25 Bible Study Lessons
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A WORD TO THE BIBLE STUDY LEADERS
1. Principles of Bible Study:The outlines contained in this study guide are intended foruse in a small group discussion setting. It uses the inductiveBible study method as follows:· Observation: A careful look at what the Bible actually says.We ask questions like who, what, where, when, how, etc.· Interpretation: After observing the passage carefully, we try
to understand what it means. We ask questions like, “Why didhe say that?”; or “What is the significance of this action?” etc.
· Application: Having understood what the Bible says and whatit means, we should learn how to apply it to our lives. Unlesswe let the Word of God affect our attitudes and our daily lives,all our efforts will have been wasted!2. Your Use of the Guide:As a wise leader you should regard the guide as a servant,not a master. First, make the study your own, hearing Godspeak to you and your situation. Then prepare with the group inmind. The questions should never be used mechanically, butflexibly. They are intended to stimulate thoughtful, personalinvestigation of the Bible. You should feel free to adapt the
questions to the group‟s level and needs. Reword them to suit
your personality, using your own dialect if possible.3. How to Lead the Bible Study:(Adapted from Neighborhood Bible Studies by M. Kunzand C. Schell)a. Have the Bible portion read silently by the group. Thenhave it read aloud by paragraphs. The reading aloud shouldbe done by paragraphs, or thought units, and not verse byverse. Then discuss the questions regarding the paragraph.It is not necessary for everyone to read aloud, or for eachperson to read an equal amount.b. Good Bible study leaders are not lecturers or preachers.They are more like shepherds who guide their flocks to
green pastures to feed for themselves. So don‟t talk too
much as a leader. The discussions should move back andforth between members.c. Encourage everyone to contribute to the discussion. Ask ques
tions like, “What do the rest of you think? “ or “Isthere anything else that can be added/?”
d One of your basic responsibilities as leader is to watch thatthis discussion is based on the text. If it is based onsubjective opinion only, you could refer members beck to
the Bible by asking, “Where did you find that in our passage? “
Don‟t be afra
id of pauses or periods of silence. People needtime to think through the meaning of the passage. Rephraseyour questions if the pause is too long. Perhaps they do notunderstand what you are asking.f. Watch quiet and shy members who, through their facialexpression or by the way they sit, express that they havesomething to say. Give them a nod or call their name toencourage them to speak.