The Importance of Finding a Bible Study
One of the most vital factors in navigating your faith is finding a church that works for you. Once you’ve found a church community, focus on making meaningful relationships with those around you through a bible study or small group.
Everyone should have confidants and mentors in their life, whether professional, spiritual, or both. Finding others in your community that you can turn to in need of advice and insight as you navigate your journey is important.
Finding a bible study
If you’re looking to join a bible study or small group, look first to your local church. Usually, there are many opportunities. But, if you don’t feel that it’s the right fit, or the schedule doesn't align with yours, there are many other ministries across the country.
Recommended campus ministries:
The Navigators is a ministry that focuses on developing disciples person-by-person-by-person. A disciple is someone who believes in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and strives to live more like Him. Discipleship means helping people live more like Christ and equipping them to do the same with others. God is transforming lives through these spiritual generations. The Navigators include a variety of ministries, missionaries, supporters, and volunteers. There are ministries on college campuses and military bases, churches, and local communities.
InterVarsity is a campus ministry that establishes communities of students and faculty. InterVarsity has a presence on hundreds of college campuses. Many campuses have more than one chapter, with separate outreaches. Some may serve international students, greek life, athletes, minority groups, or graduate students.
Bible Study Fellowship serves groups of women, men, young adults, students and children in Bible studies. Studies consist of small group discussions, teachings, questions, and exploring biblical commentaries. Founder Audrey Wetherell Johnson began with a group of five women. The group grew until groups sprang up all across the U.S. and the globe. Today, BSF serves more than 400,000 members on six continents in 120 nations.
Cru consists of 5,300 campus ministries worldwide. The community is passionate about connecting people to Christ. Cru offers guidance, resources and programs to people from all walks of life. It was founded as Campus Crusade for Christ in 1951 by Bill and Vonette Bright at UCLA. During Bright’s first talk, he invited 60 students to enter into a relationship with Christ. Within months, there were 250 students involved. Cru offers tons of opportunities, from mission trips to packing supplies for families.
Chi Alpha Campus Ministries is on more than 300 campuses worldwide. You’ll find people who are in all stages of both pursuits: self-discovery and God-discovery. The Assemblies of God (AG) sponsors Chi Alpha and provides each campus with support. You don’t have to have any particular denominational connection to be welcome.
Starting your own bible study
If you’re unable to find a group to join in your area or if you have an interest in starting your own Bible study, use the tips below. Don’t forget to seek counsel if needed.
Determine a purpose
Setting goals will help you determine your purpose and hold accountability. Don’t be afraid to turn to prayer. Developing a mission based on prayer will help you set the course.
Choose the study material
Determine whether you'll go through a book in the Bible, a study guide, or a Christian-living book. Make sure it's scripture-based, accessible to everyone, and relatable.
Create your community
Determine the right people for your small group. Consider your current community. Who do you know? Who in your community is most in need? If you would like to connect with working professionals, consider offering morning sessions. If there are young moms in your community in need of a support system, find how to best connect with them.
Determine the logistics
Depending on the need in your community, you may choose to meet once a week or once a month, it’s up to you. One way to choose your approach is to start with a calendar. Plan from a yearly perspective, then focus on each month. Be mindful of members and what their needs are while you plan and be flexible. Once you’ve determined when and where the group will meet, get started!
Not sure you can start a study?
In 2018, we received a call from a coach who had joined a Bible Study we had hosted at the Final Four. The Lord had prompted him to start his own group in Montgomery, Alabama. He ordered copies of our study guide and invited acquaintances to join him weekly at a local coffee shop. Within a few weeks, he had assembled a small group to join him in studying the Word of God.
Whether you’re looking to join a community or create your own, take comfort in the fact that furthering your relationship with Christ will take you down the right path.
Uncommon Sports Group is a nonprofit organization that provides faith-based training and resources to future leaders of the sport industry. We understand the challenges, temptations, and pressures that you'll face in your career. You shouldn't have to compromise your values to be successful.
If you have questions about our Ministry or would like help finding a community or Bible study, please contact us. We'd love to hear from you.