Small Group Bible Study, Introduction

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Small Group Bible Study is a productive and scriptural way to further the Gospel of Christ.

Perhaps your personal, in-depth study of the Life of Jesus Christ has now produced in you a growing desire to invite others to join you in serious considerations of Holy Scripture. Small Group Bible Study is one title for just such a gathering. However, it is not the name of the group that matters most, but drawing closer to Jesus Christ. If you do begin such a Bible study, we pray you find it a blessing in the furtherance of the good news of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Basic Elements Required

God's Holy Word (2 Tim. 2:15). Bible study is the most important component in the life of a balanced and healthy Small Group Bible Study.
Group Building (Col. 3:12-17). The bonding process of "becoming a group" requires time, effort, and commitment.
Outreach (Matt. 25). Reaching out in love to others is essential for the health and growth of the group.

Possible Format

Gather together, enjoy fellowship and perhaps snacks
Small Group Bible Study Lesson
Share needs, concerns and pray for them

Important: Protect against turning Small Group Bible study sessions into long, seemingly unending marathons. Children have school the next day; others have to work; while some might have personal plans following the group Bible study. In short, each person in your group is depending on you to be the guardian --- a good steward --- of their time. Hopefully, your group will always look forward to meeting, not dread it.

Suggested Organization

Start on time
Finish on time
If you have food, keep it simple
The host family should have only one responsibility, to host
Identify your organizer. The person who will make phone calls, set up the meetings, etc.
Identify your study leader, who will start the discussion of the Lesson material.

Where the Early Church Met

36 names & places from Acts 12, 16, 18, 28; Rom. 16; 1 Cor. 16.

    Rhoda's Gate            Lystra                      Iconium
    Jerusalem               Galatia                     Troas
    Mysia                   Bythynia                    Macedonia
    Samothracia             Neapolis                    Phillippi
    Thyatira                Lydia's House               Jailor's House
    Athens                  Justus' House               Syria
    Ephesus                 Antioch                     Phrygia
    Alexandria              Achaia                      Melita
    Publius' House          Syracuse                    Rhegium
    Puteoli                 Apiiforum                   Rome
    Judea                   Priscilla & Aquila's House  Narcissus' House
    Ephesus                 Stephanas                   Corinth
    Crispus' House          Cenchrea                    Caesarea

"And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus ..." (Col. 3:17) Back to top | Series Index | Next Page: Why Small Group Study?