How to Start a College Bible Study Group
College life can present many challenges as you adapt to new personal freedoms and academic responsibilities. Finding ways to cope with stress is essential to maintaining your well-being. Engaging in religious activities is one way to stay grounded. Whether you're renewing your biblical knowledge or exploring a Bible for the first time, starting a college Bible study group can inspire you to stay focused on your goals.
Instructions
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Outline your mission and important group details. Decide whether the group will primarily cater to practicing Christians, undecided believers or people from any religious faith. The focus affects your recruitment efforts. Choose how the group will select and discuss the study topics. For instance, the group could follow a rigid course outline, or simply ask for suggestions just before each session. It may be beneficial to follow a course outline until you see which members are dedicated to the group and willing to lead discussions.
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Create fliers to advertise the group. Attract more interest by giving the group a catchy name that incorporates your school mascot or motto. Including Bible verses and a preview of upcoming lesson plans can further establish your intent. List your contact information, along with the meeting time, date and place. Consider building a website to post additional information regarding the group.
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Propose the idea at college worship services. Telling others in this religious setting can make it easier to explain your mission. Ask for support for your new group, including help developing and teaching the Bible study. Getting guidance from church leaders may lend more credibility to your study group. Look for guest speakers and people who would like to help with the administrative details.
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Approach potential study group members without seeming judgmental or pushy. Understand that everyone isn't a practicing Christian and that some people may respond negatively to your advances. Explain your mission and provide examples of a typical meeting. Present the group as a break from hectic college life, and you may appeal to more students. Explain the relevance of the group by showing how real-world events will be incorporated into the study.
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Conduct the first meeting. Start with prayer, to ensure the meeting gets started on a positive note. Discuss your initial ideas and ask for suggestions. Gather contact information, including email addresses, as college life can be busy. Provide comment cards and a suggestion box for shy members. Establish your next meeting date and topic. End the meeting with prayer.
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Tips & Warnings
Follow up with study group members before the next meeting to thank them for attending. Although some details may change depending on your group's dynamics, it's important to establish concrete information, such as your meeting time and place, and stick to it. Spice up study group meetings with videos, songs and guest speakers.
Avoid doing all the talking. Encourage active participation to make group sessions more interesting and fulfilling.
