How to Kick Off Your Adult Bible Study (It’s Easier Than You Think!)
Alright, you have this tiny prod in your heart. A gentle push that you’re feeling, one that says, “Hey, you know what? You should spend some more time with the Good Book. You should study it, not just in your private, one-on-one time with God, but with other grown-up Christians. And why not serve up some meaningful talks while you’re at it? Why not engage in brain-forging discussions that help you all better understand your God and His Word?” All right; deep breaths. First, don’t let the phrase “Bible study” wig you out. It might sound big, intimidating, and requires a lot of money and effort to pull off. But you know what? It’s not. Here are some reasons why I say that.
1. Keep it Small and Simple (Think Cozy, Not Colosseum):
Don’t feel like you need to gather half the church immediately. Seriously, it’s best to think small at first. Gather a few folks you already connect with: friends, neighbors, service buddies you already converse with. Even a couple of people is a great nucleus to start with! It’s much easier to feel comfortable sharing and asking questions when you’re with friends, neighbors, or even just a couple of conversational service buddies. A huge group can feel intimidating. Ain’t nobody got time for that!
In the initial meetings, there’s no need for an elaborate curriculum or a degree from a seminary. Choose a brief book of the Bible, perhaps one of the Gospels or a shorter epistle like James or Philippians. Each week, you can read a single chapter or just a few verses together and then… talk about it!
2. Find Your Sweet Spot (Location, Location, Location!):
Where you gather can make a big difference in the ambiance. Your home? Another cozy retreat? Is the local pub a good fit for the vibe you’re going for? The key is to find a relaxed place that lends itself to conversation. Think oversized, comfy chairs; maybe some snacks and drinks (because who doesn’t love a good excuse for nachos and margaritas?), a space where you’re not interrupted every 30 seconds. It’s not easy and covers a lot of ground, really.
Think about what is best for the folks you want to include. Is someone’s home more approachable and less stiff? Is it easier for people to say yes to meeting at church? Try a couple of different places, and don’t hesitate to relocate if it suits the group’s dynamics better. The goal is to find a spot where everyone feels comfortable, and the group feels accessible.
3. Be Flexible and Embrace the Journey (It’s Not About Being Perfect):
Let’s be real: life occurs. Meetings will be missed; discussions might go off-t tangents—sometimes those are the best!—and you might not always have all the answers. And that’s totally okay! The point of a Bible study isn’t to become a biblical scholar overnight. It’s to grow as a group in understanding God’s Word, to support each other in your collective faith journey, and to build meaningful group relationships.
Welcome suggestions from the group about what to study next or how to divide your time. Don’t hesitate to say, “I don’t know, but let’s investigate that together next week!” The wonderful thing about a small group is that you can shift and change as needed. So take a breath and relax invite a few friends, and take the first step. You might be surprised at the riches and connections that unfold when you dive into the Word together.