You decided you want to host a Bible Study, AMAZING! I know that God will grow your group in unexpected and unimaginable ways! God tells us in His Word that we are to pray, study the Bible, and worship among believers. ( Jeremiah 29:12 Psalm 119:5 Proverbs 27:17) Taking the first step in Biblical obedience is generally the hardest. Rest assured that if God laid this on your heart, he will bless your faithfulness. Our greatest Kingdom impact oftentimes is result of being obedient in the seemingly small acts of faith.
Before we go through Bible Study suggestions, let’s go through some logistics.
Questions that will aide in deciding which Bible Study is right for your group:
- What are the dynamics of the group? ( fresh out of school, young mothers, new to the faith, seasoned spiritual leaders)
- How often will you meet? ( one a month, once a week, quarterly)
- Style of Meeting? ( at someone’s home, at a church, Facetime)
- Topical vs Theology Based ( Study on a concept VS studying a Book of the Bible)
- Book Based vs True Bible Study Format ( Many books can be studied by chapters and discussed, but do not have built in study questions or homework. A traditional Bible Study will have assignments and talking points built into the guide)
Books for Spiritual Encouragement and Growth
These six books have radically impacted my spiritual walk. Each with strong scripture references, biblical Application- they encourage me to walk confidently in my faith reinforcing Truths found in Scripture. They are all chapter books, but translate seamlessly to a Bible study format.
Women of the Word: How to Study the Bible with your Heart and Mind By Jen Wilkin
Details: Women who want to learn how to study and apply Scripture, small or large groups, one on one, at a house, church, really good for any style of meeting, Theology based, book broken into chapters each breaking down how to study the Bible.
I grew up in the church my whole life but neglected to learn how to study the Bible. If you want to get serious in drawing closer to God, this book is a valuable resource. Both new believers and old can learn something from the instruction.
Sacred Holidays: Less Chaos and More Jesus By: Beckly Kiser
Details: Women of all ages, Small groups, one on one, personal Bible Study, home Bible Study is ideal, the more intimate the better ( this book has a lot of discussion/ reflection questions, you want to be comfortable with your group) , Broken down by holiday, Topical Base ( navigating secular/ Jesus in how we celebrate holidays) Beneficial for new and seasoned believers.
Growing up we did not do Santa, the Easter Bunny, or celebrate Halloween. After having my first child I felt conflicted. Can I still love Jesus, AND celebrate these Holidays? This book challenged me to really look at my motives for celebration. Becky Kiser does an exceptional job of weaving scripture and real life tips into each chapter.
Desperate: For the Mom Who Needs to Breath By: Sarah Mae and Sally Clarkson
Details: Young Moms, Ideally for Meeting once a week, Small Groups in an intimate setting as content promotes deep discussion of some of our fears/anxieties, topical ( motherhood struggles) Book Based ( can divide up readings by chapters, easy to pick up week to week) New and Seasoned Believers
When I had my second child and decided to become a full time mom, I had a lot of self doubt, guilt and internal conflict. This book is written from two perspectives: One Mom in the trenches, the other Mom many years removed. Their letters to each other offer both encouragement for today and hope for tomorrow.
Why Motherhood Matters By: September McCarthy
Details: Moms of children in the home, Ideally meeting once a week, Small Group Setting ( lots of application/ Follow up Tasks), Topical ( Equipping Christian mothers for their Calling) , Book divided into 28 chapters that can be read independently. She also has a journal that accompanies the book for further study. New and Seasoned Believers
At night I frequently wrestle with the idea of going back to work, because between wiping noses and preschool pick ups, I don’t feel I am making much of a difference in my children’s lives. September reminds us that everything we do has an impact, especially our roles as mothers. This book is filled with personal stories, Scripture, and practical advice and tips. Oh, did I mention she has 13 kids? 🙂
Keep it Shut: What to say, How to Say it, and When to Say Nothing at All By: Karen Ehman
Details: Women of all Ages, any time line, small group setting ( book encourages participants to share their struggles with reigning their speech), Topical ( controlling our tongues), Women in all walks of their faith can relate, 11 Chapters each on a stand alone topic, supporting scripture, application and resources are within each chapter as well as in the back of the book. You can also chose to do the 6 session course vs the actual book: Study Guide Karen also offers a 40-Day Challenge on Keeping it Zipped!
As someone who struggles keeping their mouth shut, I found this book extremely helpful. The use of scripture along with advice I have seamlessly incorporated into my daily life.
Stronger than the Struggle: Uncomplicating Your Spiritual Battle By Havilah Cunningham
Details: Women who are asking” why do I still struggle if I am a Christian?” Weekly or Monthly meetings, small group ( this is a book about spiritual warfare many topic elicit strong emotions from readers), 11 Chapters each with application and scripture for further study, More suited for believers who have a solid foundation looking to go deeper in their faith. The Good Stuff: A guidebook to Finishing Strong ( additional study tool, 20 days of reflection and devotion)
My thoughts exhaust me. At any given point through out the day I am bouncing between thoughts of my flesh, sinful nature and my desires to please God. Havilah brings to light the spiritual battles we face as believers. This book helped me recognize when I was in the middle of battle, and equip me with tools to fight the Enemy.
Traditional Bible Studies
The next studies all fall into the ” Traditional Bible Study” category. Women of all ages, can be at a home, church, webinar/face time, structure is weekly meetings with daily individual assignments, women of all stages of their Christian walk can benefit from these studies, topical based with scripture to support the study. I have personally recommend each of these studies, however, the summaries are the authors.
Summary: It’s easy to get frustrated with the local church—we see the people in the pews up close, both their beauty and blemishes. But God has a purpose and a plan that He uniquely accomplishes in and through the church, and He wants you to be part of it. In the opening 3 chapters of Revelation, we find a wake-up call directed toward 7 churches and discover the truth of God’s desire for the church. Over 9 sessions, challenge your perspective and embrace your part in helping the church fulfill its calling.
Stuck: The Places we Get Stuck and The God Who Sets us Free By: Jennie Allen
Summary: If you’re stuck in an invisible struggle of heart or mind, this 8-session DVD study will help you get unstuck. Author Jennie Allen provides a safe place to take a deep look inside yourself, expose it, deal with it, and find the freedom God intended for you. The study is intended to lead women to consider the truth and how it applies to their lives. The study guide uses story-driven teaching, Scripture Study, and interactive projects.Kit includes: DVD Study Guide Leader Guide
Unexpected: Leave Fear Behind, Move Forward in Faith, Embrace the Adventure By Christine Caine
Summary: Life is an unpredictable journey full of twists and turns. The good news is that while we don’t always know what’s going to happen, we can always trust that God uses everything in our lives as an invitation to rely on him more deeply and completely. In this five-session video Bible study, bestselling author Christine Caine shows that while most of us have been trained to fear the unexpected and want everything to be “under control,” God wants us to anticipate the unexpected with a faith-filled perspective rooted in trust. He has never been taken by surprise.
When Godly People do Ungoldy things: Arming yourself in the Age of Seduction By: Beth Moore
Summary: It is reported in the headlines, confessed in the pulpits, and hidden in the pews in churches around the world. The seduction of God’s people by the deceiver is a tale as old as the garden, but we are always surprised when it happens. We must realize that Satan is a lion on the prowl and we are his prey. Beth writes, “We, Christ’s church, are in desperate need of developing His heart and mind in issues like these.” She fears that often God is far more merciful than the Body of Christ is with the deeply repentant and those desperate to find their way home
Finding I am : How Jesus Fully Satisfies the Cry of your Heart By: Lysa Terkeurst
What is the deep cry of your heart? The ache in your soul that keeps you up at night? The prayer you keep repeating? Jesus not only cares about this deep, spiritual wrestling, but He also wants to step in and see you through it. Join Lysa TerKeurst on the streets of Israel to explore the seven I AM statements of Jesus found in the Gospel of John. Through this interactive, in-depth study we will be trading feelings of emptiness and depletion for the fullness of knowing who Jesus is like never before.
These are just a few of my personal favorites. I find it also very beneficial to study books of the Bible using commentaries by Precept Upon Precept. Or a good study Bible ( I use this one)
Enjoy God’s Word, excited for you as you continue to live a life fully and abundantly in Christ!
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