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4 Ways Faith Grows Faster with Friends 

Friends reading the Bible together to grow in faith

As I sat in the Marked Podcast cohost chair, her words hit me in a whole new way: “The most formative spiritual discipline for me has been engaging the Bible, bar none.” You see, God had been speaking to me about a couple of things: reading the Bible in a more committed, consistent way and discipleship. So, that morning, when Kandi Gallaty came into the podcast studio to record an episode of Marked, God met me there.

That conversation with Kandi set something important in motion for me. I determined that day to invite a small group of women to join me in reading through the Bible together. Just in the short time I’ve been reading through the Bible with friends, God has used it to teach me a few things that I’d love to share with you here.

What I’ve Learned By Reading Through the Bible with Friends

Studying the Bible together is one of the deepest and richest ways to connect with other women.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. Women are connectors. I have stood in the checkout line at the grocery store and connected with another woman over anything from her outfit to how her babies in tow look like her. That’s the easy part. But engaging in the Word of God and entering a different kind of conversation about who God is, and why He chose to reflect His image in me, is the kind of conversation that builds high-caliber friendships.

Break bread together.

Acts 2:46 says, “Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with joyful and sincere hearts.” I love people to enjoy my cooking, I love sitting around a table and sharing a meal, and I love inviting women to come to my house one day a week and Sabbath from cooking on their own. It’s a small way to show them hospitality and care, and it reflects the lives of the early church. Sharing life around a table became a well-known part of the Christian community. It’s a beautiful time for my group to spend catching up on life before, as Kandi says, we “get down to spiritual business.”

Choose a shared goal based on God’s Word.

Here’s what I mean: if you’re going to do this thing, really do it. Challenge each other to something that’s going to stretch each of you. For my group, we decided to read through the entire Bible together in about a year. That may not be the kind of challenge you’re looking for. Maybe your group would like to tackle the New Testament, or work through a Lifeway Women’s study together. Find a common thread and dive into a study together. But don’t look for the simplest, easiest route. Sometimes, bonding over completing a challenge is the best way to deepen a friendship.  

Commit.

I’m not a big Star Wars fan, but I love the quote from Yoda to Luke Skywalker, “Do. Or do not. There is no try.” This is the philosophy of my Bible study group. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.” When I asked my friends to join, I asked them to commit to three things:

  • Reading the Word. You may get behind a little, but take a day or two to catch up before we meet. We are doing this together.
  • Choosing Community. This isn’t a “come when you can” situation. I requested that they always choose to be present—every single week—unless they have no choice. Work commitments, sickness, and planned travel are OK, but as much as it is within your ability, choose us. We are linking arms and walking together.
  • Maintaining confidentiality. What is shared in the group, stays in the group. It is amazing how quickly a commitment of confidentiality allows women to be vulnerable. We are all longing to be truly known and loved.

Ultimately, God is knitting us together through this process. If we were training for a marathon, or building a house, I think there would be a unique bond forged over time with these women, but because we are gathered weekly reading through the Bible with friends, with a shared goal in mind, we are creating a kindred connection on which the wonderful, blessed life is built.

Keep learning about practicing vulnerability in your friendships.

About Angie Elkins

Angie Elkins

Angie grew up in a Christian family in the Memphis, Tennessee, area. Early in life, she developed a love for music and the local church. After graduating from Union University, she attended Southwestern Seminary to pursue a Masters in Music. While at Southwestern, she met her husband Robert. They married in 1996 and have three children: Jack, Audrey, and Foster. In the last twenty-five years, Angie has been leading worship all over the country and writing music for the local church.

In 2017, she started her podcast, and in 2023 she launched Let It Shine, a podcast about sanctification over self-help. Angie is the manager of the Lifeway Podcast Network, where she cohosts Lifeway Women’s The Marked Podcast. Angie’s favorite things are taking morning walks in her neighborhood, Walt Disney World, and trips with her girlfriends. Angie lives in Orlando, Florida, where her husband serves as the worship pastor of First Baptist Church of Orlando. You can connect with Angie on Instagram @angiebrownelkins.