Leading a Bible study: Part 3

Continuing the series of posts on Leading a Bible study (Part 1 | Part 2), we finally come to the discussion portion of the Bible study! Here are my suggested Do’s and Don’ts…

DO: Bring cookies 😉

DO: Start general
When the time comes for the discussion itself to begin, I would suggest opening with a very broad question, such as:

“So…does anyone have any particular reactions to that text? Any comments? Any questions? Anything you find inspiring or difficult?“

I, personally, always want to dive into details, but I’ve learnt that a more general approach works out better. This way you can let the group set the initial agenda.

DON’T: be afraid of silence
Sometimes, especially when a group is just starting out, your opening question is met with deafening silence.

Don’t be afraid of the silence! Don’t hurry on! Don’t immediately start talking! Sometimes people need a little bit of time to work up some confidence to share.

A while ago I went to a Bible study where the leader asked an initial question which was met by a few seconds of silence. Panicked by the lack of immediate response, he promptly answered his own question. He then asked another question. He panicked again and gave the answer again! He continued this way for a good ten minutes, never giving anyone a chance to answer any of his questions because of his fear of silence.

If you get into the habit of answering your own questions, the group will start to anticipate this and begin to rely upon it. When this happens, they become disengaged and the Bible discussion rapidly descends into a lecture.

My suggestion is to wait the length of an Our Father before rephrasing the question, offering a hint or an explanation.

DO: Be ready to share yourself
If nobody says anything, be ready to share yourself.

DON’T: Monopolize the conversation
…however, don’t get carried away! Your purpose at the meeting is to facilitate conversation. You may be an expert theologian and a wonderful speaker, but people did not come to the Bible study to hear a lecture.

I know that when I get excited by what we’re studying I tend to get overly loquacious and talk for the length of a Shakespearean soliloquy. However, the Bible study meetings I judge to be the most “successful” are the ones where I don’t have to talk much, where I simply direct the conversation, ask questions and clarify areas of confusion.

That’ll do for today. We’ll pick this up again tomorrow. Thoughts in the Comment Box below!