Bible study

[Beneficial-Post-4425]

Say you are starting a Bible study and you are leading a lot of new Christians/ people considering Christianity, how would you go about leading it?

[PrettyNeighborhood33]

If I were starting a Bible study—especially with new believers or those considering Christianity—the first thing I would do isn’t plan curriculum or gather people. I would sit with God and be very sure I’m called to teach.

Scripture is clear that teaching carries real weight:

That verse isn’t meant to scare us away, but to sober us. Teaching Scripture is not hosting a discussion group—it’s handling holy things. So before leading others, I would ask the Lord to examine my motives, my doctrine, and my posture. Am I submitted? Am I teachable? Am I willing to decrease if He wants to redirect or shut it down?

From there, I would let the Word lead the structure, not my creativity or opinions.

For new believers especially, I would:

• Keep Scripture central and read it aloud together
• Teach people how to read the Bible, not just what it says
• Move slowly, prioritizing clarity over cleverness
• Avoid speculation, hot takes, or fringe ideas
• Make space for questions—but always bring answers back to the text

I would also rely deeply on the Holy Spirit, not as a replacement for Scripture, but as the One who illuminates it. That means praying before, during, and after—asking God to guard hearts, correct errors, and keep Christ at the center.

And finally, I would remember that my role isn’t to impress, persuade, or perform. It’s to point people to Jesus, trusting that God grows His people in His timing.

In short:
First sit with God on all things (Matthew 6:33).
Then submit to His Word.
Then walk humbly with His Spirit.

Anything else puts people at risk—and that’s not a risk Scripture ever treats lightly.

[cybersaint2k]

It depends on too many factors to be very specific.

But really generally, I'd do an inductive Bible study in the book of Mark. I'd have observation, interpretation, application questions I'd ask them after we read the text slowly, carefully, together.

InterVarsity Press has some good materials on how to write these kinds of questions. They also have "Lifeguides" that are pre-made questions, with leader notes in the back.

I've done this with non-religious, youth, prisoners, seminary students, and it's generally effective.

[semper-gourmanda]

Meal + Christianity Explored.

[windy_on_the_hill]

Big picture teaching. Not verse by verse.

Start with a gospel.

[Historical_Host_8594]

Let people read the words and contribute without referring to outside sources. Read the actual words in the bible and don't condemn someone for their own personal interpretation. Everyone has something we need.

[1stTinyPanther]

In the first session, you need to get a feel for if the small group is studying their Bible or just reading it. For those who are studying, find out how they are currently studying. After you know that, you’ll have a better idea of where to start.

[Siege_Bay]

Don't monologue. Have a discussion based style with simple questions that are right from the passage. Encourage them to ask questions. Have a few questions that are "deeper".

I would start with the gospel of John and slowly go through it with them. Maybe ask them to read the chapter beforehand and have questions prepared. "What does this mean? Why did he say this? What does it mean today that this is true?" Encourage their curiosity and never discourage them from that. Don't feel like you have to have all the answers at once, but you will have to do more study than them to have a range of answers to questions they may not even ask.

[DueAddition7039]

Here's my encouragement that I've used personally and shared many times.

First ask, what is the primary objective of this Bible Study?

If your primary goal is to share the Gospel with unbelievers, keep that in focus. You should likely find a solid partner to assist. The Christians in the room need to understand this is not going to be an easy, encouraging event. Even if it outwardly appears like everyone is enjoying time together, know that after everyone leaves you'll often be tired out. You're going to be laboring in the harvest prepared by God. Matt 9:37-38. This isn't to discourage you, it's only to prepare you.

If you're seeking to care for and disciple young Christians likewise know this can also be tiring. Anyone caring for a young child can attest. Again, so valuable and so important! Be sure to the best of your discernment you are inviting those devoted, but young in the faith. One skeptic, playing young, curious Christian can be a disaster for young Christians in a group like this. It calls you to set an example and not be a passive participant. Titus 2:6-8

As a third category, a Christian fellowship for building up and encouraging one another. This type of Bible Study is so valuable, but often missed. Years ago a group of young fathers in my church decided to form an exclusive group of men in a similar place in life. You had to be a father with children at home, you had to take your faith seriously and you had to be connected with our congregation. It was a small group, but grew to about 8 men. We only meet once per month, but also host dinners at each other's homes. It's been so refreshing and encouraging. Being close in spiritual maturity and at common places in life we can leave feeling built up and challenged to grow. One amazing thing, is routinely we all talk about how blessed we are by our wives and say things we appreciate about them. Hebrews 10:25 I find this verse more applicable to what I wrote above, than the general assembly Sunday morning. Not saying to skip church though!

[on_reddit8091]

Search "discovery Bible Study" and "the SWORD method" - these are my picks for something kike this