If you’re getting close to finishing your current Bible study with your small group, it may be time to consider what your group will study next. When deciding which Bible study you should choose, consider a few questions, such as: How can you be sure the study is meaningful for your group? Will women be vulnerable or closed off to the Bible study you’re considering? What will the structure of your group look like?
At Lifeway Women, we celebrate you—small group leaders—and we want to help you prepare for your next Bible study as much as we can, so we’re providing you with some encouragement, small group basics, free printables, and 7 Bible study recommendations!
Why Should You Lead a Group?
Small group Bible study is so important. It’s where we find community, share struggles, laugh at life, and learn more about the Lord. Acceptance, affirmation, and accountability work together to create a special dynamic unlike any other group you’re a part of.
Hosting a successful Bible study group can feel overwhelming. If you’re a seasoned women’s ministry leader, this may be a breeze for you. But if you’ve attended a local Bible study for a while yet never hosted a group yourself, you might feel intimidated.
God calls us to multiply. Matthew 28:19-20 says, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
You may not think of yourself as a leader, but God asks us to lead others and not only be led. 2 Timothy 2:2 says, “What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” Pray and ask God if He is calling you to lead a group this fall.
Gather a Group
- Pray about who will join your group. Ask women from church, neighbors, moms at the park, and friends who attend other churches if they might be interested in attending a small group Bible study.
- Consider the diversity of your group. Ask women from all stages of life. Women who are varying in age, voices, walks of life, and denominations.
- Keep your group small. Try to keep your group between 6 and 12 women to encourage maximum discussion.
- Ask women to be committed. Even if they get behind in study, encourage them to keep attending. They will still get a lot out of the discussion and continue to build community.
Consider the Logistics of Your Small Group
- Decide on a start date and time for your Bible study. For your very first meeting, start with a party. A casual meal where everyone can meet and get to know each other sets a nice tone. And each time you meet, be mindful to respect everyone’s time by starting and ending on time.
- Pray about which study will suit the needs of your group the best.
- What topic/author/book of the Bible interests you and the women in your small group? (See below for a list of 7 ideas!)
- Do you want your study to be video-driven or print only? How many sessions/weeks of study would be ideal?
- Flip through this small catalog for ideas. Also note the chart starting on page 60 that breaks down all the studies Lifeway Woman has to offer with quick info on topic, number of sessions, video length, and more!
Download Cute Printables
Set the scene AND get great ideas with these adorable free downloads. Just click on the links below the image to download each one!
- “Let’s Study” Banner to string and hang.
- Scripture Cards to pass out and pray over each woman.
- Name Tags so everyone knows who they’re sitting next to.
- No-Cook Recipes for easy snacks.
- Conversation Starters to break the ice.
- 12 Tips to Being a Great Leader because even the leader needs a little encouragement.
7 Great Bible Studies to Consider
With so many great options out there, you have a lot of choices when it comes to your group’s next study. Here are the 7 we recommend. Read more about each in the catalog above, or click each link to read more online:
- Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer
- The Quest by Beth Moore
- Steadfast Love by Lauren Chandler
- We Saved You a Seat by Lisa-Jo Baker
- Proven by Jennie Allen
- Finding I AM by Lysa TerKeurst
- All Things New by Kelly Minter
