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.

FOR DISCIPLESHIP/EVANGELISM: Life on Mission: A Simple Way to Share the Gospel - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/life-on-mission-a-simple-way-to-share-the-gospel-leader-kit-P005717346

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Counter Culture by David Platt - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/counter-culture-leader-kit-P005703479?intcmp=Counter-MTX-Text-Kit-20150109

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Fight Back with Joy by Margaret Feinberg - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/fight-back-with-joy-celebrate-more-regret-less-stare-down-your-greatest-fears-leader-kit-P005699446

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Like Glue: Making Relationships Stick by Ben Mandrell - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/like-glue-making-relationships-stick-leader-kit-P005681343?intcmp=LikeGlue-MTX-Text-Kit-20150107

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^nd Hour Worship Helps for Explore the Bible

                Older Kids: http://www.lifeway.com/Product/explore-the-bible-older-kids-tool-kit-with-worship-spring-2015-P005678165-2015-SPR

                Younger Kids: http://www.lifeway.com/Product/explore-the-bible-younger-kids-tool-kit-with-worship-spring-2015-P005678167-2015-SPR

                Older Preschool: http://www.lifeway.com/Product/explore-the-bible-preschool-tool-kit-with-worship-spring-2015-P005678166-2015-SPR

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: 2^nd Hour Worship Helps for Bible Studies for Life

                Kids: http://www.lifeway.com/Product/worship-for-life-kids-elementary-dvd-spring-2015-P005678172-2015-SPR

                Preschool: http://www.lifeway.com/Product/worship-for-life-kids-preschool-dvd-spring-2015-P005678173-2015-SPR

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Freefall to Fly by Rebecca Lyons - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/freefall-to-fly-a-breathtaking-journey-toward-a-life-of-meaning-P005563243

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Priscilla Shirer Live, April 25, 2015 - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Priscilla-Shirer-Live-Simulcast?type=events&emid=BL-BSI-PSLsim-20150113

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: The Main Event 2015 will be in THREE locations! - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/The-Main-Event?type=events&emid=BL-BSI-MainEvent-20141230

What to Do with Your Hands When the Spirit Moves

This has been around awhile, but it’s still funny. Enjoy!

What to do with your hands when the Spirit moves you in worship …

• If you’re Lutheran, you don’t show anything, but you move your toes in rhythm with the music lest anyone find out that you really do have a beat.
• If you’re Reformed Church in America or Christian Reformed Church, you can do anything you want to with your hands with one unbreakable rule: No hands above the waist.
• If you’re Roman Catholic, you make the sign of the cross.
• If you’re Episcopalian, you thrust your hands nervously in your pockets and dig, scratch, or scrape.
• If you’re nondenominational, you clap.
• If you’re Wesleyan or Evangelical Free, you cry.
• If you’re Nazarene, you laugh.
• If you’re Seventh-day Adventist, you sway slightly with eyes shut.
• If you’re United Methodist, you extend your hands, palms upward, but arms are never raised above the belly-button.
• If you’re United Church of Christ, you stand erect with arms crossed and face scowled.
• If you’re Presbyterian, you place one hand under the chin, a la Rodin’s The Thinker.
• If you’re Unitarian Universalist, you go on and pretend nothing has happened.
• If you’re Southern Baptist, you hold hands with people across the aisle.
• If you’re American Baptist, you tap your feet.
• If you’re United Church of Canada, you clasp your hands behind the back.
• If you’re Salvation Army, you lift your hearts to God and your hands to whoever’s around you.
• If you’re Quaker, you get real quiet.
• If you’re Church of God (Anderson, Indiana), you raise one hand to the heavens as if you’re hailing a bus or waving a hankie.
• If you’re Pentecostal, you lift both hands high above the head and make the wave. (By the way, do you know how they vote at Pentecostal conventions? They put their hands down.)
• If you’re postmodern, you've done all of the above at one time or another.

And if you’re more visual, here’s a YouTube video of Tim Hawkins and his take on hand raising: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TK2_ezOBa2A

Regardless of what your preferred style of worship is, God only asks that you worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:24)

THINGS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN ….

FOR CHURCH LEADERS: Southside Summit for Church Revitalization, February 19 - http://www.southsidesummit.org/

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: Nine Concerns about Church Members Who Withhold Their Financial Gifts by Dr. Thom Rainer - http://thomrainer.com/2015/02/04/nine-concerns-church-members-withhold-financial-gifts/

FOR CHURCH DEVOTIONALS: DevoHub is Coming! Church devotionals delivered directly to personal devices - http://www.devohub.com/?emid=BL-BSI-DevoHub-20141118

FOR NEW BELIEVERS: The Beginning -http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Disciples-Path

FOR BIBLE STUDY LEADERSHIP: 2015-18 Plans for The Gospel Project unveiled – A Chronological Journey for all ages! -http://www.gospelproject.com/2015-2018/

FOR BIBLE STUDY LEADERSHIP: 3 Times When a Leader Should Keep Quiet by Rick Howerton - http://biblestudyinsider.com/2015/01/15/group-leader-skills-3-times-a-leader-should-keep-quiet/#.VNi79S5GR9Y

FOR DISCIPLESHIP/EVANGELISM: Life on Mission: A Simple Way to Share the Gospel - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/life-on-mission-a-simple-way-to-share-the-gospel-leader-kit-P005717346

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Counter Culture by David Platt - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/counter-culture-leader-kit-P005703479?intcmp=Counter-MTX-Text-Kit-20150109

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Fight Back with Joy by Margaret Feinberg - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/fight-back-with-joy-celebrate-more-regret-less-stare-down-your-greatest-fears-leader-kit-P005699446

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Like Glue: Making Relationships Stick by Ben Mandrell - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/like-glue-making-relationships-stick-leader-kit-P005681343?intcmp=LikeGlue-MTX-Text-Kit-20150107

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: 5 Goals You Should Set for Student Ministry by Ben Trueblood - http://www.lifeway.com/studentministry/2014/11/10/5-goals-you-should-set-in-student-ministry/

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: Understanding the Basic Characteristics of Kids by Bill Emeott - http://www.lifeway.com/kidsministry/2014/11/21/understanding-basic-characteristics-of-kids/?emid=lcurtis-LWK-newsletter-20150107

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: VBS 2015: Journey Off the Map Preview Events and Resources – http://www.lifeway.com/n/Vacation-Bible-School?intcmp=VBSSite-Shop

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: 6 Steps for Taking Your VBS to the Next Level by Jerry Wooley - http://blog.lifeway.com/vbs/2014/12/11/6-tips-for-taking-your-vbs-to-the-next-level/?emid=lcurtis-VBS-newsletter-20150114

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Freefall to Fly by Rebecca Lyons - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/freefall-to-fly-a-breathtaking-journey-toward-a-life-of-meaning-P005563243

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Priscilla Shirer Live, April 25, 2015 - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Priscilla-Shirer-Live-Simulcast?type=events&emid=BL-BSI-PSLsim-20150113

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: The Main Event 2015 will be in THREE locations! - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/The-Main-Event?type=events&emid=BL-BSI-MainEvent-20141230

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: 33 The Series: A Man and His Marriage - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/33-the-series-volume-5-a-man-and-his-marriage-leader-kit-P005644086

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: 33 The Series: A Man and His Work - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/33-the-series-a-man-and-his-work-leader-kit-P005558775

Steps In Selecting a Bible Study Apprentice

If you are interested in growing your church (and who isn’t), you know the importance of creating new groups. In fact there is a website whose entire purpose is to stress the importance of starting new groups and how to keep them healthy.  If you haven’t been to the website, here’s a link to it – www.groupsmatter.com.

One of the steps in starting new groups is training new leaders. Below is a great article by Rick Howerton about how to enlist Bible study leader apprentices who will become the leaders of new groups you create.

Apprentices are the key to a Bible study small group ministry that grows numerically while also making disciples that make disciples. An apprentice is a future small group leader who is mentored by the current leader of the group the apprentice is currently attending. In almost every instance, it is best if the small group leader determines who the apprentice for his or her group will be. But very few group leaders know what to look for when determining who will fill this vital role.

Ask these questions to determine who will be an effective apprentice:

·         Are they fully on board with the vision of the church and the small group strategy your church utilizes?

·         Are they in agreement with the theology and doctrinal perspective of your church?

·         Is the Bible their guide for life?

·         Do they have the heart of a shepherd? That is, will they nurture and protect a flock/small group?

·         Are they engaged in daily spiritual disciplines?

·         Is the possible apprentice a person of integrity? That is, do they live by the ideals they verbalize?

·         Do they know and understand the gospel? Are they able to explain it? If not, are they willing to allow you to aid them in learning this essential aspect of Christian leadership?

·         Are they teachable?

·         Do the other group members listen attentively when they speak? If so, this is a good sign that they are already perceived as having leadership qualities.

·         Are they willing to fall under the authority of the church leadership, be directed by them, held accountable by them, and attend training and events that are made available to them?

THINGS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN ….

FOR CHURCH LEADERS: 15 Books Church Leaders Should Read in 2015 - http://www.briandoddonleadership.com/2014/11/23/the-top-15-books-christian-leaders-should-read-in-2015/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+BrianDoddOnLeadership+%28Brian+Dodd+On+Leadership%29

FOR EDUCATION MINISTRY LEADERS: 2015 BACE Conference, Johnson Ferry Baptist/Marietta, April 9-10, 2015 - http://www.baptisteducators.org/conference/

FOR CHURCH DEVOTIONALS: DevoHub is Coming! Church devotionals delivered directly to personal devices - http://www.devohub.com/?emid=BL-BSI-DevoHub-20141118

FOR NEW BELIEVERS: The Beginning -http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Disciples-Path

FOR BIBLE STUDY LEADERSHIP: 2015-18 Plans for The Gospel Project unveiled – A Chronological Journey for all ages! -http://www.gospelproject.com/2015-2018/

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Ordinary by Tony Merida - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/ordinary-bible-study-kit-P005644105

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: VBS 2015: Journey Off the Map Preview Events and Resources – http://www.lifeway.com/n/Vacation-Bible-School?intcmp=VBSSite-Shop

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: D’Now resources -http://www.lifeway.com/n/merchandised-landing-page/DiscipleNow?intcmp=DnowSearch-MTX-Button-ViewAll-20130227

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: LifeWay Girls Conference, Nashville, TN, February 20-21, 2015 - http://www.lifeway.com/Event/Student-Event-LifeWay-Girls-Conference-Nashville-TN

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Sermon on the Mount by Jen Wilkin  -http://www.lifeway.com/Product/the-sermon-on-the-mount-leader-kit-p005644877

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: What Love is by Kelly Minter - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/what-love-is-the-letters-of-1-2-3-john-leader-kit-P005635537

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: The Main Event 2015 will be in THREE locations! - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/The-Main-Event?type=events&emid=BL-BSI-MainEvent-20141230