5 Steps to a Neighborhood
Bible Study
God wants a relationship with us and with each of our neighbors. Sometimes He starts that relationship through us. We get to take an active role in Him drawing people to Himself through having a neighborhood Bible Study.
It can be intimidating. Not just the act of facilitating a study, but inviting people. We make up excuses that we don't know how to lead a Bible Study and think we'll get it all wrong.
Remember, there is no right and wrong as long as you are speaking the truth from the Bible and loving the members of your group. The Holy Spirit will do the rest. God is allowing you to partake in His Will to do mighty things in your neighborhood. He doesn’t fail. He accomplished what he intends to do and you get the great gift of being part of it.
Step 1: Ask
Want to do a Bible Study together?
This step is two fold:
First, pray or ask God about starting a Bible Study in your neighborhood, who to invite, and what to study. You will be amazed at how His confirmation will come loud and clear when you listen.
Second, ask your neighbors. You don’t need a speech. You don’t need all the answers. You just need a willing heart and a mouth to say, “Do you want to do a Bible Study together?”
Step 2: Plan
Plan for the "Yes".
You may get some “No’s” and that’s ok. It doesn’t mean they don’t like you or that you now have to avoid them. It just means they aren’t ready. Don’t push, just continue being a good neighbor.
You will eventually get a “Yes” (and you only need one). Don’t let the yes become a “we were planning to…” Oftentimes, people have good intentions but never follow through. Be ready for that first yes:
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Where: Be ready to meet at your house or a local coffee shop. Make it convenient.
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When: Ask what day and time works best for your neighbor and yourself. You want to build a consistent day and time so it becomes habit.
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How often: There are no rules on the frequency. Weekly might work or it may be too much. Just make it doable for both or all of you.
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What: Depending on the individual and what you know is going on in their life, select a study that would be a blessing for that individual and for yourself. Consider things like their stage of life, current situation, spiritual background and hobbies. Or just pick a book or a book of the Bible. As long as there are no objections, go with it.
The main purpose is getting into the Word, learning about God and the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Step 3: Meet
When the Spirit moves, listen and act.
Having a Bible Study at your house is literally having a guest over. Show hospitality, there is no right or wrong way to host, just make them feel comfortable.
Go through your agenda but try not to just check boxes. As a self proclaimed check list junky, I know how satisfying checking things off can be. But remember the purpose of the neighborhood Bible Study is to study the Bible, to expand your and your neighbors’ knowledge of God and the saving love of Jesus. When the Spirit moves, listen and act accordingly. You will be amazed at the bond that will happen and the growth in each individual life.
Step 4: Pray
Pray for Peace with God for Each Member.
Pray for your Bible Study, for the prayer requests, the individual members and the next meeting time. You get the privilege of meeting with neighbors, building a community and sharing the love of Jesus Christ. Don’t look at it as a chore but a gift.
Pray for the salvation of the members of your study. Even if you think they are, it doesn’t hurt to ask, “Do you remember a time and place when you accepted Jesus Christ as your savior?” If they don’t, ask them if they would like to accept Christ and have Peace with God.
Step 5: Repeat
Keep meeting.
Stay consistent. It can be hard and at times may seem like it’s just not working out. Keep going. Change the frequency if it’s too much, change the time and day of the week. Be flexible to the members. If the book you selected is too much, then adjust the reading amounts. You may find out that you are answering a lot of questions that aren’t even related to the book or topic you are studying, maybe it means you pick a different book. Keep meeting and keep the study focused on the Bible and Christ.