This summer, you’re invited to join us on another wild adventure through Scripture. Join us as we dive into two beloved books of the Bible. The Gospel of John and the book of Genesis. You can learn more about the Summer Bible Study at MargaretFeinberg.com, here.
While doing an online Bible study can introduce you to many new people and ideas, there is nothing like sitting with old and new friends sipping on sweet tea diving into the Word together.
We want to equip you to launch your own Summer Bible Study—whether within your own home or at your local church.
If you’re ready to dive into John and Genesis this summer, consider starting your own Summer Bible Study group. Summer Bible studies offer intriguing places for discussion, prayer, accountability, and fostering relationships as you dive into God’s Word.
Here are six questions you’ll need to answer in order to set sail on your own Bible study adventure this summer: [Tweet this]
1. What type of group do you want to create? Do you want to launch a group within your church? Do you want to invite people from several different churches? Do you want both men and women? Do you want it geared toward couples, adults, young adults, youth, or a mix-and-match of everyone? Prayerfully consider who God is leading you to invite. Start spreading the word to family and friends. Hang fliers on your local library’s community board, your church, or at the coffee shop down the street. Consider inviting those you may not have thought of—that neighbor down the street, the co-worker in the office next door, the bank teller you speak to often. You never know who may be seeking fellowship in your life. [Tweet this]
2. How many people should be in your Bible study group? You’ll want anywhere from 5-15 members, although numbers will flux some depending on the type of book club. However, when numbers climb over 15 people, not everyone has the chance to discuss and side conversations can be easily distracting. If you are having more than 15 people, consider breaking off into small groups during discussion and prayer times.
3. How often should you meet? You’ll want to meet often enough to keep people interested and held accountable, but with enough time between meetings to not fill up already busy schedules. Consider meeting once per week or every other week.
4. When should you meet? Finding a common time for everybody’s schedule can be difficult and takes flexibility. Think about starting an online forum, such as bigtent.com or create a private group on Facebook, as you try to figure out a meeting time. Understand that you won’t be able to please everyone and encourage others to be flexible, too.
If you find you absolutely cannot meet, no worries! Encourage those you have invited to join the discussion each week at MargaretFeinberg.com. Send weekly texts, emails, and phone calls to encourage one another and hold each other accountable. Even if you cannot meet together, having a friend to walk alongside you during the Bible study can make a big difference! [Tweet this]
5. Where should you meet? Meet in a place that stimulates discussion—a coffee shop can be a relaxing atmosphere, but if the local shop is too popular you may not be able to hear each other speak. A lot of groups enjoy meeting in each other’s homes if available.
6. How do you communicate expectations: Before your first meeting, be sure to touch-base with your members and relay all expectations. Will members switch off bringing snacks? Will there be childcare available? Who will lead discussion? This will clarify and smooth over any unnecessary bumps in the road.
Pick up a copy of the Summer Bible Study Special which includes the DVDs and workbooks for Pursuing God’s Beauty: Stories from the Gospel of John and Pursuing God’s Love: Stories from the Book of Genesis. The online Bible study at MargaretFeinberg.com begins June 3rd! Click here to learn more.
What helpful tips can you offer for those launching a Bible study group for the first time? [Tweet this]
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It’s not too late to join the online #SummerBibleStudy at MargaretFeinberg.com through John and Genesis. Click here to learn more.
