Before You Begin
Thank you for choosing to lead one of our Bible studies. We’re honored to come alongside you as you open God’s Word with others.
Setting expectations from the outset helps create a welcoming, focused, and fruitful group experience. Below are suggestions to help guide your group’s structure and shared commitments.
Group Expectations
Consider establishing these at your first meeting:
- Availability
Prioritize regular attendance to encourage consistency and connection. - Confidentiality
Respect what is shared. Group discussions should remain private. - Authenticity
Be open and honest. Vulnerability helps others do the same. - Respect
Speak with kindness. Listen well. Disagree without division. Stick to one conversation at a time. - Participation
Encourage everyone to speak—but not to dominate. It is best when everyone completes the weekly lesson and arrives ready to learn together.
Leading the Group
- Prayer and Preparation
Before each meeting, spend time in prayer and review the lesson. Familiarize yourself with the passages and questions so you can guide discussion with confidence and focus. Prepare any additional resources that may enhance the study experience. - Opening Prayer
For the first lesson, open in prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to help everyone understand and apply God’s Word. For each lesson after that, ask someone in the group to open in prayer. - Facilitate the Lesson
Work through the questions together. Encourage everyone to share their answers, but ensure no one dominates the discussion—including you, the leader. Keep the discussion centered on the passage and gently refocus the group when needed. - Read the Refresh
Conclude each lesson by having someone read the Refresh section aloud. It serves as a closing reflection and takeaway. - Closing Prayer
At the end of each lesson, ask someone in the group to close the study in prayer, thanking God for His Word and asking for continued understanding and growth. - Prayer Partners
After the closing prayer, spend some time in pairs sharing prayer requests and praying for one another. Praying aloud may feel uncomfortable for some at first, but a Bible study group should be a safe place where everyone encourages and supports one another. This practice helps build trust and community within the group.
Helpful Study Resources
Trusted Bible commentaries can help with the historical setting, context, and meaning of a passage. Logos Bible Software offers many options, including resources by John MacArthur, Matthew Henry, and R.C. Sproul. For difficult questions, GotQuestions.org and The Big Book of Bible Difficulties by Norman Geisler and Thomas Howe may also be helpful.
Always compare outside resources with Scripture. They should support—not replace—your careful study of God’s Word.
Guidance for Leaders
If you are leading one of our studies or preparing for a retreat and would like support—such as planning your sessions or receiving Leader Notes with answers—email info@createdforhope.com.