My first encounter with the internet took place about 14 years ago. I was trying to convince the IT guy in our office that I needed access. He was unimpressed and unwilling and responded with something like, "Why would you ever need the internet here at the office?" My, how things change in a decade and a half!

Have you ever considered the internet as an ideal venue for Bible study on the go? With summer's approach, this might just be what you need to help women stay in touch and in God's Word no matter where they might roam. Let's begin with some ideas about ways to do an online study:

• Email Study: A weekly email discussion is initiated when the facilitator sends out the first message to all participants. Group members  "Reply to All" so everyone can join in the conversation. Simply gather some email addresses and willing participants, and you're on your way!

• Blog Study: This is such a fun forum for a Bible study, and the main requirement is that the leader needs to have a blog. The leader posts a weekly message on the blog to get the ball rolling. Participants and the leader continue the conversation by posting comments to the blog. The advantage here over email is that it's easier to track a long discussion and refer back to older posts.

• Facebook Study: The leader sets up a Group for the study by clicking the group icon on the lower left of the facebook page. Members access the group via the icon, post messages and carry on their ongoing conversation. With just a little initial setup and a facebook account for every group member, you can put this powerful tool to work for your Bible study!

Now, some recommendations on how to make all of this happen.
 
First things First

• Find a leader who will facilitate the weekly online discussion.
• Settle on a study. Shorter is always sweeter for summer.
• Determine a start date, end date and a consistent day of the week on which the leader will begin the week's conversation.
• Collect the names (and email addresses) of the women who would like to participate and let them know how they can get a book.

Getting Started

• Before the start of the study, send a message to each participant. You can introduce yourself, provide details and encourage each woman.
• The facilitator begins each week's conversation by sending a message to the group on the pre-determined day. Introduce the week's study and ask 3-5 questions to which members can respond. Specific questions will keep the conversation focused. And a little cheering on never hurts either!
• The first week should include introductions if members don't know each other. Ask each woman to tell a little about herself and why she is participating in an online study. It's always fun to share pictures too.

Things to Consider

• Transformation is tops. The purpose of an online study is the same as  any other Bible study you will ever do. Keep everything focused on life change. How will this study impact lives?
• Connection is vital. It's especially important to stay in touch since an online study lacks weekly face-to-face connection. Consider meeting up with your group on occasion to make this personal connection.
• Make it fun. Stay in touch with each other's lives. Make some extra effort to share what's happening in your world. Ask each member a weekly question that invites personal interaction.
• Confidences are essential. Never betray trust. If someone sends you a personal message, make sure it is not shared with the group without permission.

Some more Helpful Hints

• See my blog post about how to set up a Facebook group for Bible study.
• Lifeway has many of their Bible study DVD's available for you to purchase and watch online. We think that's pretty fantastic!
• Beth Moore is leading Jennifer Rothschild's Me, Myself and Lies with her blog Siestas for her summer blog study. You might want to join in this summer.

I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. (I Cor. 9:22-23)

What are some alternate ideas for Bible study that you have done or are considering for the future?
Let us know by dropping us a note here.