How to Lead a Women's Bible Study

Have you ever longed for a place where you could be supported, share your faith, be encouraged to grow, and pray? Consider leading a bible study in your neighborhood or through your church.

In my early twenties, my husband and I were stationed overseas for an army assignment. There was a flier on my building for a non-denominational women's study, and being isolated through the winter months and not knowing more than one person to call a friend, I decided to check out this study.

I can honestly say that it was one of the best days I had during our tour in Europe. It was a brand new group, and there were many of us who did not know each other. We were all there for the same reasons and in the years to follow, I made some of the closest friends I will ever have. Two years later, after the original leader left, I took on the leadership role, despite being the wife of a newly enlisted soldier and the youngest attender. I learned many things as a person who was not only growing stronger in her faith, but who learned leadership and compassion as well. What made that bible study so successful? What ingredients are needed for a study to flourish? There are particular qualities in a leader and a group that make for a comfortable, safe place to fellowship.

Have Support - There may be one person whose ideas, time, and resources allow them to take the main leadership role in a women's bible study, but a partner offers prayer, guidance, support and friendship. Every group is going to have challenges, questions, limitations and surprises. However, if God has put it on your heart to start a prayer group or bible study, He will also provide a support for you. Remember, Jesus sent the disciples out in pairs.

Have a Clear Mission Statement - Having a clear mission statement will allow people that visit to know what to expect and what the overall vision of the women's bible study is. When things get off track, the mission statement helps to keep things in focus. The mission statement also should make clear the safety and confidentiality of the group. You may think that it is obvious, but some people need to be reminded that who and what a person is praying about shouldn't leave the four walls of the room.

Have a Pure Heart - Having a humble heart and pure motives are important. Remember, you are not there to necessarily be an authority. Although it is likely that if you desire to lead a group that you also have a working knowledge of scripture, it is important to keep your heart from pride. In addition, share with the group your own struggles. Be an open leader if you want your group to be open. Share if you want people to share. Often it is the leader who must make herself weak, to show how God's glory works in the troubles of life. Sharing with friends in a group itself is healing. But, remember you won't have all of the answers. You're there to point them to the One who does.

Choose Your Book or Format Wisely - Who are your group members? How frequently are you meeting? What sort of commitment and attendance can you expect out of the group? Keeping in mind the lifestyle of your group members will help you pick a book. There are many different formats for bible studies to choose from. I personally like the Max Lucado series, Life Lessons. It is scriptural, with minimal author input. He simply starts with a passage of scripture and follows up with several questions to ignite group discussion. He also peppers the short study guide with some of his own insight and usually a parable or anecdote. For people who are new to believing and new to the bible, it is a great choice because the verses are in the book - so no flipping or trying to find out where the book of the bible is. Maybe your group wants a typical chapter book. Many well-known authors, including Max Lucado, also include a small bible study in the back of their chapter books. Francine Rivers is a very sound Christian fiction author who also includes a study in many of her books as well. She writes intense, yet uplifting stories. Her characters have real life struggles, flaws, and challenges and are very relatable and perfect for a character study.

Have a Plan for the Kids -If you know your members have small children and childcare isn't available, starting a "play group" is a good idea. Have the moms sit around the living room, or outside at the playground under a shelter while the kids play. Keeping the study informal and conversational will allow moms who otherwise can't attend studies to be able to join in as well. Serve simple snacks and maybe talk about the book you are reading, or talk about parenting and make time to pray for each other. Matching the format of the bible study to your members' lifestyle will alleviate a lot of stress from unmet expectations and keep things relaxed for everyone.

Give it Time to Flourish - Friendships and trust take time to flourish and grow. Let your women's bible study group members help guide the study to the right style, and keep faith at the center of everything. God's plans are oftentimes much better than what we could imagine for the group. What's important is that you are fulfilling the "Great Commission". Jesus told his disciples and friends, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." (Luke 10:2 NIV)

Sources:

New International Version (NIV)

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