Five Steps to Leading a Bible Study
Five Steps to Leading a Bible Study
The smell of the China hit me like a ton of bricks as I walked into the Asian market down the street from our local library. It was not the smell of fog, as the media would like you to believe. China smell is a mixture of spices unknown to my American brain, or taste buds for that matter. It hints of cinnamon with curry and something else. The China air is full of deep history, flavors, and colors behind what I’m used to. If I close my eyes after the little bell rings above the door to the market I am back in China.
As I walked through the aisles laden with all kinds of noodles and sauces, I can still hear the voice of our guide. His English name is “Tom.” We had him for a guide in Beijing both times we adopted. Soon after meeting Tom and hearing him talk about the city and country he loved I learned why so many adoptive families enjoyed, “Tom” as their guide. On the first trip to China he spoke about a culture I had never explored so fully other than my own. The second trip allowed us more time in Beijing, and more time with Tom. We learned why he loved his communistic country so many American’s would find strange. From the way he praised his people to the way he portrayed the family atmosphere all over China, I realized something about being a guide.
To be a good guide, isn’t about what you know. Sure, Tom knows a lot about China (and Beijing) since he grew up in the biggest city in the world. A good guide is someone who loves what they are showing. Being an in-home Bible study leader is about being a guide (not an expert). One of the biggest myths women believe is that they have to “know it all” or at least know a lot about God before they lead a Bible study. Instead, after I’ve lead an in-home Bible study for over six years, a good leader is someone is simply willing to learn, and then teach that!
Three myths about Bible study leaders:
Myth #1: You Have to Know a Lot. When I first started, I didn’t know very much about leading a Bible study. I learned as I went and that was ok! My friends who I invited didn’t mind I was learning as I went. We all saw it as a group investment and I learned about the Bible, and leading as each study unfolded.
Myth #2: You Have to Be a Teacher. I am a teacher, and I’ll admit: it doesn’t matter! If you find the right kind of curriculum, you won’t have to have all of the answers. The best kinds of leaders will be ones who don’t think too much of themselves. They will let God’s Word (and the study!!) teach. Facilitate is more of what a good leader will do.
Myth #3: Your Life Must Reflect the Word of God Perfectly. Yes. I did believe I had to reflect the exact lesson for each week. It doesn’t happen. And that’s ok. It isn’t about a perfect life, it is about a perfect God working out His perfect plan in your life! Don’t shoot for perfection when it comes to being a Bible study leader (spoiler: you won’t have it). Instead, continue to look to God for Him to lead you.
A good Bible study leader will forget the idea of having it all together. The best advice I can give you is to pray. Ask God to equip you, guide you, and look to Him for leadership. These are also some helpful things to remember…..
Five Steps to Leading a Bible Study
1. Organize and plan the dates to meet.
2. Do the homework.
3. Show up and share your heart.
4. Be quiet and listen to others talk.
5. Be able to keep the conversation going forward.
Maybe you are still a little intimidated and your inadequacies are right in front of your face. Get your FREE workbook, “How to Start Your Own In-Home Bible Study”! It includes all of the tips and practices above, plus how to host your own Bible study. I’ve expounded on the five steps of leading a good Bible study in this workbook and I hope you will check it out. It is FREE! I’ve taught a Bible study for over six years now, and attended Bible studies for over fifteen years. Learning from others I’ve developed this amazing FREE workbook on starting your own in-home Bible study. If you know three people who would like to study the Bible with you, you can start one.
Believe me, I struggled for many years feeling like I wasn’t enough to lead a Bible study. God reminded me over and over again: No, I’m not, but He is. Women will show up for your Bible study because of the Bible, not you. Get encouragement, practical help, and bet the first know about my workbook by signing up here.