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BIBLE
STUDIES
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by Robyne Beaubien
Tips for Study Leaders
You have prayed hard and planned well for the study you are
going to lead. Now, here are some tips to keep in mind as you
lead:
Do your homework - this seems like it should be a given, but I have
been in studies where the leader had not completed the homework during
the week! You cannot teach what you do not know.
Start and end on time - don’t wait until “everyone is there” to begin.
The stragglers will catch on that your time together is valuable and
most will learn to make it on time, if not, just let everyone know
if they are late to come in and quietly find a place.
Enrich the discussion with outside sources - try to find poems, stories,
or articles that relate to the weekly lesson. One leader I know gives
her class a weekly reminder (like a bookmark, sticker, homemade cookie
wrapped in bright paper with ribbons, etc....) to encourage them to
keep going.
Use good study tools - a study author is not infallible and it is
important to dig deep into the Word and to be sure that what you pass
on to your class is Biblically correct. You should be able to accurately
refute anything questionable. Use tools like a concordance, dictionary,
commentaries, and if possible, Hebrew and Greek word study books. If
you do not have these books, there are many available in reasonably
prices software packages or online. Crosswalk is a good place to start:
http://bible.crosswalk.com/
Learn how to deal with different personality types - It takes a little
bit of know how to draw out the quiet members and guide the discussion
back on track when someone takes it on a rabbit trail. I would recommend
reading Personality Plus: How to Understand Others by Understanding
Yourself by Florence Littauer to help you to recognize different personalities.
Leave your pride at the door - it is easy for a leader to base their
sense of worth on how successful the class is. The leader with two
women in her study is just as accountable before the Lord as the leader
who has two hundred.
Leading a Bible study is a high calling from the Lord. There is nothing
more exciting than seeing women come to know their Lord in a fresh
way. It is amazing; and it is all about Him!
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Recommended Studies:
Precept Bible Studies -
A variety of studies and resources that focus on the student digging
deep into the Word. Most of the books have been
authored or co-authored by Kay Arthur. Newer studies have various authors.
Fantastic training in the IBS method is also available through workshops
that are held all over the US and throughout the world. www.precept.org
Beth Moore Bible
Studies -
A very popular (and passionate) speaker and author. Ladies from
all backgrounds have enjoyed her studies. They
typically run 10-12 weeks and require the participant to spend 20-60
minutes a day doing homework. They are all good, the best for finding
freedom
in Christ: Breaking Free: Making Liberty in Christ a Reality in Life.
Published by Lifeway. www.lifeway.com and
visit Beth's site at www.lproof.org.
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