How to Sustain A Bible Study

This is part two of a three part series. The first installment of this study is foundational as it deals with faith, an essential ingredient in this endeavor. If some of what is being said doesn’t make sense, go back and read the first part before continuing. You will get the most out of this series if you read the three parts in order.

Don’t Give Up

After several weeks up in Canada I returned to school in Wisconsin and looked to reconnect with Ben. At first this was difficult. I lost the piece of paper he had written his number on. Initially, he didn’t answer my calls or texts. I had lost the connection entirely. However, I was convinced that God had set up this meeting with Ben. I kept calling and texting. Finally after nearly a month I got through. We set up a meeting at the Fiddleheads Cafe in downtown Menononeee Falls, WI.

It would have been very easy to give up the connection and walk away. However, God had given me the connection. God had given me a sacred trust. It was now my responsibility to reach out to Ben until the connection was made. I learned an important lesson: Don’t give up.

This principle has many applications. Don’t give up on connections. Don’t give up on praying for victory. Don’t give up on helping someone overcome an addiction. Don’t give up. Don’t give up. Don’t give up.

Set a Specific Time and Place

A Specific Time

I started out meeting 5:00pm on Monday every single week. When you choose a time be religious about your commitment. Don’t let anything stop you. If you have stuff come up that week and are not able to make it, make sure that you have someone to fill in. This is why it is super important to have a second man in place who you agree with and who you trust as a leader.

A Specific Place

As I mentioned before, Ben and I started in a coffee shop. Initially, we just met in the public space. It was a good fit for a group of four or five. However, as time went on, the group expanded and we could not fit into the public space. We ended up reserving a community room at a cafe. When this opportunity dried up, we moved to a restaurant in a more central location. We ended up finally settled at an apartment. Wherever you have the meeting, make sure that everyone is on the same page. If you move locations make sure that this move is communicated clearly so everyone knows what is going on. Clear communication is key.

Encourage Invitation and Participation

Encourage Invitation

I cannot emphasize how important it is to make sure that those who are attending the study are inviting others. Every person that attends the study is a part of a community that you are not connected with. They have family you will never meet. They have coworkers you will never meet. They have connections you will never make.

As a Bible study leader, make group growth a big emphasis. If you encourage people to invite their friends, an amazing thing will happen: they will start inviting their friends! Not everyone who is invited will show up. However, as you and the members of the group continue to invite people, the study will inevitably grow.

Encourage Participation

As people grow in their knowledge and you become more comfortable with where they are at, allow them to teach in the group. The goal is to create disciples who are passing on the truth they know. Giving people a chance to teach will give them confidence and foster a spirit of obedience within your disciple.

Share Concise, Interesting and Applicable Truth

Every once in while, I endure a dry, academic lecture. This is good at the proper time and place. However, in the context of a Bible study, you are not presenting a dry academic thesis. You are sharing exciting, applicational, transformational, life-infusing truth. Don’t settle for anything less!

There are many ways to do this. Whatever style you choose, make sure your study is textually based and gets to the point quickly. Make direct and sometimes uncomfortable application. Be very specific about what needs to be changed in the life of your disciples. Give time for discussion and allow people to share what is on their heart. This will allow you to gauge how much people are learning and where their heart is. You will be amazed at how much is added to the discussion by a young believer learning to walk with Christ!

As far as preparation is concerned, you need to work hard in preparing your study ahead of time. Have notes to hand out or share digitally. People are giving up precious time to be at your study. Make it worth their while. Whatever you do, be exciting and engaging in your presentation. There is nothing worse than a boring, toothless Bible study lacking in clear application!

Build Authentic Relationships

Meeting together individually is an excellent way to build a solid relationship with disciples. This doesn’t happen by accident. Outside of the Bible study context schedule times for meals and coffee. Use these times to ask spiritual questions. Get to know them. Ask them how they are doing. Ask if there is something you can pray for and record their prayer requests. Actually pray for them and follow up on the situation. Be genuine in your care for others. You will be amazed how people will open up and share their burdens when they realize you truly care.

This is the second part of a three part series. Keep your eyes peeled for the next installment!