Bible Study | Knowable Word

How the Sermon Can Shape a Church’s Culture

January 25, 2016 By Ryan Higginbottom

A church with a healthy Bible study culture is a blessing to members and visitors alike. Though all aspects of a church contribute to this culture, the sermon is among the most noticeable.

by William Hamilton (1788), license

Evaluating the sermon in this context demands that we move past the good-or-bad question asked over bowls of Sunday soup. How can a sermon help create a Bible study culture?

The Importance of the Sermon

In evangelical churches, the sermon is the centerpiece of weekly worship. Singing, giving, praying, testimonies—these are often seen as appetizers before the main course.

Without minimizing other elements of the worship service, the sermon is critical. For thirty or so minutes, God’s gathered people focus on hearing and understanding his word. The way the preacher handles the Bible communicates the church’s values and shapes the culture.

A Slight Departure

At Knowable Word, we’re committed to helping ordinary people learn to study the Bible. We rarely target preachers. But as preachers prize God’s word and encourage its study, “ordinary people” will flourish.

So, a word to non-preachers: This post is for you, too! Through the sermon, you can recognize a church with a Bible study culture. You should also find ways to pray for and encourage your preacher(s).

Nine Strategies

Enough jibber-jabber. Here are nine strategies for a sermon that can help create a Bible study culture in your church.

Pray and trust God — A preacher should soak all his study and preparation in prayer, relying on God’s strength and grace. The preacher must recognize the power of God’s words, for the flavor of a sermon indicates whether he believes God’s power lies in the Bible or in his own words. Sermons lead people into greater reliance on one or the other.
Choose the text carefully — When preachers expound a passage of the Bible (instead of hopping around based on a topic), they plant the sermon in rich soil. Over weeks and months, preaching consecutively through a book of the Bible builds familiarity with the author’s main point and helps God’s people to see the place of that book within the Bible’s big story.
Show the work — A sermon should both explain and equip, but many focus only on the former. Instead, the preacher should communicate both his conclusions and the way he reached them. OIA (Observation, Interpretation, Application) terminology isn’t essential, but the preacher should have language to describe what he’s doing. One metric for the success of a sermon is this: Are people replicating the preacher’s Bible study process and reaching the same conclusions?
Minimize quotation from commentaries — Preachers often consult commentaries when preparing a sermon, and this is valuable if one avoids common mistakes. But when a sermon is full of quotations from commentaries, the preacher teaches that Bible study is best left to professionals and academics.
Study and prepare — Sermon preparation skills can be divided in two: getting it right (studying the Bible) and getting it across (public speaking). Both categories are crucial! If you need help in the first, start here.
Include application — A sermon without application is like visiting the beach without touching the sand. A preacher should bring applications to his congregation that have already produced fruit in his life. In this way he avoids hypocrisy and his vulnerability (which is hard work!) shows that application is for everyone.
Prune “proof texts” — A preacher shouldn’t pluck Bible verses and wave them around like so many garden flowers. If a preacher needs the support of another Scripture passage, he should take the time to read it and interpret it in context. We all need help with correlation.
Warn against dangers — There are pitfalls associated with every step in studying the Bible. When appropriate, a preacher can highlight any relevant hazards. (Peter has written about the danger of familiarity when observing, the dangers of relativism, presumption, and observation when interpreting, and the dangers of insight and inertia when applying.)
Make a resource sheet — Churches often tuck a sermon outline into the bulletin; why not use this to also recommend excellent resources? A preacher can encourage his people to study other relevant Bible passages and point them to the best commentaries, biographies, histories, and websites. Including the exact wording and source of any extra-biblical quotations from the sermon could also bless the congregation.

Many thanks to Peter for his help with this post. He uses the categories in point 5 but does not claim them as his own—he has seen them in places like the Simeon Trust.

A Bible Study Culture within the Church

January 11, 2016 By Ryan Higginbottom

A group of able, determined people can accomplish what an individual cannot. Witness this video, where about twenty people in China converge to free a woman trapped beneath a car.

Molly A. Burgess (2010), public domain

From One to Many

Personal Bible study is at the heart of this blog. We advocate the Observation-Interpretation-Application (OIA) method, and we produce and collect resources to help Christians investigate God’s word.

When we adopt a habit of Bible study, we cut the ribbon on an adventure. By his Spirit, God changes us—from the inside out—as we give ourselves to reading, understanding, and obeying his word. Such change is not easy; in fact, it is a series of small deaths. But these deaths are life—we are new people being renewed.

Now multiply the effect of one changed life. Imagine a troop of transformed, growing Christians. Think of the impact a united, thriving, God-glorifying church can have within a community.

Churches and the Bible

Many churches say they are dedicated to the Bible. The pastor preaches from the Bible, the confessional standards are dense with Bible references, and the pews and Sunday school rooms are chock-full.

But how much is a broad allegiance worth? Suppose a grocery store promotes healthy eating in its flyer, but within the shop they conceal the carrots and push the pastries. You can see the company’s values by walking the aisles.

For some churchgoers, the Bible seems irrelevant; for others, it’s impenetrable. They may half-heartedly open the book on Sunday morning but it has no place of honor in their lives. As a church loses regard for the Bible, they also lose the power to love and influence their communities.

You’ll see a different picture when Christians are committed to studying the Bible. The distinction is not one of intelligence or morality, but of authority. Because God has spoken, such believers are devoted (by God’s grace) to reading God’s word closely and obeying, no matter how uncomfortable the conclusions.

Blessings of a Bible Study Culture

This post begins a series on the distinctive marks of churches which have a Bible study culture. We’ll discuss different aspects of the church in future posts, but today I want to highlight God’s gifts through churches like these. Here are seven blessings to expect when your church embraces a Bible study culture.

Sound doctrine — A church that studies the Bible can stand confidently for truth against all heretical threats.
Unity — Listen to A.W. Tozer: “Has it ever occurred to you that one hundred pianos all tuned to the same fork are automatically tuned to each other?”
Obedience — Application of the Bible leads to greater love and obedience, and God blesses obedience. (See James 1:25, Luke 11:28.)
Help — We often need help studying the Bible, and in a Bible-studying church, we are resources for each other.
Encouragement — Because Bible study can be difficult, we need encouragement. We will find ample support among like-minded Christians.
Healthy norms — When a church studies the Bible, it shows how natural and healthy this exercise is. This discipline isn’t reserved for academics or the super-spiritual, this is a normal Christian practice.
Training — If you want to learn Spanish, move to Spain. New members of a church will pick up Bible study quickly if it is part of the church’s culture. If everyone from grandparents to gradeschoolers is studying the Bible, new members won’t be intimidated to begin.

This series is not meant just for information. In the next post, we’ll start to look at some features of a Bible-studying church. Read prayerfully. Then in your own church, encourage what is present and work toward what is lacking.

5 Signs They’re Ready to Help

December 18, 2015 By Peter Krol

As you train a new Bible study leader, how do you know when the person is ready to begin helping? When should you move an apprentice from the “I do, you watch” to the “I do, you help” stage of training? If we advance people too quickly, they may burn out and give up. If we move them too slowly, the training could become stagnant and lifeless. What are the signs of a good balance?

Loving Earth (2008), Creative Commons

1. When they ask for more

Don’t miss this critical sign on account of your grand master planning. Though there are times for challenging people to step up to something new and scary, it’s generally not a good idea to heap burdens of responsibility on unwilling victims. High commitment + low motivation = small chance of long-term perseverance. “If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task” (1 Tim 3:1). A Bible study leader is not the same as a church elder, but I don’t think it’s a stretch to apply the same leadership principle.

2. When they develop proficiency in basic Bible study skills

They don’t have to be top scholars, but they do need to grasp the rudiments of OIA Bible study (Observe, interpret, apply). If not, I would begin by teaching those rudiments. You are, after all, training this person to lead a Bible study. Best to make sure this person knows how to study the Bible and doesn’t merely seek a platform for greater control over people’s lives or propagation of personal opinions.

3. When they’re aware of group dynamics

I’ve tried to train leaders who were clueless about how to read people, respond to social cues, or adjust their approach to the need of the moment. It hasn’t gone well. Before giving people more responsibility, make sure they know how to listen actively and carry on a conversation. Especially make sure they generally know when to talk and when to let others talk.

4. When they get your vision for the group

You don’t want to train apprentices up to multiply your group, only to have them take the new groups where you don’t think they should go. And you’ll all be frustrated if you can’t eventually trust your apprentices to lead their own groups. Some painful splits can be prevented by making sure the vision for Bible study, heart-oriented discipleship, and pastoral care are clear up front.

5. When they serve more than they seek to be served

Of course, a new apprentice often brings a fresh perspective and helps us to see things we wouldn’t otherwise see. If apprentices look more to the needs of others than to their own needs, this can be a great blessing. You can teach someone to study the Bible. You can teach someone to lead a Bible study. You can challenge apprentices to put the needs of others first. But you can’t actually make them put others first. Such disciples are gifts from the Lord. Don’t squander them. Set them loose, and let them help.

4 More Gifts to Encourage Bible Study

December 14, 2015 By Ryan Higginbottom

Patrice_Audet (2013), public domain

There are two types of people: those who bounce through mid-December and those who slouch. There are two types of people: those who have finished their Christmas shopping by mid-December and those who haven’t. I trust you catch the correspondence.

My final pre-holiday gift to you is a list. (You’ll accept it unwrapped, I hope.) If you’re slouching, consider these suggestions for family and friends this Christmas. If you’re a bouncer (not that kind), don’t worry—these ideas are evergreen. Stash these tips for birthdays, graduations, or any gift occasion, like Limerick Day (May 12) or National S’mores Day (August 10).

Four Gift Ideas

Last year I shared three gifts to encourage Bible study; this year I have four more. As before, I’ve included a no cost option, so this list is for everyone.

A markup Bible — People are more likely to engage with the Bible when they interact with the text physically—circling, underlining, highlighting, outlining in the margins. Why not buy a Bible for a friend or family member dedicated to this purpose? This need not be an expensive gift. If you follow the links on this page, you’ll find several reasonably-priced options. (Additionally, remember that Westminster Bookstore has a great sale on ESV journaling Bibles through the end of 2015.)

Bonus suggestions: For those who prefer to print out Bible passages instead of marking up a separate Bible, consider giving some printer paper and printer ink. Any markup Bible fan would be able to use good pens, colored pencils, or highlighters.
A Study Bible — Peter has recently cataloged his Study Bible recommendations, so read through his reviews and check out his spreadsheet to settle on a good option. If you buy a Study Bible for a loved one, make sure they’re aware of the many blessings and curses of such a resource. A Study Bible is like a sharp knife—a great tool when used carefully; dangerous otherwise.

A commentary — Like Study Bibles, not all commentaries are created equal. Some model good Bible study methods, and some specialize in speculation or historical esoterica. While you should turn to your Bible first, commentaries can be a great blessing if used with care. If you know of a friend diving into a particular book of the Bible for study in the new year, consider blessing them with a top-notch commentary. Peter has compiled a list of recommended commentaries here.

Time — Think of someone at church or in your neighborhood who is overburdened. A young mother with three kids under five, a mid-fifties man caring for his dementia-stricken mother, a single mom with two teenage sons. They are stretched so thin with responsibility and exhaustion, just the idea of Bible study is overwhelming. Think of ways to free them up so they can spend extended time with the Bible—babysitting, playing cards with the elderly mother, mowing grass, running errands, providing a meal. Let them know your intention with the gift, and point them to some online resources to help them study the Bible for themselves. (Helping in this way should probably come in the context of meeting your friend’s other physical needs.)

Disclaimer: The Amazon links above are affiliate links, so if you make a purchase after clicking through, you’ll be giving a small percentage of your purchase to Knowable Word—a great gift! This will allow us to keep posting and help ordinary people learn to study the Bible. It’s a circle of giving!

Teach Bible Study During Family Devotions

November 30, 2015 By Ryan Higginbottom

skeeze (2014), public domain

My daughters have gone dance crazy this fall. Everywhere I look, I see pointed toes, pliés, and skipping, twirling children.

My girls will join their dance studio’s production of The Nutcracker in a few weeks. You can imagine the preparation this requires—buying costumes, reserving a venue, and cramming gobs of detailed instructions inside little heads. What an undertaking!

Train Them Up

Just as my daughters need months of ballet lessons before they hit the stage, they also need training in the skills and habits of Christians. Following Jesus is the central calling of their lives, and I cannot send them off unprepared.

It is vital that we provide our children with a solid approach to Bible study. At this blog, we advocate the OIA method. While the terminology isn’t sacred, we think the skills of observation, interpretation, and application show up in all faithful descriptions of Bible study.

So how do we pass along these crucial skills to our children?

Gather as a Family

We have opportunities throughout each day to equip our kids to study the Bible. Chief among these chances are meals and times of family worship. It’s a privilege to engage all of your children at once about the most important things in the world!

But most parents know that family devotions can feel more like a chore than a privilege. The adults are exhausted, the baby is crying, and the older children are feeding spaghetti to the dog. It is difficult to steer a ship this large (especially with a mutinous crew).

Let me encourage you to stick with it. Family devotions can be a source of deep joy and they can prepare your children for a life of loving and obeying God. Family devotions are worth the effort.

Realistic Expectations

If you’re feeling guilt about family devotions, you may need to adjust your expectations. We must be both faithful and realistic. If we set the bar too high, we will frustrate everyone.

First, consider your weekly schedule. For most families, our weeks bear more resemblance to each other than do our days. Survey a typical week for your family and seize a pocket of time on each lightly-scheduled day for family worship. Don’t beat yourself up when you miss a few days.

Next, consider the content. I’ll advocate for the Bible below, but ponder what else you might do. Involve your children as much as possible and make it fun. Let them choose praise songs or hymns. Ask them about the best parts of recent days and join in a rousing prayer of thanksgiving. The elements of worship can vary. If you make family worship memorable and fun, your children will anticipate and remind you about it!

Study the Bible

Given my push for realistic expectations, it might seem strange to suggest Bible study. Doesn’t Bible study require long, private periods of concentration?

No! Since the Bible is for everyone, so is Bible study. Training children to study the Bible is as simple as asking three questions: What? Why? So what?

What? Children should observe the Bible. You may want your older children to help out with the Bible reading, but anyone can listen and observe! Ask your children to pick out the main characters, the actions, the commands, and so on. The younger your children, the more time you’ll probably spend on the “what” question.

Why? As children get older, they should move into interpretation. Follow their observations with “why” questions. Why did Jesus heal that blind man? Why did Joseph’s brothers sell him? Why does Paul say we should always pray? Ask questions like this to move your children toward the main point of the passage.

So what? With this question we enter the land of application. What difference does all of this make? Children usually need the most help with this question, but you might be surprised how eagerly they suggest applications once you get them started.

Final Remarks

Let me leave you with a few recommendations as you consider how family devotions might work in your home.

Don’t neglect the Bible. Story Bibles can be a blessing for young children, so feel free to incorporate them. (My youngest really loves the pictures.) But don’t let them replace God’s word. Your children can handle more than you think.
Involve the whole family. Ask questions of all the children—and all the adults! Children should see the adults in their lives modeling good Bible study habits.
Revisit Bible passages. If your family devotions bog down, return to the same passage the next time. You might also consider studying the same passage with the family that you (or your children) are reading in personal devotions.

We have several articles on teaching Bible study to age-specific children, along with devotional guides for readers and non-readers, at our children’s Bible study page.

Choosing a Bible Passage to Study

November 16, 2015 By Ryan Higginbottom

geralt, Public Domain

Jim has showered and eaten breakfast, and now he wants to meet with God. He reaches for his Bible and says a quick prayer. He isn’t sure what to read, so he sets the Bible on the table and lets the book fall open. Jim trusts God to lead him to the right passage. This display of God’s sovereignty comforts Jim as he takes up Psalm 137.

Jim is not alone in his method, and I understand the attraction. It is powerful to think God “opened your Bible” to a specific page. God has a message prepared especially for you!

Miracles

Though you may respect Jim’s approach to Scripture, you might question his sanity if he bought a house this way. Open a real estate web site and make an offer on the first house in your price range. After all, God is sovereign! In this setting, we understand the value of a careful and deliberate manner.

So why do we crave a mystical experience when studying the Bible? Why do we expect God’s miraculous intervention?

We feel our weakness and confusion as humans and long for strength and certainty; we see our finitude and stretch for the infinite. Like the Jewish people of Jesus’s day, we seek a sign (Matt 12:38). The burning bush, the audible voice, the vivid dream—we covet God’s unmistakeable actions.

When Jesus was asked for a sign, he pointed to himself and his resurrection. (See Matthew 12:38–42.) His incarnation and resurrection form the centerpiece of history, the miracles that confirm God’s word and make all other miracles possible. (Read more about the place of miracles in the modern church in this article by Justin Holcomb.)

Plans

These days, God guides us more often with a careful plan than with a shriveled hand (1 Kings 13:4). Many think this sounds boring, but to me this understanding injects a holy significance and excitement into each day on the calendar.

In the Bible, God frequently uses “ordinary” means to lead his people.

Nehemiah prays and asks the king for permission and support to rebuild Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 2:1–8)
Jethro sees Moses carrying a heavy burden and suggests he enlist others to help him judge the people. (Exodus 18:13–27)
Joshua sends spies to Jericho. They meet Rahab, and this proves critical in overthrowing the city. (Joshua 2:1–24)
Through his skill, planning, and experience David wins many battles. (2 Samuel 8:1–14)
Paul makes travel plans without a vision or angelic itinerary. (Romans 15:22–25)

Though God worked in and through these decisions and events, we witness no disruptive divine intervention. Today, as then, we need not depend on writing in the sky to learn from God.

Considerations

Make a plan to study a portion of the Bible. This is different than a Bible reading plan. What part of the Bible will you dig into and find under your fingernails? Where will you direct your blossoming OIA skills?

Consider these questions as you make your plan.

What is your church studying? God often presses us with the application of a passage as we see it from different angles (personal study, sermon, Sunday school, small group).
What have you studied recently? Don’t hesitate to vary the length, genre, or time period of the passage from one project to the next.
What is your background? If you’re new to studying the Bible or to the Christian faith, ask a pastor or Christian friend for some suggestions.
How lengthy is your plan? Don’t rush! God’s word is deep and yields a rich harvest for those who take time to carefully work the field.

Feel free to take detours from your Bible study plan. But don’t despise plans themselves—God often uses unspectacular means to direct and guide us.

Pray for the End of Your Small Group

October 19, 2015 By Ryan Higginbottom

How do you pray for your small group? You might pray for your group leader, the friendships within the group, your time studying the Bible, or the growth of each member. God loves to answer these prayers. There’s another way to pray for your Bible study group that is unpopular, seldom used, and crucial for maximizing your group’s impact. This prayer needs the spotlight.

You should pray for the end of your small group.

Andrew Hurley (2011) Creative Commons License

To be clear, I’m not advocating for scandal, factions, apostasy, or apathy—I want just the opposite. I want your group to be so winsome and vibrant that it grows and grows. I want addition, not subtraction. Small group birth, not death.

I want your group to end because it splits. And you should want this too.

A Good Problem

Like corn stalks in the summer, a healthy group will grow. As a small community is centered on Jesus and committed to the Bible and each other, people will show up. Our hearts are drawn to close relationships focused on the most important questions and answers in life.

But a growing group reaches a point at which the word “small” no longer applies. Depending on your group’s purpose, this might be fine. But if you aim to take advantage of the friendships and interaction that can make a small group special, you’ll see that a larger group adds some challenges.

When a group exceeds ten or twelve members, it is more difficult to connect with each person in the group. Timid group members can fade into the shadows, and the leader may be tempted to lecture instead of lead a Bible-focused conversation. The prayer list can bulge and swell, spilling out of the house, oozing down the street, and threatening to consume the town. There’s a good reason why many churches and Christian ministries aim to start small groups.

Addressing the Problem

For the good of your Bible study, you should consider splitting the group in two. This makes space for new members and allows close relationships to flourish.

How should the group split? Some groups reach a saturation point, split the group evenly, and come up with a process by which the groups are populated. In other Bible studies, the leader is always training an apprentice. In the fullness of time, the apprentice will start his own group, inviting new people to join.

You may encounter some resistance from within your group when the time to split arrives. This is natural—your group members have formed close friendships, and the potential loss of those friendships looms large. This is why the kingdom-focused vision for your small group is so important. If your group aims to give birth to another, make sure that purpose is clear and repeated often. Pray for it frequently and invite and invest in people with this in mind.

How to Pray

As you pray for the end of your small group, you’ll also need to pray for a new leader. Start early, and pray frequently for God to prepare and equip such a person. (If you’re reading this article and following this series, you might well consider whether God is calling you to lead such a group.)

Pray for single-mindedness and unity within your group. If your group exists for the purpose of introducing people to the life-changing gospel of Jesus as he is known in the Bible, and if God gives your group this common vision, you will be prepared for Spirit-given growth. A tug-of-war changes dramatically when everyone pulls in the same direction.

Ultimately, pray for God’s kingdom to come and his will to be done, both within each group member and in your community. When your group splits, it may feel like an end, but it’s just another beginning. It’s a chance to bless even more people by loving them and pointing them to Jesus.

When to Leave Your Small Group

October 5, 2015 By Ryan Higginbottom

My daughters love the park. The open, green spaces, the playground equipment, the swirl of exuberant children—they love it all. There’s nothing quite like snagging a colorful, squeak-free swing on a sunny day.

Since my family loves good parks, we know lousy ones when we see them. The equipment is rusty, the grass is too long, the seesaws are catawampus. In these situations, we don’t need a traffic cop to tell us to move along.

Jacqueline Schmid (2015), Public Domain

Knowing when to leave your small group Bible study can be a lot harder. You probably started in your group with high hopes—you were eager to form strong relationships built on studying the Bible. But a trusted recipe doesn’t guarantee perfect brownies. Even well-intentioned Bible studies can disappoint you.

Should you stay or should you go? How do you know when it’s a good time to look for another Bible study group?

Remember the Purpose

By attending a small group Bible study, you should have the chance to serve others and be blessed yourself. You can grow in your understanding of the Bible and your love for God, and you can point your friends in the same direction. In an ideal group, you’ll leave each week strengthened, refreshed, and full of gospel-fueled hope about the future.

When your experience in a small group doesn’t match your expectations, it’s good to remember why the group gathers. What’s the purpose of this Bible study anyway?

I’ve written before about the benefits of attending a small group. But for the purposes of this article, we need to revisit the three questions to ask when joining a small group: Where can I study the Bible? Where can I serve? Where can I learn? Returning to these questions can help you decide whether to keep fishing or pack up your tackle.

Ask the Three Questions

Joining a Bible study group involves a level of commitment; you’re not signing papers at the bank, but you also don’t want to flit from group to group like an over-caffeinated hummingbird. Leaving a Bible study is a big step, so you should weigh your reasons carefully.

Where can I study the Bible? If your group has deserted the Bible, it’s time to rethink your participation. Book groups and reading groups have their place and can be valuable, but a Christian’s life needs a large dose of the Bible.

Where can I serve? Can you contribute to the Bible study discussion? Can you talk with others privately and draw them into deeper conversation? Can you help some group members learn how to study the Bible through your example or encouragement? Do you have any opportunity to challenge, cheer, or bear the burdens of friends in your group? Do you see avenues for service opening up?

Where can I learn? Do you engage with the Bible? Does your leader ask questions and encourage the group to interact? Are you spurred on to seek the Lord through his Word? Or do you sense that a barrier was placed between you and the Bible?

A Sobering Decision

No small group is perfect. Be sure to set a reasonable standard for your Bible study and be as patient with your friends as you’d like them to be with you. Try to work for the good of the group, praying and making suggestions as you find opportunity. But when it looks like the door to serving others and growing yourself is closed, it might be time to find a new group.

Help! I Have a Bad Bible Study Leader!

September 21, 2015 By Ryan Higginbottom

A great Bible study can be transformative. You see God, your sin, and your Savior clearly. You grieve over your offenses but marvel at God’s love for you in Jesus. You leave refreshed and hopeful about the future. A meeting like this can turn your week around.

Adriaen Brouwer’s The Bitter Tonic (1636-38), public domain

Because a Bible study has such potential, we can feel cheated when it falls flat. It’s like that slice of pizza you thought was stuffed with sausage but was swimming with anchovies instead. The unpleasant taste lingers.

A Bible study can turn sour because of disruptions, the group’s size, a chaotic setting, or recent events in the life of a group member. Sometimes we must play the unfavorable hand that God’s providence deals. But what if your Bible study leader is to blame for the spoiled meeting?

A Bad Leader

A Bible study leader could fall short in many ways. Maybe he favors lecture over discussion and misses out on the benefits of small group interaction. Or he asks questions but doesn’t care about the answers. Perhaps he shuts down conversations or silences people, leaving no room for differing views or sharing. Worst of all, he might misuse or misunderstand the Bible.

How do you react to a leader like this? Should you pack your bags and look for greener pastures?

Have A Conversation

Instead of jumping ship, ponder this: Might God have a job here for you? If the leader is young, inexperienced, or without a mentor, he might be aching for a friend to pass wisdom along. If you see the problems, by sticking around you may help your group study the Bible.

If you’re up for the challenge, there’s one obvious, uncomfortable task ahead of you: Have a conversation with your leader.

It’s possible that your friend has chosen a leadership style or strategy that makes your small group study unpleasant. But it’s much more likely that he doesn’t understand his effect. Your discussion may be a catalyst for his repentance (in case of moral failure) or training (in case of ignorance).

Of course, it’s also possible that the conversation will not go well, that he will explain away your observations and discount your concerns. Pray that God would use your words in the future if he doesn’t seem to be using them in the present.

Six Pointers

I’m avoiding specific guidelines on the content of this conversation because it may go in any of a hundred directions. Collect your thoughts and your recommendations before you meet, and if you need pointers for studying the Bible or leading a small group, this blog has some resources to consider.

As for your posture in this conversation and afterward, I have six brief suggestions.

Ask others first — Check with other members of your small group—are they seeing the same problems? If not, perhaps you need recalibration.
Pray — Bring this matter to God ahead of time, and if your friend is receptive, pray during your meeting. (And afterward too!)
Be humble — You are no better than your friend, and any insights you have are God-given.
Be a friend — This news may be difficult to hear, so be sympathetic and offer support for the future. Avoid all scolding.
Offer hope — Remind your friend of God’s long-term, enduring love and his committment to change us by the Spirit.
Look ahead — It’s unrealistic to expect overnight change, so ask your friend for permission to give small-group feedback down the road.

Ten Characteristics of a Great Small Group Member

August 10, 2015 By Ryan Higginbottom

Both inside and outside of the church, we talk a lot about the characteristics of leaders. And rightly so. For any organization, leaders cast the vision, set the goals, and model the actions.

We hear far less about followers. This, despite the fact followers far outnumber leaders!

What Makes a Good Follower?

cassandra (2012), Creative Commons License

We have lots of resources devoted to leading small group Bible studies. But what if you’re not the leader? What if you’re eager to glorify God by attending a Bible study?

Here are ten traits found in a great small group member. If you are attending a small group, make these qualities your target and the subject of your prayers.

What is a great small group member like?

He is a servant. The ideal small group member knows that he has an important role within his group. While he expects to be blessed by attending his small group, he sees the opportunity to bless others through his actions, words, and prayers. He relishes his opportunity to bear the burdens of his brothers and sisters in the Lord.
He is committed to the Bible. He values his friends and their contributions, but his highest authority is the Bible. He knows that cursory and thoughtless readings don’t honor God, so he pushes himself and his friends to dig again and again into the Scriptures. He works hard to keep his Bible study skills sharp.
He is open-minded. He is willing to change his mind when presented with compelling Biblical evidence. His convictions are shaped by God’s unchangeable word.
He listens. He values what others say. He knows that the Holy Spirit gives wisdom about the Bible through the insights of fellow believers. Because he cares for his friends, he is eager to hear how God is at work in their lives.
He is compassionate. He prays for his friends and follows up on those requests. He sends notes of encouragement to those who are fighting for joy in God.
He engages. He answers questions from the leader, and he poses questions himself. When the discussion drifts, he points the group back to the text. He gently draws out those who are shy, and he asks the bold to justify their claims from the Bible.
He is prepared. He labors before his group gathers so the meeting will have maximum impact.
He is vulnerable. He bares his heart to his friends, knowing that honesty is a crucial weapon in the battle against sin.
He perseveres. He is committed to his group despite the imperfections of both the leader and the other group members. He knows that all sinners (including himself) can be difficult to love, and he extends to others the forgiveness and grace he wants for himself.
He is growing. While spiritual growth may be difficult to spot from one day to the next, when he looks back over the course of a year, he can see more of the fruit of the Holy Spirit. (See Gal 5:22–23.) This growth is no cause for pride, but he rejoices in God’s faithful love for him. This growth is inspirational and infectious within his small group.

If you measure yourself against this list and come up short, don’t lose heart. Jesus is the only one who followed any list of good behavior perfectly. If you are God’s child, you don’t earn his smile; rather, his smile never departs from you! This provides both the motivation and the power to work toward blessing your small group.

I’m sure this list is not complete. What characteristics would you add?

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