Just For M.E.: False Assumptions Bible Study Leaders Often Make

adapted from an article by Donna Savage in Discipleship Journal

Despite their best intentions, our Bible study leaders often believe in these six false assumptions whenever they lead in a Bible study. As they become more sensitive to the status of each member of their small group, whether they are a Bible professor or they are have no prior experience with the Living Word (and don't even know why we call it that), they will become more effective in their Bible study leadership to their group.

1. Everyone knows the books of the Bible. No one enjoys fumbling through the Bible while others watch and wait. To prevent this embarrassment, I bookmark the primary passage in a few Bibles before study and give them to guests. When we look up a passage, I offer directions for newcomers, such as “Find Psalms in the middle, and turn left.”

2. Everyone remembers familiar Bible stories. Many adults have seen reruns of favorite TV shows more often than they’ve heard the parables of the Good Samaritan or the prodigal son. When I refer to a Bible story, I quickly recap the basic plot line or main idea.

3. Everyone has seen a Bible map. God doesn’t download diagrams of the Holy Land into our brains at salvation. When I mention Paul’s second journey through Asia Minor, I lose those who are unfamiliar with biblical geography. If I don’t have a map available to display, I copy one to distribute.

4. Everyone knows that answer. Sometimes what seems to be an obvious reply to a simple question sparks an unexpected discovery. One person in my group recently remarked, “I’ve been to church all my life, and I never knew that!” Those moments of insight keep learning fresh for everyone.

5. Everyone sees the connection. Bible study novices may not link events or concepts in one portion of Scripture with related ideas mentioned elsewhere in the Bible. For instance, they may not associate the uproar over Jesus’ Sabbath activities with the Old Testament commands against working on the Sabbath. Rather than zipping by these connections, I point them out.

6. Everyone enjoys reading aloud. Unfamiliar Bible names and term can intimidate even longtime believers. If a passage includes difficult words, I often pronounce them before I invite a volunteer to read. (Most Bible study software programs has a verbal pronouncement of biblical words in their program).

THINGS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN ….

FOR CHURCH LEADERS: Restoring All Things: Stories of a Christian Life in a Post-Christian Culture, April 8, 2015, Johnson Ferry Baptist Church/Marietta - http://restoringallthings.org/events/atlanta/

FOR CHURCH LEADERS: Baptist Association of Christian Educators (BACE) 2015 Conference, April 9 & 10, 2015, Johnson Ferry Baptist Church/Marietta, “Prescriptions for Spiritual, Family, and Church Health” - http://www.baptisteducators.org/

FOR CHURCH LEADERS: Go to a special screening of the upcoming Kendrick brothers movie, War Room, in Cartersville, GA on March 23rd. Call Bartow Baptist Association for details (770-607-0300)

FOR NEW BELIEVERS: The Beginning: First Steps for new Disciples - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/the-beginning-first-steps-for-new-disciples-workbook-P005685160

FOR BIBLE STUDY LEADERSHIP: Free Helps for Preparing your Explore the Bible studies in the Minor Prophets - http://blog.lifeway.com/explorethebible/blog/free-resources-for-your-minor-prophets-study/

FOR BIBLE STUDY LEADERSHIP: The Gospel Project: Chronological Preview Event at Hebron Baptist Church in Dacula, GA, April 28^th, 6:30-8:00pm. Alan Raughton will introduce this chronological, Christ-centered Bible study that will be available to kids, students, and adults this fall. For more information, contact Alan at alan.raughton@lifeway.com.

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FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: Counter Culture by David Platt - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/counter-culture-student-leader-kit-P005647994?intcmp=Counter-MTX-Text-StudKit-20150109

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: Virtuosity: A 40 Day Devotional Guide for Guys - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/virtuosity-P005720882

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: 8 Reasons to Attend Youth Pastor’s Summit - http://www.lifeway.com/studentministry/2015/02/26/8-reasons-to-go-to-youth-pastor-summit/?utm_content=bufferc721e&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: Student Ministry with a Backbone - http://www.lifeway.com/studentministry/2015/03/03/student-ministry-with-a-backbone/

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: 2^nd Hour Worship Helps for The Gospel Project

Kids: http://www.lifeway.com/Product/the-gospel-project-for-kids-kids-leader-kit-with-worship-spring-2015-P005508645-2015-SPR

Older Preschool: http://www.lifeway.com/Product/the-gospel-project-for-kids-preschool-leader-kit-with-worship-spring-2015-P005508637-2015-SPR

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: 2^ndHour Worship Helps for Explore the Bible