6 Ways To Lead Better Bible Study Discussions

“What does this passage mean to you?”

You start with an easy, open-ended question to get the conversation moving.

Fifteen minutes later, the group is discussing how Sharon should respond to her coworker Doris, who hasn’t been showing up to work on time. Most people have already closed their Bibles.

So much for the “Bible study,” you mutter to yourself.

Habits for Healthy Dialogue

I’ve had the privilege of leading or participating in Bible study groups for well over a decade. I’ve been a part of awkward discussions, distracted discussions, heated discussions, life-transforming discussions, and everything in between.

Along the way, I’ve observed a handful of habits that help facilitate meaningful and enjoyable Bible-saturated conversations. Below are six.

Disclaimer: I won’t focus on leader preparation. Effective preparation includes prayer, studying the passage, brainstorming questions relevant to the group and tethered to the text, and so forth. I also won’t discuss handling difficult members.

1. Tell members what to look for before reading the passage as a group.

Imagine scanning a Where’s Waldo? page without knowing what Waldo looks like. After several minutes, someone asks, “OK, where’s the man with the brown hair and white-and-red-striped shirt and hat?” Most likely, you’ll have to scan the page all over again before answering. Without knowing what you’re looking for, it’s easy to get distracted and miss important details. That often happens if you read the chapter and then ask your group, “Where did you see Jesus in this passage?”

Conversely, if you’re given direction beforehand, your time scanning the page will be much more profitable. So give your group a few things to look for. Then, as the passage is read, they’ll be able to notice key details and start formulating thoughts for discussion.

For example, say, “Group, as we read, be on the lookout for these things . . .”

• What the passage teaches us about the character, nature, or purposes of God/Christ
• What this passage teaches us about the condition or needs of mankind
• Which verses jump out at you as being particularly encouraging, convicting, or confusing

2. Give members three to five minutes to think after reading the passage.

Instead of discussing your prepared list of questions immediately after reading, give members a few minutes to review the text, underline, or take notes. (Sometimes my small group plays a worship song softly in the background, and then we begin the discussion when the song ends.)

Most people need a few moments to gather their thoughts after reading, which is why the first discussion question is often met with the most silence. Instead of pressuring people to immediately share their half-baked thoughts, give them space to silently process before discussion begins.

Most people need a few moments to gather their thoughts after reading, which is why the first discussion question is often met with the most silence.

Before the silent reflection time, it can be useful to share the first discussion question—perhaps the same question you asked before reading—to remind them what they’re looking for and what the group will discuss first.

3. Cue members on how to respond.

While this step isn’t essential at the beginning of every discussion, it can be useful every so often to remind group members, “In your response, if you would direct us to the part of the text you’re referring to, that’ll help the rest of us follow along.”

This simple cue can keep the discussion tailored to the text. It also trains members to let Scripture shape their thoughts, rather than letting their thoughts shape Scripture.

4. Take physical notes of member responses.

Taking notes shows you value what your members have to say, which encourages participation and blesses those sharing. Additionally, by note-taking, leaders model active listening, which often inspires others to do the same. Finally, it’ll help you refer to observations made earlier in the conversation (or in previous weeks). Returning to previous comments helps unite the conversation and solidify concepts.

5. Praise (helpful) responses.

Nothing is worse for group members than mustering up the courage to speak, only to be met with radio silence. Meanwhile, nothing is more positively reinforcing than when their comments seem valued by others. As group leaders, we should lead the charge in praise. Our members should know us as encouragers even before they know us as experts.

There are many ways to praise, ranging from a nonverbal “Mm!” to several full-length sentences about what you appreciated. The goal isn’t profundity but simply acknowledging and showing appreciation for their thoughts. Here are examples:

• “That’s helpful.”
• “That’s encouraging.”
• “That’s convicting.”
• “Well said.”
• “Great insight.”

It’s valuable to repeat what the group member said in your own words: “Wisdom is a Person—I love that.” Mirroring shows you were listening and understood his or her point.

Of course, we shouldn’t praise insensitive comments or false doctrine. It takes wisdom to know when to overlook, when to correct privately, and when to correct publicly.

6. Be curious and expectant.

One of the most common mistakes small group leaders make is feeling like they need to be the wisest person in the room. Take this pressure off yourself!

Often, the key to leading effective small group discussions isn’t being the expert but not being the expert. The best discussion leaders aren’t necessarily the most educated but the most curious—genuinely eager to hear and learn from others. In a world where we’re constantly living in our own heads, lean into the joy of briefly stepping into someone else’s experience.

The best discussion leaders aren’t necessarily the most educated but the most curious.

A leader with biblical or theological training can greatly benefit the group. But it’s important not to dominate the conversation or come across as a know-it-all. A great way to share insights without seeming preachy is by building on others’ comments: “I love that, Alex! Your words remind me of [insert related verse].” This edifies the group and redirects praise to the person sharing before you.

If God has put you in a position to lead a Bible study, he’s given you a unique privilege, and he’s pleased by your efforts to serve his people. Thank God for the opportunity, ask him for help, and rest knowing that his Word will not return void.