"May I have your attention please . . ."
I would guess the job of a flight attendant feels thankless at times. People board the plane expecting to be greeted and acknowledged. We aren't concerned about the flight attendants because we're focused on our travel plans and schedules. We expect them to hear our requests for coffee and deliver it exactly as we asked. We complain about things beyond their control, like flight delays and full planes.
Flight attendants serve a vital role in our travel experience. I would even contend that if we take time to observe them as they work, there is much we can learn. Let's consider some of the actions of flight attendants that parallel what we do as Bible study leaders. At least four similarities can be drawn to help us lead our groups.
Passengers board with other things on their minds.
When people board a plane, the last thing on their minds is how they will interact with the flight attendants. Passengers may be consumed with how their baggage will fit in the overhead compartment, how long the flight will be, or the notes they need to review in preparation for a meeting. Flight attendants must get the attention of their passengers to give directions about seat belts, inflating flotation vests, and locating the exits.
When people arrive for our Bible study groups, Bible study might be the last thing on their minds. Issues at work or in their families, events in the news, or the person who got their usual parking spot may be occupying their thoughts. Just like flight attendants, we need to direct their attention to the lesson. As individuals arrive, we can pose a question or invite them to participate in an activity to help them focus on the study.
Not every passenger has flown before.
For some, this may be their first flight. They don't know where the seat numbers are located, that they need to face the wheels out when placing their bags in the overhead bins, or how to adjust the air vent. Some things can be figured out by watching others, but not everything. Sometimes the flight attendant needs to point out the button that reclines the seat or explain the purpose of the bag in the seat pouch.
In much the same way, some who attend our groups have never been in a Bible study before. Even if they have been in a group at a different church, how our church and groups work may be vastly different. We can help these individuals by providing them with a Personal Study Guide or Daily Discipleship Guide and directing them to the first page of that week's session. We can also introduce them to others in the group who can walk with them for the day.
Passengers expect to be treated fairly.
If one passenger on our row gets extra snacks, we expect extra snacks too! Regular flyers don't wear badges or tags that reveal the airfare they paid or how often they fly, so the flight attendant must treat everyone like a frequent flyer or as if they paid a premium price to be there.
The people in our Bible study groups should be treated fairly as well. We value each person in the room regardless of their attendance pattern, position in the church or community, or stage of spiritual maturity. Every person deserves to be heard, moved forward in their understanding of God's truth, and challenged to grow in their faith.
Some passengers will travel with you again based in part on how you interact with them.
Travelers will likely not have an opportunity to visit with the pilot, the person guiding the plane to the gate, or the baggage handlers. Their only guaranteed interactions are with the person checking tickets and the flight attendants. Therefore, travelers will equate the flight attendants with the rest of the company and decide whether to use that carrier again based on that interaction alone.
Individuals who attend our groups may not visit with the pastor or other church leaders every week. Those attending for the first time or giving our church one more try will base their decision to return in part on how we interact with them. We have the privilege of representing the values of our churches and our Savior to the people who attend our groups, giving them a reason to return.
The next time you fly, thank the flight attendants for giving you an example of how to lead a Bible study group. We can use these lessons to be better Bible study leaders.