What is a small group Bible study?

According to Acts 2:28, 41–47, it is a group which meets regularly for the purposes of prayer, fellowship, and encouragement (Hebrews 10:24–25, Galatians 6:2). There are many types of small groups— those that meet as a part of a particular church, topical groups, neighbors, and even simply friends who agree to meet regularly for these purposes.

Carl George, an expert on small groups, compiled a list of six things that are important to small group members:

- a leader who cares about them
- building relationships
- seeing themselves grow
- belonging in the group
- feeling safe, yet challenged
- having reasons for joining a group fulfilled. [George, Carl F. Nine Facets of the Effective small-Group Leader.]

Who should be in our small group Bible study?

Anyone who wants to study could be included; however, 10 is an ideal number. If there are more than 10, close relationships probably will not form. If there are less than 10, you will probably find that the group is too small. For example, if two or more people are missing at any given meeting date, the group will have difficulty moving ahead.

An important element of group member selection is to extend personal invitations. Experience has shown that people will more likely respond to an invitation from a friend than from any other type of contact (mail, public notice, newsletter, etc.). A good rule of thumb is to invite 20–25 people in order to assure a turnout of 10. Membership should always be open to newcomers, however. If more members are added and the group becomes too large, it is simply a message to nurture another group.

How do I provide leadership?

Good news— you don't have to be a Bible scholar or leadership expert to provide some basic guidance to a small group! The basic tasks of leadership are simple: Pray, Prepare, Guide, and Care. [Hestenes, Robert. Using the Bible in Groups]

Pray

Pray for God to send the people to the group who need it most. Pray for God's work to be accomplished through the group: education, fellowship, encouragement. Pray for additional leaders to be identified and nurtured through the group. Pray for God to assist you with the leadership you will provide (“What would you like to add to this group through me?”). Pray tha tthe group will be led to appropriate and helpful study materials. Pray for the needs of the specific members of the group. Pray for the group to find prayer to be a thrilling part of the group's experience!

Prepare

A myriad of resources is available for Bible study. Check your church library, or ask a pastor or Christian education director for suggestions. Some groups prefer to select a complete Bible study booklet which will guide their entire study for a period of time.

Another successful approach (especially for groups where the leadership rotates) is to use the “Milk Carton Method.” A milk carton type of plastic orate is filled with useful study materials such as a thorough concordance, Bible dictionary, topical study reference, and various other study tools. Each time the group meets, the milk carton is passed on to the individual who will be leading the study the next time.

To guide a Bible study without a published lesson, preparation can still be organized and purposeful. First, read a passage several times, in multiple translations, if possible. Then explore related passages, and the larger context of the scripture. Commentaries and other resources can be helpful at this point in your study. In addition, consider personal impressions about the application of the scripture. Finally, plan how to present it, as if you were attempting to teach it to yourself. [George, Carl F. Nine Facets of the Effective small-Group Leader.]

Guide

• Begin and end the group on time.
• Ask good questions in a logical order.
• Keep the discussion moving at a lively pace while allowing freedom to reflect.
• Pull the group back to the main subjects and away from tangents or unprofitable debate. (“That is an excellent point, and we could spend a great deal of time discussing that. However, let’s save that for another time and get back to the text we’re studying.”)

Sample Agenda

• acknowledging God's goodness
• listening to one another
• Bible discussion and application
• prayer time
•announcements/planning [George, Carl F. Nine Facets of the Effective small-Group Leader.]
• Involve as many members as possible in the discussion.
• Keep a check on the time so that each activity receives enough time. [Hestenes, Robert. Using the Bible in Groups]

“The designated lader initiates the study discussion and guides only enough so that members themselves can discover what God has said in the passage. … The leader can protect the right of each to speak and the need of all to listen.” [Hestenes, Robert. Using the Bible in Groups]

Guidelines for Asking Questions

1. Focus the answers by asking, “Where do you see that in the text?”

2. Broaden the discussion. “Does anyone have other thoughts to add?”

3. Don't criticize an answer … ask what others think.

4. Don't be afraid of silence—give people time to think.

Care (And Promote Bonding in The Group)

Although study appears to be the primary purpose of a Bible study group, it is the interpersonal connections which provide the lifeblood of the experience. Obviously prayer can provide a bonding element for the members; it can help them not only to know and understand one another's needs, but to learn to empathize. Intercessory prayer is also an essential part of the work of the church body.

When a group is new and many members do not know one another, it is important to begin the dialogue of self-revelation. “Bonding Questions” are those that require some personal reflection and the willingness to share oneself with the group. For example, “Who was your favorite person when you were five, and why?” “Which was your favorite birthday celebration as a child?” “How was your house warmed as a child … and when did Christ become warm to you?”

In Covenant to Care, characteristics of successful small groups are described.

8 Covenant Dynamics

1. unconditional love (acceptance)

2. availability

3. prayer

4. openness

5. honesty

6. sensitivity

7. confidentiality

8. accountability (to grow) [Evans, Dr. Lous H. Convenant to Care]

Many groups also add to this list “the righttopass.” This means that each individual may choose not to answer any given question if they feel uncomfortable with it. The right to maintain privacy in some areas is an important issue of trust for many individuals.

Problems

It would be naive to assume that when Christians gather together, things will always go smoothly! Problems can be anticipated and help is available. Although most disruptions are temporary or minor, occasionally there are more significant challenges for the group. It is essential that the leader be prepared to make referrals for individuals who need them.

While Christian small groups can be therapeutic, they are not set up to be therapy-groups. When personal needs are intense, when suffering is severe, when deep depression or suicidal inclinations appear, it is critical that the group leader meet the person outside ofthe group meeting and try to assist the distressed member in obtaining appropriate help. Groups can do some things but they cannot do all things. A wise leader knows his or her limitations and goes for help when it is needed. [Hestenes, Robert. Using the Bible in Groups]

Disruptive Behavior

1. disagreeing with the leader

2. criticizing others

3. dominating discussion time

4. complaining about church services or staff

5. cynicism

6. not controlling distractions (e.g., children) [George, Carl F. Nine Facets of the Effective small-Group Leader.]

Help Is Available!

Resources are available for those who wish to extend their knowledge about small group Bible studies. Nine Facets of the Effective Small Group Leader, by Carl George, is an excellent video/workbook series which can be completed individually or in training groups. Various books are available in your church library, and pastors may have additional resources or materials to recommend. The name of our resource person for small group Bible studies is listed below. For more information, advice, or guidance of any type, feel free to contact them. Their personal experience in this area is available to you!

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