Who Can Really Lead A Bible Study?
I’ve taught a children’s Sunday School class for years and years. Over those years I’ve come to learn what makes a good Bible study teacher and leader.
In general, anyone can lead a Bible study. However, there are some key qualities that make a good Bible study leader. These qualities include: humility, godliness, wisdom, etc. A Bible study leader is responsible for teaching and encouraging a small group of believers as they grow in faith.
Have you ever thought about leading a Bible study? If so, then keep reading and discover who can really lead a Bible study. Even if you do want to lead your own Bible study, you can read and see what to look for in a good Bible study leader and teacher.
Anyone Can Lead A Bible Study
Leading a Bible study is not something that only Church elite can do. Rather, it is an opportunity open to anyone with a desire to serve God and a passion for teaching and sharing God’s Word. Yes, formal training in a Bible college can help. But anyone can lead a Bible study.
All it takes is a desire to learn and a willingness to lead. Why? Because leading a Bible study is about creating a safe place for a group to experience the Bible, love, and encourage one another. That’s it.
So, whether you are a pastor, a lay leader, or just someone with a love for the Bible, as long as you have humility and heart for helping people experience the Bible in a way they encounter God, then you can make a great Bible study leader and teacher.
Qualifications of A Bible Study Leader
The Bible says a lot about leadership and we can learn from these verses what qualifications will make a good Bible study leader and teacher. So, here are twelve key Bible verses on leadership.
- Philippians 2:3: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
- Isaiah 41:10: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
- 2 Timothy 1:7: “ For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
- Luke 22:26: “But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves.”
- John 3:30: “He must become greater; I must become less.”
- James 4:10: “ Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”
- Colossians 3:12-13: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
- Psalm 37:5: “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this…”
- Psalm 37:12-13: “The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom, and their tongues speak what is just. The law of their God is in their hearts; their feet do not slip.”
- Psalm 78:72: “And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.”
- 1 Timothy 4:8: “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”
- Galatians 6:9: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
From theses verses we can begin to see common themes and ideas that will help shape Biblical qualifications of a good Bible study leader. These qualifications and qualities can include:
| Principle | Scripture Reference | Key Points |
|---|---|---|
| Selflessness and Humility | Philippians 2:3 | – Prioritize others’ needs and interests over one’s own.-Actions and decisions should be free from selfish ambition and conceit. |
| Fearlessness and Trust in God | Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 37:5 | – Cultivate fearlessness, knowing God is with you. -Trust in the Lord, commit your Bible study time to Him, relying on His guidance and strength. |
| Spirit-Led Confidence and Self-Discipline | 2 Timothy 1:7 | – Operate with confidence, empowered by the Spirit of God. Confidence that operates with love and self-control. |
| Servant Leadership | Luke 22:26 | – Model leadership after Christ’s example, serving others. Prioritize humility and a willingness to serve. |
| Decrease for God’s Increase | John 3:30 | – Strive to decrease personal prominence for God’s influence and glory to increase. |
| Humbling Oneself Before God | James 4:10 | – Humble oneself before the Lord, recognizing dependence on Him. |
| Compassion, Kindness, Humility, Gentleness, and Patience | Colossians 3:12-13 | – Embody and encourage qualities like compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. -Reflect on God’s forgiveness by bearing wit others and forgiving. |
| Wisdom and Righteous Living | Psalm 37:12-13 | – Seek and speak wisdom, aligning life with righteous principles from God’s Word. |
| Integrity of Heart and Skillful Leadership | Psalm 78:72 | – Shepherd with integrity, maintaining a sincere and upright heart. -Practice and demonstrate competence and effectiveness in handling God’s word. |
| Value of Godliness over Worldly Pursuits | 1 Timothy 4:8 | – Prioritize the pursuit of godliness. |
| Persistence in Doing Good | Galatians 6:9 | – Persevere in doing good, avoiding weariness in well-doing. -Trust in God’s timing and expect good things. |
In summary, we can see that a good Bible study leader seeks to live like Jesus. They live godly lives in humility and trust in God. Being a Bible study leader has nothing to do with you and everything to do with what God does through you.
But these qualities shape us into Christlikeness, through the power of the Holy Spirit, and opens the door for God to work through us. A good Bible study leader will lead and love like Jesus.
Responsibilities of a Bible Study Leader
Now that we’ve looked at the qualities of a good Bible study leader, let’s turn our focus to what the responsibilities of a Bible study leader are.
Paul writes to the church in Ephesus and discusses the responsibility of the Church toward believers. Paul writes,
So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Ephesians 4:11-13
These verses reveal to us the primary responsibilities of leaders within the church, including Bible study teachers. Our responsibilities, according to Paul, are,
- Equip people for works of service.
- Build up others in faith.
- Teach others the knowledge of the Son of God.
- Foster growth in Christlikeness.
In other words, Bible teachers are responsible for more than just teaching the Bible. They are responsible for the spiritual growth and formation of those they teach.
The end goal of any Bible study you teach or prepare should be that those you teach leave more like Christ than when they arrived. That they grow in faith and love toward God, and seek to share His love with others. At least, that’s my goal when I teach.
Now, that is a big responsibility. James warns us about the great responsibility Bible teachers face. He writes,
Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.
James 3:1
Now, I don’t want to discourage you from becoming a Bible study leader if that is what God is calling you to do. If it is, then He will equip you for such a task. But it is not something to get into lightly. So, take your time and seriously pray and consider whether or not God is calling you to lead a Bible study.
If He is, then great! Here is what most people expect when they come to a group Bible study. Feel free to check out this article to see what others may expect from you and help you structure your Bible study.
The Best Way to Lead A Bible Study
The best way to lead a Bible study will depend on a number of factors, including, time commitment, group goals and dynamics, and much more. You may be provided with curriculum to use or have to find your own. Regardless, here are some tips to leading a Bible study effectively.
- Pray and seek guidance.
- Select a clear theme or passage.
- Prepare throroughly.
- Encourage participation.
- Facilitate discussion.
- Relate to daily life.
- Create a welcoming atmosphere.
- Be flexible.
- Provide resources.
- Follow up.
For more practical tips on leading a Bible study, check out this article. It will help you plan and ensure you conquer leading a Bible study for the first time.
If you are going to teach through specific verses, then a great way to do that together as a group is the SOAP Bible study method. You can check out this article on how to teach the SOAP Bible study method, then walk through it each week as a group on a particular verse.
Another great way to lead a Bible study, especially if you are new to leading a Bible study, is the discovery Bible study method. You can learn more about the Discovery Bible study method in this article and what makes it so unique. It is a great way to structure a Bible study for new or young Christians.
Honestly, there is no one right way to lead a Bible study. Pray about it, seek God’s guidance, and trust His plan for the group. You can do this!
