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WM 101: Bible Study Leader Tips and Resources
Whether you are Bible study teacher, leader, or discussion group facilitator, there are some great tools that will help you get into the Word, get the most out of it, and share it appropriately. Here are some of my favorite tips:
Prayer
It is imperative that you, the leader spend time in prayer asking for the Lord to teach you and open your heart to truth, as well as praying for the members in your study group. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you.
Focus on the Word
Focus on the Word
The focus is not on you as the leader, but the Bible. If you are a small group or discussion leader, your role is simply to guide the discussion, encouragepersonal interaction with Scripture and let the Holy Spirit make application according to the needs of the women in your group. If you are teaching, your role is to share what the Lord leads you to, but always with Him as the focus. Try not to include too many personal stories. Keep the focus on the Word!
A-ha Journal
A-ha Journal
Keep a small notebook with you to record great ideas or thoughts that might be applicable to your class. You can find inspiration from the radio, messages in church,and other conversations. Consider keeping it on your bedside table just in case your a-ha thought happens in the middle of the night.
Find some Great Study Tools
Find some Great Study Tools
Imagine yourself at the kitchen table with your Bible, a notebook and several study books spread out around to help you dig a little deeper. What books would you use? Here are some I use and recommend:
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
James Strong/Hendrickson Publishers
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
James Strong/Hendrickson Publishers
Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old & New Testament Words
W.E. Vine/Thomas Nelson
Bible Knowledge Commentary: Old Testament & New Testament
Edited by John F. Walvoord & Roy B. Zuck/Cook Communications
Jensen's Survey of OT & NT
Irving L. Jensen/Moody Publishers
Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible
Spiros Zodhiates/Amg Publishers
CBD Parallel Bible-KJV, NKJV, NIV, NLT
Prince Press
Manners and Customs in the Bible, Revised
Victor Matthews/Hendrickson Publishers
Victor Matthews/Hendrickson Publishers
Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible
Matthew Henry/Hendrickson Publishers
Matthew Henry/Hendrickson Publishers
There are all kinds of Bible study tools. Find what works for you. Strong's and Vine's are both available online through several different websites that also include commentaries, maps and handbooks.
Be Prepared
Be Prepared
Start and end on time. Have everything you need in place and ready to go before everyone arrives. Take time to greet each woman. Do your research and anticipate any possible questions that might arise. Be prepared to address them.
Bible study is a key element of any women's ministry. It is the first thing I encourage women to establish when they are starting a WM, and it is typically the foundation for all other programs and ministries to grow out of. Study hard and share the Word!
Bible study is a key element of any women's ministry. It is the first thing I encourage women to establish when they are starting a WM, and it is typically the foundation for all other programs and ministries to grow out of. Study hard and share the Word!
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