Leading a Bible Study: Group Tips and Challenges

Pastor Fetterhoff ends the course with some practical questions and advice. Have you chosen an environment that will foster a comfortable environment that invites participation? Is it set up more like a study time at tables or more like a friend-to-friend conversation? For most Bible studies, an open concept that is welcoming will invite more participation. But there is no one “right way” to do it.

You will know the extroverts immediately. They are great for get things going and helping start conversation. But later, you may need to watch that they don’t dominate. You’ll eventually want to draw the quieter, more analytical people into the discussion.

Ask very specific questions to individuals. “What stood out to you in this passage or verse?” “Have you ever experienced a situation like this before?” “What was something that helped you in the reading this week?”

Don’t laugh at people’s thoughts or make fun of something someone said. It will obviously shut them down. Always encourage people when they share. Don’t feel like you have to add to what they say. Silence isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

There may be conflict. Whenever people are involved, conflict is waiting at the door. While we may not be in grade school anymore, we sometimes haven’t outgrown certain unhelpful behaviors. We just don’t have a teacher to call us out on it any more.

Here are some quick tips to navigate conflicts constructively:

Stay Calm: Maintain composure and avoid escalating emotions. Take deep breaths and focus on staying composed, even in tense situations.
Active Listening: Listen attentively to the other person’s perspective without interrupting. Show empathy and seek to understand their feelings and concerns. Encourage others in the group to do the same.
Express Yourself Clearly: Use “I” statements to express thoughts and feelings without blaming or accusing the other person. Clearly communicate people’s needs and boundaries.
Focus on Solutions: Shift the focus from blame to finding solutions. Brainstorm together to identify mutually acceptable solutions that address the underlying issues. Redirect the group if it veers off into blaming.
Compromise and Flexibility: Be open to compromise and flexible in finding middle ground. Consider alternative perspectives and be willing to adjust your position if necessary. Try to foster an atmosphere of agreeing to disagree. It is truly dangerous to “unchristianize” someone else because we disagree with them.
Take Breaks if Needed: If emotions run high or tensions escalate, it's okay to take a break and revisit the conversation later. Use the time to cool off and gain perspective. If things are too hot, a person might be disinvited.
Seek Mediation if Necessary: If the conflict persists or becomes unmanageable, consider bringing in someone from the pastoral staff to facilitate communication and resolution.
Focus on the Future: Avoid dwelling on past grievances and focus on moving forward. Identify lessons learned from the conflict and commit to positive change. Remind the group of the core Christian value of loving one’s neighbor (and enemy).
Maintain Respect: Treat all people with respect and dignity, even if you disagree with their perspective. Avoid personal attacks and derogatory language. God is our ultimate judge. Watch out for small verbal aggression that is disguised (sometimes not very well disguised) as joking.
Follow Up: After resolving the conflict, follow up with the people involved. We’re going to be with each other in heaven for all eternity. We should get used to each other now.

In some cases, it may be appropriate to come to some agreement on ground rules for meeting. If things get too hot, some will just stop coming. In an extreme situation, the group may need to disband. In the end, we all have room to grow, and while tension often isn’t pleasant, sometimes it is an instrument of growth.