When it comes to leading a Bible study, I’ve had some beautiful experiences and some not-so-brilliant ones.

The last disaster Bible study that I hosted involved my son walking around as I was in the middle of the lesson. Everyone laughed and watched him. I felt like white noise playing in the background while my son stole the show. 

Bible studies have factors that make them fruitful and unfruitful. If you go in with a strategy or plan, your Bible study will be organized, Spirit-filled and fruitful.

As you are preparing to host a women’s Bible study, I want to share tips with you to help you host the most fruitful bible study for yourself and all the women involved.

1. PRAY

Everything we teach or study must be intertwined with the Lord. I always pray for protection over myself, my marriage, my son and all those close to me because when we set out to do the Lord’s work, Satan will do everything to attack.

1 Peter 5:7—Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

Ensure that you pray before starting, while you’re preparing, before the study, throughout the study and after the study. Your prayers set the foundation for a Christ-centered and Spirit-filled Bible Study.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 —Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 

2. SELECT THE RIGHT TOPIC

There is nothing worse than trying to teach someone something that we barely understand ourselves. If you are doing a Bible study of the book of Revelation and realize that there is so much more you don’t understand, I highly recommend you spend more time studying and pick a topic you do understand.

Remember that the topics that we study should also be Spirit-led. The most beautiful and fruitful Bible studies I have led are the ones where I have recently come out of where I can share with the other sisters what the Lord has led me through and point to His faithfulness.

I highly recommend not leading a Bible study regarding a circumstance you are currently walking out. It’s normal to need time to process and heal. It’s important that we don’t lead anyone to anyone or any thought other than Jesus.

1 Corinthians 2:2—I had made up my mind not to think about anything while I was with you except Jesus Christ, and to preach Him as crucified.

When I am in the process of healing, I am typically not ready to point others to Christ because I am sorting through my own hurts and sins. 

3. SELECT THE BEST TIME

While we want our children to learn all about the Lord’s Word, children in the midst of a group Bible study are inevitably distracting. I would recommend having a time when you are not rushed (right after a meal or work) and can have access to a quiet space.

Again, Satan will do anything to prevent God’s Word from being received (think of Matthew 13 in the parable of the sower). Selecting a time that works and can be uninterrupted is our part to play to be sure the Word of God can be received.

4. GIVE OTHERS SPACE TO SPEAK

One of the most beautiful Bible studies I have been a part of and hosted was when everyone there has spoken on their journey with the Lord and is able to have space to speak. Be sure to come up with questions beforehand that are thought-provoking and are not so intimidating.

If the women who are there do not know each other, some might feel very comfortable sharing while others might feel uncomfortable speaking . Just remember there are multiple personalities that are likely to be in your Bible study.

You can even start with close-ended questions like,

“Has anyone ever experienced a situation where you just knew that the Lord protected you from something you weren’t even aware of?”

This creates yes momentum and makes the group more comfortable. This can lead to more open ended questions like,

“Think of a 2-3 sentence response to this scripture- “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want” [Psalm 23]. 

5. ANSWER SINCERELY

You don’t need to have all the answers. If someone in the bible study asks you questions that you do not know the answer to, you can simply tell them that you do not know. You can still decide to all study that question together for the next Bible study.

It is always better to be silent on subjects you do not know than to speak untruthful teachings. Remember that whatever we teach we will always be held accountable for all the words we speaks (Matthew 12:36). 

I pray that these tips help you have a fruitful Bible study with some wonderful sisters! I am so excited to see all the wonderful works the Lord will continue to produce in your life. 

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Talia Thomas is a wife, mother, and native to Southern California. She is the host of the She’s Rooted podcast. The She’s Rooted podcast is all about helping women accept, receive, and be rooted in the love of God and in return love Him, themselves & their neighbor deeper and more sincere. She has a deep love for the local community of believers God has placed her in and is passionate in facilitating the local body in worship and praise to Jesus through singing and guitar. Talia also works as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, providing supervision for behavior therapy for children with Autism. Her life goal is to know and be known by Jesus and to love everyone she comes in contact with.