There are so many different types of small groups and Bible studies to choose from today; it gets difficult to know which direction to go. That can be a blessing and a challenge all at the same time. Here are a few tips for choosing the right Bible study for your small group and getting it started.
- Pray! Is God asking you to start a Bible study? And is this the right time?
- Talk to your pastor or another staff person to determine support for starting Bible studies if you are considering your first women’s Bible study at your church.
- Talk to women and share your vision.
- Determine the levels of spiritual maturity represented in the women and assess the most prevalent needs of these women.
- Decide which needs you should address first and choose the best Bible study to meet these needs.
- Determine the best time and location.
- Talk about it, publicize it, and share your excitement about the Word of God with many women.
- Set clear goals for this Bible study.
- Share the class goals, guidelines and expectations at the first meeting. Talk about attendance, homework (and if there is any), and accountability among the members.
- Divide into smaller groups if necessary.
- Pray with and for your small group.
- Develop community among the members as you help them get to know and love each other.
As you keep the focus on the Bible, and not on opinion or culture, you will have the joy of watching the Holy Spirit bring transformation into the lives of women!
For more women’s ministry helps and ideas, check out Women Reaching Women, Transformed Lives, and the Leadership area of our blog.
Chris Adams, Senior Lead Women’s Ministry Specialist at Lifeway, has helped pioneer women’s ministry as we know it today. When she’s not consulting, speaking, and training women’s ministry leaders, you can find her reading or spending time at the beach. Chris has been married to her husband, Pat, for 41 years. Together they have twin daughters, seven grandchildren, and a 7-pound Yorkie named Mo.