Rows or Circle: Finding the Best Shape for Your Bible Study

The sounds most familiar to a Bible study gathering are the shuffling of chairs, the noise of turned pages, and the murmured conversations. But before anything of real substance is expressed, a fundamental question sometimes arises: how should we arrange ourselves?

Should we sit in tidy rows or a more informal circle? It might seem a trivial concern. After all, almost anyone can use any arrangement and still get something out of the Bible.

Therefore, which is better? In truth, there is no one “right” answer. Rows and circles afford distinct benefits and drawbacks, and the best decision often hinges on your group’s particular aims and character. Let’s look at the pluses and minuses of each.

Pros of Row:

1. The audience can see the speaker.

2. Good sightlines for the speaker to see and interact with the audience. 

3. More people can fit in a row.

The Orderly Rows:

Visual access to the instructor.

When the pupils are all facing front, it is easier for the instructor to maintain virtual parallelism, equally accessing all the visual fields they occupy.

Visual access to the pupils.

In any arrangement, the instructor needs to access the pupils visually (and, I argue, visually before accessing the pupils audibly).

More generally, this is about visual access to learning opportunities.

* Clear Focus on the Leader/Speaker: Arranging participants in a row naturally directs everyone’s attention to the facilitator or whoever is leading the discussion. This can be particularly helpful when a teaching element is involved, ensuring that everyone can see visual aids or focus on the leader’s words.

* Minimizing Distraction: Not making direct eye contact minimizes opportunities for side conversations, which means there is less distraction in the group, allowing members to stay on task.

For specific individuals, like newcomers or those less at ease with revealing themselves, rows may be a way to find some anonymity. It might be a less direct path to getting comfortable in circles where gazes can easily meet.

* Accommodates More People: When you have a lot of people to fit into a limited space, putting them in rows is a more efficient use of the space. Although a row takes more width, a row across that can go further back is more of a space saver than a row across that can go further out.

Nevertheless, rows also have their disadvantages:

Light Interaction: The one-dimensional arrangement can restrain participants from having a comfortable dialogue and interaction. The seating can make it feel like a lecture is being given rather than a discussion occurring.

Possible Passivity: Looking forward makes it easier to become a passive listener rather than an active participant.

Weaker Community Bonds: The physical distance and absence of direct eye contact make it somewhat more difficult to form a strong sense of community and intimate connection within the group.

The Inclusive Circle:

Imagine now a collective set up in a complete or semi-circle. All members of the set can see all others within it. This configuration encourages:

Increased Togetherness and Equality: The circle fosters a truly democratic average; when there’s an average, there’s a direct path to equality. Democracy and equality are woven into the very fabric of the circle.

Heightened Involvement: When all members of the group can be seen and feel included, they are typically more inclined to engage in conversational exchanges. This creates a more hospitable and less nerve-racking ambiance for expressing oneself.

Collective Leadership: The circular arrangement can naturally induce collective leadership and responsibility within the group. Everyone feels unequaled in the department of shared governance, leading to a significant change in the atmosphere. Everyone feels they can and will be heard in this Meeting Space.

More Convenient for Group Activities: When a group shares prayer requests or personal reflections, a circle is the most natural, comfortable position for everyone. That’s because no one has to turn away from the person who is speaking and facing one another is of the utmost importance in a group that is speaking and listening.

Even with the benefits of the circle in mind, it still has its share of challenges.

Might Feel Intimidating for Some: For bashful or unfamiliar individuals, the straightforward gaze of everyone in a circle can feel like all eyes are on them and may elicit a kind of performance anxiety.

Likelihood of Few Leading Voices: If a group is not intentionally facilitated, a few individuals with strong opinions may lead and dominate the conversation in a circle.

Distractions: People allowed to interact directly tend to engage in more side conversations and get distracted more often—unless the direct interaction is well managed.

Limited Space: Arranging a large group in a comfortable circle can be difficult, depending on the available space.

Finding Your Shape:

In the end, what works best for your Bible study is the form that fits your group’s size, personality, and objectives. Ask yourself these questions before finalizing the decision. They will help you clarify what direction your study needs to take.

What is the main thrust of your investigation? Is it primarily towards transmitting information or towards discussing problems?

What is the size of your group? If you have a larger group, they might find it more practical to have teaching sessions in rows. If you have a smaller group, they might find it better to have teaching sessions in a circle.

What is the comfort level of your group members?

Are there newcomers or individuals who might initially feel more comfortable in a less direct setting?

What type of engagement are you looking to create? Is it listening with an intense focus, or is it more of a kind of listening that makes space for open dialogue?

Possible Solutions:

Mixed Method: It might be a good plan to begin teaching in rows and then shift to smaller circles for discussion.

Semi-Circle: This can give a balance between attention and engagement.

Rotating Arrangements: Try rows and circles to determine the optimal formation for various sessions with your group.

Feel free to discuss this with your group! By soliciting their input, you can help them take some ownership and feel more comfortable engaging with God’s Word.

Therefore, the next time you come together for Bible study, take a moment to consider the form that you are taking. It is the key to unlocking a more profound connection, a richer discussion, and a more impactful experience for everyone involved.