3 Priorities of a Small Group Bible Study
More Than a Meeting
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied:“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Matthew 22:36–39)
Priority 1: God
Biblical Discussion
“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16–17, NLT)
Each small group meeting is built upon a discussion from the Bible led by the leader using questions (not taught). The goal is to help people discover truth themselves and to end with a relevant application from the text.
Prayer and Worship
“All the nations you have made shall come and worship before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name.” (Psalm 86:9, ESV)
Small group meetings should be a time to experience the presence and the power of God through worship and prayer. We want to meet with God, not just talk about God. This is true, even if there are nonbelievers in the group.
Priority 2: Community
Brotherhood/Sisterhood
Story of four men carrying their paralyzed friend to Jesus to be healed (Mark 2:1–12)
A small group is more than a meeting. It is characterized by regular, planned hangouts to create true, lifelong friendships (“wheel to web”).
Accountability
“If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.” (1 Corinthians 12:26, ESV)
It’s about more than just having fun. It’s about friendship that helps each other overcome struggles and grow spiritually by being vulnerable. Accountability is taking responsibility not only for yourself but also for the others in the group. Their struggles are your struggles.
Priority 3: Mission
Discipleship
“But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.” (James 1:22, NLT)
There should be no permanent spectators in the group. Students should be discipled and empowered by the small group leaders to be active within the group, apply what they have discussed to their lives, serve in ministry, and become disciple-makers.
Evangelism
“Jesus came and told his disciples, ‘I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’” (Matthew 28:18–20, NLT)
A small group is not a Christian club. Although by its nature, a majority of members are likely to be Christians, small groups should emphasize the mission of reaching the lost and should empower each member to do so in their daily lives.
