How to conduct a Bible studies group in person or online?
The format of your group meet up can be quite similar to your online Bible meetup.
Effectively, start by choosing a regular time and comfortable location where participants can meet without distractions.
You can provide snacks and refreshments during or after your theme of discussion.
As the coordinator, you’ll help create a safe and healthy learning environment by establishing some basic guidelines. These rules will encourage participants to share their perspectives in a respectful, turn-based manner, allowing the group to reflect on each viewpoint thoughtfully, with trust and mutual respect.
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Respect Every Voice
Everyone's thoughts and experiences are valuable. Listen without interrupting or judging. -
One Person Speaks at a Time
Take turns sharing to ensure clarity and allow each person to be heard fully. -
Keep It Confidential if Needed
What is shared in the group stays in the group to build trust and openness. -
Stay on Topic
Focus on the passage or theme being discussed to keep the conversation meaningful and centered on Scripture. -
Be Open, Not Argumentative
It’s okay to disagree, but always discuss with kindness and a spirit of learning, not debate or correction.
Avoid framing discussions as simply right or wrong. Instead, encourage understanding by recognizing that within a united group, different perspectives can coexist without needing to be judged as correct or incorrect.
Clashing perspectives can ruin the safe circle of trust. As the coordinator, you need to remind the speaker to be humble and respectful. If two parties or so are still clashing, you can use the peace maker term "Agree to Disagree". All participants need to know this safe word before joining the bible study event.
All participants need to acknowledge that when they share their opinions back and forth, discussions are not to be in degradation, by imposing their beliefs upon one another. This creates discomfort within the bible study group. As the coordinator, if you sense this discomfort, speak up and say, "Please remain respectful, thank you. You all have a voice, please do not be imposing".
To conduct your Bible studies group, follow these steps:
- Choose a Platform: Use a reliable video conferencing tool like Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams or Discord. Make sure all members are familiar with it.
- Set a Schedule: Agree on a regular meeting time that suits everyone. Send calendar invites or reminders with the meeting link.
- Prepare Materials: Select a Bible passage, theme, or study guide in advance. Share any reading or materials by email or group chat before the session.
- Start with Prayer: Open each session with a brief prayer to center the group spiritually.
- Read and Discuss: Read the selected scripture together, either aloud or silently. Use prepared questions to guide the discussion, and encourage everyone to share insights or ask questions.
- Use Online Tools: Utilize features like screen sharing for slides, digital Bibles, or notes. Consider using a shared document or group chat for comments and prayer requests.
- Foster Engagement: Keep the tone warm and inclusive. Call on quieter members gently to invite participation and use breakout rooms for smaller discussions if the group is large.
- Close in Prayer: End with a closing prayer, summarizing key points and praying for group members' needs.
- Follow Up: Send a follow-up message with a summary, next topic, and any resources. Encourage continued connection throughout the week via chat or email.
This structure helps keep your online Bible study focused, engaging, and spiritually enriching.
