| Bible Study Resources for Groups | |
| Some notes for group leaders starting from scratch. | |
It is important to make people feel at ease as quickly as possible. So, |
|
| 1. Try and make the venue as friendly and comfortable as possible. Decide where you need to sit to lead the group most effectively. Have some cheerful or relaxing music playing quietly as people arrive; it helps to ease any awkwardness on the part of those who come first. | Freedom
from religious/cultural oppression Acts 10; Acts 11:1-15; Acts 15:1-31 |
| 2. When the group has assembled get people to introduce themselves briefly, beginning with yourself to set the tome and pattern; or, get each person to talk with their neighbour so that they can introduce each other. If quite a few know each other already, ask them to share one thing they are looking forward to from the group meeting. Don't let this exercise take too long. Once people start talking it isn't always easy to get them to stop! | Freedom
from sin Romans 3:20-26 |
| 3. Make sure everyone has a Bible, New Testament, or copy of the text(s), and anything else they may need. If you want to avoid confusion over different translations, you will need to provide sufficient copies of the one you want to use. | Freedom
from political oppression and injustice Luke 4:16-21 |
| 4. Before looking at the text, spend some time quieting down and focusing as a group. Suitable music may help (people sometimes find total silence awkward), especially as background to a few brief, well chosen prayers. | Freedom
from poverty Leviticus 25; Psalms 82, 113, 145,146 |
| 5. Arrange in advance for one of the group members to read the Bible passage. | Freedom
from service |
| 6. Check whether there are any things in the text people want clarified. | |
| 7. Encourage people to offer comments on or reactions to the text without getting in to group discussion. Don't let this section go on too long. You are just looking for initial reactions, first impressions. All contributions should be warmly received. | |
| 8. Move into group discussion using the questions provided. | |
| 9. Make sure you leave good time at the end for closing worship or prayer together. | |