With new Bible studies coming out almost daily (or so it seems) how are we ever supposed to choose a Bible study for our group?
And how do we decide who is going to make the final Bible study selection?
Perhaps you’re thinking of changing the method your team currently uses.
Maybe you’d like to try something different for the next session of Bible study offerings.
It’s possible what you’ve been doing hasn’t been working so well…
The list below may prompt you to try something different or confirm you’re on the right path.
Taking a look at the pros and cons of each Bible study selection method can help you decide what’s best for your specific situation.
Five Ways to Select Your Next Bible Study
1.Facilitator selection
Pros – The facilitator is likely to pick a study topic she is passionate about and that passion will shine through in her teaching and facilitating.
Cons – Facilitators sometimes get in a rut choosing the same authors repeatedly. The selection(s) may not be in alignment with the current focus for the women’s ministry or the church.
2. Pastor selection
Pros – The Women’s Ministry Team does not have to delegate the task. He/She is often aware of newer studies. The studies they choose will likely align with the current church focus or mission.
Cons – If the Pastor is a man, he may not choose something that appeals to a large number of women. The facilitator and women’s ministry team may feel they had no say in the selection.
3. Women’s Ministry Team Bible Study Coordinator
Pros – This is her primary role so she should be familiar with a variety of studies and should have her pulse on the interests of the women in the church and community. As part of the Women’s Ministry Team, her selections should support and encourage the current focus of the women’s ministry and the church.
Cons – It’s possible her preferences for a certain study style or author may be weighed more heavily in the decision-making process – though not necessarily intentional. A facilitator may wish to have input.
4. Bible Study Review Team
Pros – A wide variety of women come together to review and give input. A member of the Women’s Ministry Team and/or the Bible Study Coordinator should chair and guide the team keeping them on task and in alignment with the current church and ministry goals. Reviews of the same study are completed by multiple people.
Cons – There is a time commitment and multiple meetings will be necessary. The majority tends to rule, which may not always be a good thing.
For more details check out How to Set Up and Facilitate a Bible Study Review Team.
5. Attendees Vote
Pros – Those who attend are given a voice in the choice(s). If the Women’s Ministry Team or Bible Study Coordinator is struggling to narrow down the choices, this can be a fair way of deciding which study or studies to offer.
Cons – The voters may be unfamiliar with the content of each study. The final selection may not be in alignment with church and ministry goals. Not all votes may be bathed in prayer.
A few more thoughts:
- It is possible to combine some of these methods.
- Every method should be bathed in prayer.
- On your Bible study evaluations or your registration forms, ask your attendees for their suggestions. Many of them have done studies at other churches or in their neighborhood and may recommend a great study. Often those who recommend a study are willing to serve as the facilitator.*
*That is what happened with one of our Fall selections. I did the study at another church before we moved, loved it, and our women at our next church loved it too!
Once your team settles on HOW you want to select your next Bible study, you’ll need to determine the BEST Bible study for your group.
I created a quick mini-course that can help you or your team select the best Bible study for your group. The practical and theological questions I share can be a great way to guide your process. You can check it out here.
What tips and ideas do you have for selecting Bible studies for your church and community?
Originally posted on January 12, 2016, this post has been updated extensively.
You may also want to read:
Bible Study Facilitator Training
Bible Study Books: Reviews and Recommendations
How to Be a Great Bible Study and Small Group Leader
How to Set Up and Facilitate a Bible Study Review Team
How to Launch Your Next Bible Study Session
One year ago: How to Host Messy Conversations
Two years ago: Gather & Glean: Retreat Planning
Three years ago: Bible Study Review: We Saved You a Seat
Four years ago: Icebreaker: A Day in the Life (Free Printable)
Five years ago: 30 Summer Fellowship Ideas
Six years ago: 10 Things Icebreakers Should Not Do
As a facilitator of a small group of 20 women, i asked all the ladies to choose books they would like to present for review, after carefully looking through the books 5 were chosen as the top 5. them a committee of 3 ladies from the group has several meetings to determine which books best suit our class and choose the top 3. my biggest problem is almost half the group loves the readers we chose and love the book topics. the other third of the class likes to teach only from the bible because they feel we are learning the author’s opinion of the topic and not God’s, even though the author will use scripture. I am a little frustrated with the constant coming and going depending on the material studied.any advice for me?
Debbie, bless your heart! It is impossible to please everyone! I do wonder if you might be able to come up with a compromise. Two possibilities cross my mind:
1. Alternate your studies on a trial basis. One from a book/author and then one strictly studying a book or section of God’s Word.
2. Offer two studies. A group of 20 is big enough to split into 2 Bible study groups. I know that means training a second facilitator though. You might want to socialize/eat/worship together and then split for the rest of your time, so you still have the opportunity to meet as one.
Before doing anything, I’d pray and get input from my Pastor. God may be asking you all to do something new…
I hope that helps!
I really enjoyed this post. Since our women’s ministry is smaller in size, I tend to fill many of the roles mentioned above. I try to be very careful about which studies I pick because I don’t want it to seem like I am just picking studies because I like them. I pray over the studies, seeking guidance. I polled our women last year and found that to be a very helpful tool in navigating which studies to pick. I was able to see where they feel they need more spiritual growth. I love your site! It is seriously so helpful to me as a leader!
Amanda, thanks for sharing your experience! I love that you were able to see places where they feel they need more spiritual growth by polling them! I’m glad you’ve figured out what works well for your church – I’m sure your input will help other leaders.
Thanks, too, for your sweet words and encouragement! I appreciate it! 🙂