepared. Not only should you start studying and meditating on the content early in the week, but you should research the topic further, gathering additional interesting quotes or facts.

In addition, you should schedule the tasks you need to complete during the meeting by establishing a specific meeting schedule. Also, prepare your meeting space, ensuring you have the chairs, books and treats you need for a successful meeting.

Your group participants should be chosen based on their goals and the study topic. You should also discuss any concerns, challenges or meeting details with your group before and after the study meetings. The meetings should have open communication and a friendly, accepting environment.

Materials

Choose materials that encourage the members’ understanding of and communication with God. The materials should constantly encourage the participants to read the Bible, often the same text multiple times.

Studies should be relevant for the members and should be appropriate for their available time and spiritual maturity. The materials should also discuss how the topics can be applied in the group members’ lives.

Time Management

Arrive at the meetings early, but start and end them on time and with prayer. During the question-and-answer portion, only read the questions that are given in the study and read them exactly as they are given, without rewording them. However, avoid yes-no questions. Summarize each person’s answers so they are not tempted to move off-topic, and encourage and acknowledge the members’ contributions, especially if they are personal.

Observe the group dynamics, and do not hesitate to dissolve conflicts. Use a timer or clock to keep to the study schedule.

To lead successful Bible studies, be over-prepared, use Biblical materials that can be immediately applied and adopt time-management strategies during the meetings.

 

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