Choosing Your Next Study

There are two reasons I continue to participate in group Bible studies. One: connecting with other women. Two: the study itself. I’m an education buff. I love learning history, culture, word studies, and how God speaks to people in so many different ways. I love the structure and accountability of homework, even if I am frequently guilty of falling behind. Whether it is a group of friends I’ve known forever or a collection of strangers, the study we go through together becomes a bridge, a common ground to base our discussions upon and facilitate our growth.

2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching…”  The same cannot always be said of Bible studies. I have sat through my share of study duds, poorly written, overly complicated, even some that didn’t actually connect the lesson to the Bible! With so many (mostly) wonderful choices out there, how do you figure out which material will be the right one for your group? Here are three questions to help you make that decision.  

1. Does this study fit my group?

Think through the logistics of who you’re meeting with. What is the spiritual maturity? How often does your group meet? How long are your meetings? Do you have time to watch a video and enjoy discussion? Is this a Sunday school setting where the number of participants may vary from week to week or an intimate gathering of friends who have committed to come? Will the group do the homework and be prepared for discussion or will you go through the lessons together? Keep these details in mind as you peruse and look for the format that best meets your needs.    

2. Do I, or someone I trust, trust the author?

Leadership never works in isolation and planning for your next study is no exception. Reach out to other leaders for recommendations. Read reviews and peruse the study yourself. Cultivate your own list of authors you have enjoyed in the past. Talk to your group members and get their thoughts as well. Find out what they’ve liked about past studies and what they would like to see or try in the future.

3. Will this study cultivate discipleship?

It’s like the old adage, Give a man a fish and he’ll eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he’ll eat for his lifetime. Your ultimate goal as a leader is for the women of your group to engage with God on a personal level. They won’t always be in your group, so when they leave they must be able to study on their own.  Find a study that encourages women to dig into the Bible. Teach them to ask good questions and find the answers. Grow them into leaders who will one day form and lead their own study group.

Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

– Hebrews 13:20-21