How to Effectively Conduct a Catholic Bible Study

Effective study of Scripture is a great way to connect with God.

Whether for Scriptural education, prayerful meditation or simply the joy of fellowship with other Catholics, a Bible study can be a very effective way for Catholics to connect with Scripture on a more personal, informal level than in Mass. Leading a Bible study can be a very challenging but rewarding experience; with time and effort, you can create an enjoyable and spiritually reaffirming experience with the study of the Holy Bible.

Things You'll Need

• Catechism of the Catholic Church
• Catholic Bibles

Instructions

1. Examine the teachings of the Catholic Church regarding Bible study. The Catechism of the Catholic Church has a series of guidelines for studying Scripture, and various popes have issued encyclicals related to the topic.

2. Secure an appropriate meeting space. Find a space that's not too large or too small for your study group, and check on the process for reserving that space at a specific time. If you hold the study in your parish or at home, this should be as simple as a phone call; if it's at a college or municipal space, it usually involves paperwork.

3. Consider the size and makeup of your study group. A lesson on Scriptural treatment of sex and love is a great topic for high school and college-aged Catholics but a bit advanced for the grade-school set. In addition, a smaller group is better for intellectually challenging topics because many group members may want to contribute to the discussion. Biblical lessons on virtues, such as faith, charity, hope and love, are always appropriate.

4. Grab extra Bibles. As easy as it is to obtain a King James Bible, it may be the case that members of your study group, especially new converts, have only that version and not the Church-sanctioned New American Bible. Any Catholic or national bookstore should have more than enough copies; if funds are limited, check with your local parish.

5. Keep it light. If you plan to meet for one hour, try to devote no more than 30 minutes' worth of Scripture to a particular lesson. You're not aiming to nail down every verse on every topic but to create meaningful inquiry and discussion on Scripture. Roughly dividing your study into half Scripture and half discussion will accomplish this.

6. Open and close every meeting with prayer, and study with reverence. Remember who is the subject of your study.

References

• Catholic Resources: Catholic Church Documents Related to Biblical Studies
• University of Missouri Extension: Developing Effective Study Committees