Recently, we shared our top eight Bible studies for fall. Did you miss it? Check out our list here. If you’re already thinking ahead to fall, it can be overwhelming trying to choose the right Bible study for yourself or your small group.
Here are some important things to consider and questions to ask yourself when selecting your Bible study for fall:
- Decide how your group will be meeting together—digitally, in person, or socially distanced.(Here are a few tips if your group is continuing to meet digitally.)
- Consider the size of group you want to have and how you can accommodate everyone. You want to make sure everyone connects with each other, so be intentional about how you plan to do that—especially if you are meeting via social media.
- Don’t forget that if you offer something on social media, you have the opportunity to reach more women and reach a wider audience geographically. How will you communicate this to others?
- Make sure women know all of the “how-tos,” including how to purchase the study material and how your study will be structured. Set expectations and challenge participants to complete weekly assignments.
- Consider reviewing videos prior to your meeting (if possible) so you can be familiar with the content and be prepared to answer any questions that might come up in the discussion.
- Don’t be afraid to see if others in the group want to lead the discussion during one of the weeks. This will help you see the potential in future Bible study leaders.
- Look at the time you have available to meet. If you have forty-five minutes to an hour, you will plan and select the Bible study differently than if you have an hour and thirty minutes. How much time will you set aside for review, prayer, video, and discussion?
- Whether you are online or in person, allow women to discuss or pray in pairs, smaller groups of three to four, or even groups of eight to ten for the small group discussions.
- Find out about the women attending. What is going to be the best study for your audience of women? What did they study previously? Books of the Bible? Topics? Theology? What is a study that will keep all of them engaged and learning—regardless of age, marital status, or season of life? What are their expectations between sessions? Personal study? Homework? Bible reading plan?
- Determine if you want a video-driven or print-only study. We have great options for both. (Here are six studies to reach for if you want to forego videos.)
What features do you value most when choosing a Bible study? Tell us in the comments!
