How to Conduct an Effective Bible Study
An effective Bible study depends on how interesting the Bible study is and how well it relates to those attending. The Bible study must challenge groups to grow spiritually and provide a safe place to seek emotional support and encouragement. A leader who has prayed and asked God for guidance, prepared well, studied and searched for ways to make the Bible study exciting has a better chance at success than one who is poorly prepared.
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Instructions
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Lead the group to look inward. Challenge each member in the way he thinks. Look for a Bible study that is appropriate for the group you are leading. Find one that is interesting and challenges the learner to grow in his faith spiritually, emotionally and physically.
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Use different literal translations of the Bible during study. A literal translation is a Bible that gives exact translated words of the original Holy Scriptures as opposed to a paraphrase such as "The Message." The King James Bible is a reliable translation, but it is sometimes hard for people to understand. Use a New King James Version along with a copy of the New International Version or invest in a parallel Bible. Keep a copy of a good concordance handy when a word is not clearly understood. Other effective tools for Bible study are a commentary, a Bible handbook and a dictionary.
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Use interesting illustrations and lessons learned in life to make points when teaching the study. Be humorous when the occasion permits. Keep things as simple as possible by using words that are understood by everyone, and don't try to impress them with your knowledge. If you do not know an answer to a question, tell them you will find an answer and get back with them next week.
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Lead your group to focus outward. Go to nursing homes and take flowers to distribute to the residents there. Take up a collection of clothing and toys to be sent to missionaries overseas. Check with homeless shelters to see if there is any volunteer work needed, and set up a date to help in any way you can.
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Take your Bible study group on trips. Supply information on seminars that supplement the Bible study you are currently going through. Offer to make the arrangements for tickets and rooms, if need be. Spend time with them individually to promote a closer relationship.
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Find ways to promote trust, safety and love. A successful Bible study has all three of these elements. Stress the importance of trust at each meeting in hopes that all members will feel secure enough to share their hearts.
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Keep your Bible study to one to two hours maximum. Use an hour for refreshments and prayer and an hour for the study itself. If the study goes beyond this time, you might lose members because attention spans and time restrictions factor into it.
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References
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