Spreading the Word

Starting a Neighborhood Bible Study

By Flo Speers

Is the Lord nudging you to gather a few friends to study His word together? He gave me this desire twenty-seven years ago. Timidly I sent out six notes to friends asking if they would like to start a bible study. Immediately one friend said she would have it at her house if I would lead it. To me this was confirmation from God! Over the years we’ve averaged between 15 and 20 women. Some have continued from the start but others leave for one reason or another and surprisingly, new ones continue to join us. This year we have 15 including two who are new to us.

I encourage you to step out in faith with a few friends and just begin. You can use Bible studies like “Disciplers” which is very good and requires a little homework. Or you can just begin with a book of the Bible to read and discuss.   

My suggestions to you:

•    If you lead/teach, meet at another’s home. (It’s too distracting to play hostess as well as leader.)
•    Start on time and end on time. (People have other things to plan for too.)
•    Schedule time for prayer requests. (Your group, as they become close in study, will also become supportive of one another in prayer.)
•    Ten to fifteen is the ideal number for discussion. (But even three can be very meaningful.)
•    Be sensitive to people in the group as they discuss the lesson. (Some are shy but would like to speak.  Some will tend to hog the conversation. Call on some, to encourage them, and move others along gently if needed.)
•    Do your homework. (What is the one thing you want your group to take away? What is the focal point of this lesson or this set of scriptures?)
•    Pray (Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you first.)  
•    Pray (Come as a clean vessel for the Lord to speak through, having dealt with and asked forgiveness for any sin, however small.)
•    Pray for each member of your group before you meet that day. (This is the most important preparation you can do!)

Your group will teach and enlighten you as much or more than you will teach them. It is amazing how the Holy Spirit speaks through one and then another as you meet together with Him. You will also discover the wonderful bonding love of Christ for one another as the members come to know each other and bring new ones into their fellowship. What a privilege! Begin and enjoy!