Choosing a Bible study can be overwhelming. Should you choose a topic to study or work through a book of the Bible? How long should the study be? Who is a sound and trustworthy author?
We understand the many factors that go into choosing a Bible study for your small group. Here are 3 tips to selecting the right Bible study for your group.
Think about the needs of your group.
As the group leader, you know your group best. Think about the needs of your group members and what might be interesting to them. If it is a group of men, a men's study could be a great option. If it's a younger group, choosing a study with fun teaching video content may be of interest. Here are some things to consider that can help you narrow in on the right Bible study:
Is it a co-ed group, men only, or women only? This can help determine if a study for men or women would be a good fit.
How many weeks is your group going to meet? This can help determine the number of sessions in the study that would fit your schedule.
What season of life are your group members in? This can help give direction for topics that would be relevant and helpful to their spiritual walks.
Does your group want video content and have a way to play it at group meetings? This can help determine if you want a Bible study with video content or not.
Choose a focus for your study — book of the Bible, topic, etc.
Once you've identified some factors about your group like the number of sessions you want or if you want video content, researching topics is the next step. Bible studies are generally either about a single book of the Bible or they are about a topic like prayer, grief, wisdom, or evangelism. Both types have benefits, and it is entirely up to the needs and interests of your group which one you choose.
Look at reviews and ask for recommendations.
The review sections can be very insightful when trying to select a Bible study. As you comb through the reviews, be on the lookout for themes in the comments about the content, features that customers liked or disliked, and feedback about the teaching. Asking church members, family, and friends for recommendations for Bible studies can also be helpful. Their personal experience is valuable, and they can speak into the content and benefits of studies they have done in the past.
Choosing the right Bible study for your small group doesn't have to be overwhelming. By considering the unique needs of your group, deciding on a focus that aligns with your goals, and doing a bit of research through reviews and recommendations, you can find a study that will help you have meaningful conversations and intentional study time.
The most important thing is to select a study that encourages your group to engage with God's Word together.