Katie Barton of Colorado is proud to be a member of several bible study groups and knows that it’s a great way to enrich one’s faith and form bonds with other members of the Church. Anyone looking to enhance their spiritual health should consider the benefits of joining or starting a bible study group. Today, Katie Barton of Colorado will touch on a few different ways to make the most out of a Bible study group.
Katie Barton of Colorado encourages anyone looking to start a Bible study group to understand that it is totally okay to start a group with just a few members. Most Bible study groups start with two or three members and grow from there. The key is to have members who are committed to the schedule put in place by the leader of the group. Most Bible study groups meet once a month and a designated location. More advanced groups will meet weekly. When everyone is aware of the exact date and location of group meetings, it becomes easier to commit and schedule around everyone’s busy schedules. Katie Barton of Colorado recommends considering every member’s opinion on an ideal day and time.
In order for every member to get the most out of the Bible study group, attendance is important. If members are unable to attend a session, there should be a plan in place for those in attendance to summarize the lessons of the meeting. This will make sure that no one falls behind and everyone gets the same benefits.
Not all Bible study groups have the same goal. In fact, this is why many people enter multiple groups. The most common goal is for a group to go through different Gospel readings together and discuss the life of Jesus and his commands. Katie Barton of Colorado notes that other groups will do a deep dive into the history of the early Church or look to delve into a spiritual discipline found in the Bible. Some Bible study groups will look to divide and conquer and have different members educate the rest of the group each month. All groups have their own special qualities. As long as everyone is aware of the purpose at the start of the group, it is sure to be a spiritually enriching experience.
Katie Barton of Colorado believes the best Bible study groups take into consideration where people are in their spiritual journey. A lot of groups are tailored to those new to the Church and its teachings. When this is the case, the foundational aspects of Christian faith and how God communicates those aspects through the literature may be the best goal. If a group is full of people at different points of their spiritual journey, the whole group should be aware that no one willing to join and learn should be judged for not being as familiar with the subject material as the rest of the group. It is much more spiritually fulfilling to help a new member than to tear them down for their lack of understanding.
One of the best parts of being a member of a Bible study is the time spent in prayer with one another. Many people take to Bible study groups after reading the words in Matthew 18:20: “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” Every group should pray that Jesus helps guide their study.
After reading different scriptures aloud in a Bible study class. Each member should be free to speak as much or as little as they like about what stood out for them in the scripture. It’s not uncommon for newer members to take a while to warm up to the group and share their thoughts. Katie Barton of Colorado recommends allowing each member the time to adjust to the group. Afterall, the point is inclusion. Those who feel welcome are more likely to continue to attend classes and continue to grow empowered by the words read in each Bible study session.
For more inspiration, Katie Barton of Colorado recommends looking at different online Bible study groups. It’s always beneficial to learn how other Christians are getting the most of their time studying God’s word. Groups will often grow in numbers as members start to encourage participation from other friends and family members.
