How to Choose a Bible Study for Your Group

I remember the first time I tried to find a Bible study. I had just finished one devotional-type study and I was looking for something else. My son was just a few months old and very, very needy, so I needed something that I could do during the short breaks I had. The timeline of the life of Christ was fascinating to me, so I thought I would look for a study that would take me on a chronological journey through the gospels. Should be easy, right?

Well, whether or not that study actually exists, the Lord had other plans for me. As I browsed the local Christian bookstore, a study practically lept off the shelf. It was part of Precept’s New Inductive Study Series, titled The Holy Spirit Unleashed in You, a study in Acts. The church I was in at that time didn’t really talk much about the Holy Spirit, and I was immediately fascinated.

The start of a life-long journey

I glanced through the introductory pages, and my office-supply-obsessed heart lept for joy to discover I needed colored pens and pencils and a notebook. The Lord drew my attention to that little, unassuming book in such a way that I could not resist, and started me on a journey into His Word that has become an overwhelming passion in my life.

I became quickly hooked on inductive Bible study, and fully on board with a passion for Bible studies to study the Bible itself. The Lord grew me into becoming a Precept Bible Study leader. For many years choosing a study for the groups He was entrusting me with was a very simple matter. Start at Genesis, work through the Old Testament, and listen for His voice telling me when we needed to gain a New Testament perspective. I used solely Precept’s materials for many years and saw no need to do anything different.

A Whole New Calling

Then the Lord threw a wrench in my plans. Our women’s ministry director was moving on, and my pastor called me into his office and asked me to take on the teaching responsibilities for the women’s ministry. I was quaking. But the Lord confirmed that call with an overwhelming “YES”.

Over time the Lord was showing me that as much as I love Precept’s materials, my responsibiity was growing. Not only was I responsible for the women in my Precept group, but also for all the women in my church. For the first time, I had to really take a good look at what was out there. I had to learn to evaluate whether a study would work for my ladies or not. And I had to make sure the studies still fit the vision and calling that the Lord had given to me. Let me share a few things I learned in the process.

Seek the Lord’s guidance

Seems obvious! But honestly, the Lord knows best and will point you in the right direction. Whether you are choosing a study for a group or for yourself, He knows your needs in a deep way. He has a plan beyond what you can see. Use the wisdom He has given you, and trust His guidance.

Know yourself

The Lord has gifted you in a unique way, and given you a unique passion. You need to find a study that you will personally be excited to share with others. This is why I had done Precept studies for so many years. I was passionate about inductive study. I loved the way Precept’s studies brought people directly into the Word of God in a solid, methodical way. Every new person that joined my group made me giddy! I knew they were in for a wonderful treat as they got to experience hearing God’s voice speak personally to them through His Word. That passion was contagious and drew others in.

You may have a different passion. Lean into that. What fascinates you about the Bible at this moment? Is there a person in the Bible that you would love to learn more about? A book that intrigues you? A topic that you have been pondering for a while? Is there a style of study that you have found works for you and that you want to share with others? Trust that the Lord uses all of this for His glory. He has given you these passions to share with others.

Know your audience

My initial move away from offering only Precept studies at my church came because I heard from a number of the women that they simply were not connecting with Precept. They wished we would do a different study. I went to the Lord in prayer seeking His wisdom in this.

I knew that I had a passion for inductive study. Because of that, whatever I ended up doing would have to be inductive in nature, in some way. Those who are close to me reminded me that the Lord knew my leanings when He placed me in the role in the church. He was the one who gave me that passion. So how do I meet the needs of those in my church while remaining true to the calling and passion that the Lord has given me? Well, you can see the results on this website. I listened to the ladies, and found a way to meet their needs as much as possible.

So what are some things you should look for as you consider your audience?

• Time commitments – how long should the study last? Does your group have the stamina for a study that extends 9+ weeks, or will many of them lose interest by that point? How much time do they have each day to complete any personal study? Can they consistently spend an hour? A Half hour? Should you simply work on the study together?
• Style of study – I’m passionate about inductive study, but there are many other types of studies out there. Whatever style you choose, make sure that the focus is on God’s word, not the author’s opinions. There’s nothing wrong with having what I call a “Christian book club,” and perhaps that is what your group needs at the moment. But if you’re going to call it a Bible study, the Bible should be central.
• Video or no video – Many studies offer a teaching video to accompany the study. Is this important for your group? How will that affect your discussion time?
• Biblical knowledge – How familiar is your group with the Bible? Are they relatively new, needing a study that will give them more foundational truths? Or are they seasoned and ready for a challenge? If you have a mixed group, how will the study you are considering meet the various needs of those in your group?

Know the background of the Bible study author

This goes just a little deeper and may require a little research, but it is well worth the effort, especially if you are leading a group. Where is the author of the study coming from? As you read through the study, is she biblically sound?

As far as the study itself, it is coming from a particular theological tradition? There is unity in Christ and in the gospel. There is also a great variety of opinions about non-foundational theological positions.

Does the study you are considering advocate a tradition or leaning that you are not comfortable with, or that is in contradiction to your church’s leanings? Will this cause division in your group? Is your group mature enough to handle dissenting opinions on non-essential matters? Does the author include a Statement of Faith on their website?

Know the soundness of the Bible study

At this point, you probably have a study in mind. Take some time to read and work through some of the study. Is it accurate in its presentation of the Word? This is particularly important if you have chosen a lifestyle or devotional study. Is the author using the Bible out of context to support his or her own thoughts or opinions? Or is the author basing his or her opinions on sound analysis of the Biblical text? Some other things to look for:

• Can the questions be answered from the text that you are studying? Or are they calling for speculation and assumption?
• Are applications drawn from the text? Or are they drawn from personal experience?
• Are the scriptures being used appropriately? Or is the author “proof-texting”, choosing verses that on the surface appear to support a position but upon further study are speaking of something entirely different?
• Is God being presently faithfully and true to His character? Or is the study leading to a distorted view of who God is and how He works?
• Does the study have a legalistic bent to it – advocating self-help or behavioral changes without regard for the gospel?
• On the other hand, does the study have a “positivity” bent to it – speaking “peace and promises” without regard to sin and the need for salvation, forgetting that the Christian life is one of self-denial and sacrifice?
• Who is at the center of the study? Does it focus on the Lord? Or is the primary focus on the student or the author? Are you ok with that focus, knowing that it meets the needs of your group?

Remember why you are doing a Bible study

There’s a lot to consider in choosing a study, especially when the Lord has entrusted you with others to lead. There’s no need to be fearful or overwhelmed, though.

Remember that it is the Lord Himself who desires that we would draw closer to Him in His Word. It is His work and His plan that we would grow in knowledge and maturity and unity. He delights in our delight in His Word. You are never alone as you lead a Bible study. It’s His Kingdom that you are serving, and the King, your Good Shepherd will be your guide as you guide others.

Praying that the Lord blesses your time in His Word! Do you have any additional thoughts or comments? I’d love to hear!

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