Strengths Needed in Bible Study

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Episode 106: Leading a Study
Goals to Consider

Do you have a time where you study the Bible with other believers? It might be just you and a friend meeting in a coffee shop once a month. It might be a large group that meets weekly. Whatever the case might be, what underlying goals should we consider for our time studying together? The first episode of this new category deals with areas that I have found helpful promoting our collaboration in the Word.

Differentiation

One problem with many Bible studies is that they cannot minister to a diverse group of individuals in the study. It is common to hear distinctions: “This is a young people’s study,” or “This is an intensive study,” or “This is an evangelistic study.” All these distinctions are made because the study format does not allow for the study to be used with people from multiple ages, knowledge-levels, spiritual standings, or interest levels. This creates barriers or it leads to poor teaching. Sometimes the study is too elementary or too advanced for certain students. This leads to disinterest or frustration. To teach efficiently, the study needs to allow for students to go as far as they are able and always gain from the study.

Student-Centered Learning

Another benefit in this format that is often missed is that it focuses on the student rather than the teacher. The majority of the talking, sharing, and working will be done by the students. This can be very difficult for teachers. It may be the hardest part of this entire method—getting the teachers to let the students learn for themselves and actually experience the Bible study for themselves. This may also be the most important aspect of this format of Bible study. This is what will allow your students to learn more efficiently and remember what they have learned.

Discussion-Oriented

This is the final challenge that I have observed in many Bible studies that is facilitated by this format. To stimulate conversation in the study can be a hard thing. Usually the conversation is between a few people and the others sit silently by and never contribute, or the “leader” talks the entire time and does not allow for contributions from those at the study. This is very important and works hand-in-hand with the principle mentioned above. The more students discuss, the more they will take ownership of the content they have learned.

Each of these areas is usually a struggle to apply to a Bible study. However, each area we can include contributes to the success of the students and of the study.