How to start a Bible Study for beginners

By Pastor Tom Anderson

LIfe is a puzzle. We all have questions–big questions about how–or if–the pieces fit together. Many people are looking for a safe place to ask their biggest questions about life. Many want to have conversations with others about these questions. But more than just hearing other people’s opinions, many want to know if God has any wisdom for us. Of course God does! He’s written it down for us in the Bible.

Have you ever been in a Bible study? Have you ever considered leading one? Did you know there are people all around you right now who would love to have a safe place to see for themselves what the Bible says. Dr. David Watson and his son Paul have developed a simple approach to Bible study that is being used around the world. It is accessible to beginning readers of the Bible who want to know the wisdom God has given to us in the Bible. Their website is Discovery Bible Study

It’s free. There are no books to buy–just a Bible. It’s something you could do in your own home, at work or at school. Just get 2 or 3 friends together and follow this simple process:

Talk. To begin with, have each person answer these questions: What are you thankful for? What is causing you stress? Who needs help? How could we help them?
Read the passage. (You can find a downloadable list of suggested beginner passages at the website.) Have someone read the passage while the rest follow along. Then someone re-tells the passage while others supply any missing details.
Read the passage again. Everyone answers this question: What does this passage say about God, Jesus or His plan?
Read the passage a third time. Everyone answers this question. What does this passage tell us about human beings?
Inside me. Everyone shares on these questions: According to this study, what am I doing well? What do I need to change?
Who else? Everyone shares on these questions: Who else needs to hear this? How can I tell them? Who could I invite to bring with me next week?

Are you being called to start a Bible Study in your home, school or workplace? Don’t be afraid, it’s God’s word–He will not fail to create faith, hope and love in those who listen. If you humble yourself before the Lord and call upon his Holy Spirit, and you have faith the size of a mustard seed–you could do this using just this simple approach.

Let me know what God is saying to you! I would love to pray for you and help you get started with Discovery Bible Study or let you know about other resources available.