Considerations for leading Bible study

If you're thinking about leading a Bible Study but have no idea where to start, check out this list for some things that you may want to consider. Please only use this list like FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) and not a list of rules. You may not need to consider any/all of them. If you have something else to add to the list, please comment! :)

Choosing the class

1. Free Material

• Before purchasing a kit or books for a study, check your Church Library. They may already have the kit you're looking for.
• The Southern Baptist Convention of Virginia has a lending library with kits for many popular studies that you can check out! You just pay for the return shipping. (Other denominations and/or organizations for your state may also have similar libraries).
• Once you pick your topic, you can also search the internet for free studies on that topic.

2. Paid Materials

• If you must purchase the study; check with your church office first. They may have a line in the budget to cover the cost of materials. 
• You may also choose to buy the materials outright to keep and/or donate to the church when you are done. Most studies will have a leader kit and then 1-2 member books for each person in the class. You may choose to buy all of those and have members pay you back. Please know that some people may not be able [or may forget] to pay, even if they say that they can. That isn't always the case and many times you will get all of your money back but you should consider how much you're willing to pay out of pocket when making your decision. 
• You can also tell members the Title and ISBN numbers for them to purchase on their own. I do recommend using that number because, I have led a class and had members show up with two different books with the same exact title by two different authors. Many books come in a downloadable version that individuals could buy on their own too.

3. Length of study - Most studies are about an hour. Stick to the time as best you can. This will mean that you will have to interrupt bunny trails on an occasion. That's okay. Offer the group a chance to continue to have conversations later.

(Calculating time = Duration of any videos + 30-60m discussion/prayer + meal/social time).

4. Choosing a location - Do you need to check the church calendar to see if a room is available? Do you need to obtain a key? If you're dealing with topics that someone may be embarrassed to discuss, like sexual abuse, abortion, addictions, etc... You may want to consider an offsite location from the church. Maybe even a smaller room for intimacy and either no windows or with a way to close shades.

5. Size of class - I don't know that you need to worry a whole lot about keeping the class to a certain size, unless you're doing grief related studies. Those classes should be kept to under 6 members, when possible. If you're limited on seating that may also force you to choose a number of participants. Jesus had 12 disciples and I hear some that like to use that as the model for a small group. Smaller groups do allow for more intimacy and discussion. There are also many successful classes that have many members. If you have a group that is "hungry for the word", they won't care about size or location!

6. Childcare and food - These two things are two of the biggest challenges when trying to have a study, particularly in the evening. You can have a successful class without arrangements for either. However, if you can line up childcare and/or covered dish.... you may have a much better attendance rate! Don't forget to consider bedtimes and/or food allergies. If you know any high school or college students, they may need community service hours and so they could help with childcare for free!

Prepping for class

7. A great resource - How to Create and Present High-Impact Bible Studies by Elmer Towns.

8. Other Tools - You may need or want: TV/DVD player, speakers, Extra Bibles in other translations, extra Bibles to give away, Commentaries, Greek/Hebrew Dictionary, pens/highlighters, paper, sticky notes or index cards, a basket (for prayer requests or collections).

9.  You may also want to consider - Tissues, coffee/cream/sugar, snacks for adults and/or kids, mints.

10. Material - Write (in advance) passages on index cards and give out to the group early so that others can easily find verses that need to be read in class. Include maps, charts, videos, other tangible objects or aides that will give depth to the discussion.

During the class

11.  Open with Prayer

12. How to handle prayer requests - Prayer requests can take up A LOT of your class time. It leads to discussion, questions and bunny trails. This might be OK if you have plenty of time but if you're limited; here are 2 things I've tried that work well.

• Email Prayer Requests - Allow members to email you or the group with any prayer requests.
• Prayer basket - Hand everyone a sticky note and pen for prayer requests. They can include or omit their name. They write their requests (1 or all) on the paper and place it in a basket. Before everyone leaves, everyone will draw a note. They will take that paper home and pray throughout the week for the name drawn.

13. Contact Sheet - Create a contact sheet with phone/email information in case you need to cancel or reschedule class because of inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances. Ask permission before sharing everyone's information with the group. You can also use this list for the prayer chain (either by email or phone). Also ask before assuming texts are OK.

14. Homework - It is common for people to not prepare and/or do homework before they come to class. Do not take it personal. Many people are struggling just to squeeze the class in. -That being said, it is important for you to do yours!

15. Stick to the schedule - If you only have a few people show up, you may be tempted to post pone covering material until everyone can attend. Use this with caution. Holding the class up can bore and frustrate members of the class that are hungry and truly seeking the Lord, especially if they have made arrangements to get there. Rescheduling before people show up is better, but only do this if necessary! Summer/holiday schedules make this tricky. Sometimes it may only be you and one other person that is OK!  Keep the class going and you might be surprised at the discussion!

16. Take Notes - You may wish to email notes to members that couldn't make it and remind them where the class will start back.

17. Creating discussion - Sometimes it will feel like you ask a question and no one answers. Wait 15 seconds (and it's totally okay to count in your mind). It may feel like forever to you but they might be trying to process what you've asked. Also, try to use open ended questions. (Not "yes" or "no").  It's okay if no one answers.


You may also be interested in "Why YOU should lead a Bible Study" :)

Photo Credit: Bua.edu