I have been getting many questions these days about our BIBLE READ-THROUGH GROUPS, which are basically small book groups reading and discussing the bible.
The secret is the simplicity. All we do is read the book or books of the bible we are going to be discussing (last week it was 1 & 2 Corinthians, this week Galatians-Colossians) and take notes about the things that struck us while reading (I usually write down between 10-15 things). When we get together at Starbucks or equivalent***, we pray, then go around in a circle sharing one of the things that struck us. After three times around the circle (three shares total) we pray and finish.
The main thing we are attempting to cultivate in these bible read through groups is a LOVE for the bible. We ask, “What did you LOVE about what you read?” Most people feel so defeated when it comes to reading the bible. They know they “Should” and they tell people they “Do” but they don’t and feel guilty about it. They have tried but ran out of steam. These groups are about growing in a Psalm 119 love for the bible, “Oh how I love your law…”
Secondarily, we are trying to help people LISTEN to the nudgings of the Holy Spirit. I used to write a one-sentence summary of each person’s share so that I could track themes. One guy, for three weeks in a row, shared something to do with watching what you say. Finally, on the third week, I asked him if he thinks God might be challenging him to change in this area. Helping connect the dots for people between their shares and what God might be nudging them to is the second job of the leaders.
The third thing we want to cultivate in our Bible read-through groups is the LEARNING of the bible. Now, this is third for a reason. We make a huge point to not play “Bible answer man.” And we have a deep conviction that if they just keep reading things will come clear. Maybe not in the next book, maybe not in this read through, but as you remain immersed in the word things will come clear. I make a big deal about this because Christians have been spoon-fed answers to minute details while not understanding the big picture. These groups are about stepping back and learning the bible as a whole, and when they learn it as a whole they will be able to understand the parts.
Seminary or Bible College students seem to have the hardest time with these groups. They want to appear smart. They want to appear deep. And they seem to be most prone to missing the point. I have had to confront Seminary students for quoting their lecturers or a commentary–that is not what this is about. This is about sharing what God is striking your heart with. No matter how simple. It is primarily about personal growth not about bible exposition. I have had seminary students and non-Christians in the same group and it works the same… people personally responding to God’s word.
Finally, these groups are to keep people immersed in the word for a LIFETIME. It is not about having a church of people who have had read the bible before. It is about keeping people in the revelation of God, which is living and active. As we immerse ourselves in the word year after year we change, we mature, our understanding deepens. When I look at our church filled with many 20 something’s and then consider what these men and women will be like at age 50 having read the bible through 30-40 times, I think Scotland is going to feel it.
Leaders don’t need to be scholars, they just need to affirm and encourage people in their shares and in their reading, remembering and reminding their groups about those four things above. Starting a group is as simple as asking people if they want to read through the bible with them. Most people are an ask away.
Some advice:
- Don’t make them too complex the value is in its simplicity.
- Make sure they stay focused primarily on cultivating a love for the word and the growing ability to listen to what God’s Spirit may be challenging them with.
- Stay away from guilt motivation.
- Keep them between 4-6 or else the shares get too short.
- We keep our group share times down to 1 hour.
There is so much more I could say but for now, I hope this helps. I started my first group by just asking my friend. I realized I could not maintain my personal motivation to stay reading the bible unless I was reading with somebody. Having a group that meets weekly has revolutionized my time in the word and my personal growth. I am a huge fan.
*** It is a value of ours to do these groups in public.
