Maybe you know that reading and studying the Bible is important . . . even superimportant. And you’ve decided you’d like to grab some gals and study God’s Word together. But perhaps you’re not the most disciplined disciple on the planet, and you’re overwhelmed with how to even begin. Don’t be! There’s hope, and there’s help. Keep reading!
1. Purpose. List the reasons why you want to start the Bible study in the first
place. What goals do you have? Write them down and then pray about each.
2. Topic. Jot down the different topics you’d like to study. Consider themes (love, joy, peace), books of the Bible or lessons from Bible characters’ lives. Check your local bookstore or the Internet for Bible study workbooks and guides.
3. Leader. Think about how the group will be led. One leader, two leaders? Will all group members take a turn leading? Look up Bible verses about godly leadership. (Here are a couple of passages to get you started: Matthew 20:26-28; Luke 22:24-26.)
4. Guy/Girl. Will the Bible study have guys and girls in it or only girls? Guys may provide a different perspective, but they can also be a distraction. Again, consider the purpose behind the study and pray about your decision.
5. Ages. How old will the group members be? What grade level do you want the Bible study geared toward? Consider asking a wise older female to join the group to provide valuable insights and spiritual depth.
6. Time. When will the Bible study take place? Before school, lunch, study hall, after school, on the weekend? Pick a time that fits peoples’ schedules and won’t have people arriving late or leaving early.
7. Location. Where will the Bible study take place? A group member’s home, at school, the local library, a coffee shop? Note that some schools require students to request permission to hold a Bible study on campus.
8. Guidelines. Most groups or clubs have rules. Do you want to have guidelines for this group? Consider regular attendance, accountability and even confidentiality when sharing struggles and prayer requests.
9. Promotions. How will people know about the Bible study? Flyers posted around school, word-of-mouth, a private invitation only, sign-up table at lunch?
10. Prayer. Most important, ask Christ to help you begin the Bible study. Pray that He’ll bring the right people into your group and help everyone grow in her personal walk with Him.
Looking for a great Bible study to do with your friends? Try Secret
Power to Faith, Family, and Getting the Guy: A Personal Bible Study on the Book
of Ruth by Susie Shellenberger. Order a copy for you or 10 for you and your friends!
