Someone recently asked me for some suggestions for a group Bible study.
These are just a few ideas which hopefully may be helpful. Remember,
there are no concrete rules, so these ideas are just basic guidelines.
Each situation is different and may require improvisation...
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Have a set time to begin and to end. Although some people may want to continue for hours, others likely will lose interest and not want to come back. I'd go no longer than one hour.
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Have refreshments at the end to give everyone something to look forward to. I'm assuming that you're inviting new believers, or unbelievers, to your study.
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If any unsaved attend, definitely center the topic discussed around salvation.
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Announce the meeting at least 2-weeks ahead of time to give folks plenty of time to adjust their schedules, and don't cancel no matter what! Even if one person shows up, have the study.
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I'd start with the Gospel of John, which is my favorite Bible Book. John chapter 1 is packed with doctrines on the deity of Christ, the Godhead, salvation, creation and much more. John covers it all, just about.
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In a Bible study, I'd stick to basic truths, and avoid lots of speculation. If members in the group want to speculate, it's important to teach them that the fundamental doctrines of the Bible are irrefutable: The virgin birth, the Godhead (Trinity), the deity of Jesus, the bodily resurrection of Jesus, the literal liquid blood atonement of Jesus, the death, burial and resurrection,. et cetera. Avoid the gap theory, unlearned questions and strivings about the Law. If you really want to discuss these topics, it should be only after first covering the fundamentals of the Christian faith, and only amongst believers.
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Begin each meeting in prayer and end each meeting in prayer. You should pray prior to the meeting as well, for the Holy Spirit to work in people's hearts.
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NEVER charge money for the meeting, even if materials are distributed, or refreshments. If people want to bring refreshments, that is fine. The truth should never be sold, nor should any appearance be given that making money is a motive behind the Bible study.
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Use only the King James Bible and have extra Bibles on hand for those who come without a King James Bible. I wouldn't even quote from a perverted bible, unless it's to expose the lies in it.
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Always have a practical application for the Bible Study. That is, how can the truths discussed be applied to one's Christian life, to help us live more for God?
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It's best to hold the meeting at the church if possible. Having a Bible study in one's home is acceptable, but I think it would be better to have the meeting at a church if possible to keep it more proper.
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If the Bible study is held in one's home, it is very important that barking dogs and crying babies not be present. It would be advisable to have someone baby-sit or tend to any animals during the Bible study. This is one of several reasons why I encourage the study to be held at the church. Also, babysitting could possibly be offered at the church.
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Any televisions, if present, should be unplugged if the meeting is held in the home, to avoid someone from watching them. If there's a TV, someone will likely turn it on. In one's personal home, people will likely be distracted more easily than they would at church. All distractions should be minimized to prevent interruptions in the Bible study. Phones should be turned off during the meeting.
