How to Keep Order in a Youth Bible Study Class

Maintaining order in a youth Bible study helps things go more smoothly.

Youth Bible study is an excellent way for church leaders to instill in teenagers the importance of Scripture in their lives. Bible study also teaches teens methods of applying Scriptures to their daily lives. For example, you might spend a session showing a group of teenagers examples from the Bible mandating that they are not to be obsessed with gaining material possessions but instead should use their resources to help those in need. As part of each session, give the teens the opportunity to ask questions; this allows for interactive learning.

Instructions

1. Discuss the rules before starting Bible study. Talk about any specific behaviors that will not be tolerated, such as talking while someone else talks, saying hurtful things to others in the group, or interrupting the teacher. Mention that if anyone breaks the rules, he will be asked to leave.

2. Tell students to keep their questions short and related to what you're discussing. For example, if you're discussing what the Bible has to say about defending your faith in God to those who are not Christians, guide the question-and-answer session within the boundaries of this topic.

3. Dismiss anyone who is causing trouble. If one student continues to text on his cell phone even after you warned him about his behavior, ask him to leave. Or if another student keeps interrupting you to argue about a point you made even after you tried to understand why she disagreed with you, tell her that her behavior is unacceptable and ask her to leave the room.

References

• Bible Study: How to Prepare and Conduct Bible Study in the Home