Small groups are everywhere in churches and Christian ministries. And there are almost as many kinds of small groups as there are ministries.
We write with some frequency about small group Bible studies on this blog, and it’s worth defining our terms from time to time. My aim in this article is to describe the sort of Bible study we advocate and explain why this structure helps Christians get to know the Bible better.
An Interactive Group
When we write about “Bible studies,” we have this in mind: a group of people who “are actively engaged in mutual study and examination of the text of Scripture.” This definition comes from the first post in Peter’s series on leading Bible studies.
The “mutual study and examination” part of this definition is important. We’re not talking about a lecture or a presentation. Every group member thinks, reads, and prays along, wrestling together with the text.
The main benefit of this kind of group is the interaction that cannot be replicated in private devotions, a Sunday sermon, or a theology class. Peter has written about the many advantages of this type of group for leaders, but this is also a fantastic group setup for those who attend.
Hearing From Others
At a healthy interactive small group study, there is bountiful discussion. And this means that everyone present hears not just from the leader but (likely) from everyone else as well.
Why is this important? We all bring different angles and experiences to the Bible, and hearing a diversity of perspectives helps us understand God’s word more fully. To take one passage specifically, think about how a study of the promise of a resurrection body (in 1 Corinthians 15) might land differently if a small group contained people of several generations. Someone who has chronic pain or who has been diagnosed with cancer will add much to this conversation that a healthy twenty-five-year-old couldn’t provide.
We also benefit from hearing the questions, interpretations, hesitations, and affirmations of others. The road to truth is rarely smooth and straight. Charitable pushback—even disagreement—is not to be feared or avoided. God’s word is sturdy and can handle all the interrogation we can muster. Others help us think and see things in the Bible that we would not glimpse on our own.
Actively Engaging the Text
If you’ll permit it, I’m going to wear my educator hat for just a moment. It is now a well-established fact, that from kindergarten through graduate school, the most impactful kind of learning is active learning.
Active learning is what is sounds like—learning in which the student participates actively. This is contrasted with the passive learning of the traditional 45-minute lecture. In terms of effectiveness, it isn’t close. Active learning beats passive learning like an NFL team drubbing a high school squad.
Hopefully you can see it now—interactive small groups are active! Everyone is reading, asking and answering questions, thinking deeply about the Bible, offering alternate interpretations, and sharing different ways to apply the truths they’ve learned. Participants in the best small groups burn a lot of mental calories!
This interaction helps us learn and retain information, it deepens conviction and hope, and it solidifies our thinking. Our engagement during our Bible studies accelerates our journey on the road of Christian growth.
Speaking to Others
While technically this benefit could fit under the umbrella of active engagement, I want to call it out separately. In a healthy small group, all members speak several times during the meeting. And this is of great value to everyone present.
The process of expressing our thoughts or questions verbally often brings a clarity we miss if we keep quiet. Our brains shuffle, combine, and file information in a new way when we form words for others to hear.
Additionally, your group benefits when you speak! Just as you need to hear from others, others need to hear from you. This is an essential part of what it means to be part of a community.
This doesn’t mean everyone is a born teacher or scholar. Your questions, requests for alternate explanations, or personal applications can help move your group toward deeper understanding and more lasting change.
How to Find Such a Group
My advice regarding joining a small group Bible study is simple. Find a group that is committed to studying the Bible. And seek a group with plenty of lively engagement with the text. Start with these criteria and add others as appropriate.
And if you can’t find such a group, perhaps you should start one of your own!
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