Blake Glosson offers practical insights into leading more effective Bible study discussions by outlining six key strategies that balance structure with participant engagement.

1. Tell members what to look for before reading the passage as a group.
   Effective Bible study leadership begins with preparation that guides participants toward active observation. By telling members what to look for before reading the passage, leaders help focus attention on crucial elements, such as God’s character or the human condition. As Glosson explains, “Imagine scanning a Where’s Waldo? page without knowing what Waldo looks like. After several minutes, someone asks, “OK, where’s the man with the brown hair and white-and-red-striped shirt and hat?” Most likely, you’ll have to scan the page all over again before answering.”
2. Give members three to five minutes to think after reading the passage.
   The thoughtful facilitation process continues after reading Scripture by allowing participants time to reflect on and process what they’ve encountered. Providing three to five minutes for personal reflection enables deeper engagement with the text before group discussion begins. This pause creates space for participants to formulate their thoughts and identify meaningful connections within the passage.
3. Cue members on how to respond.
   Guiding the discussion structure through simple cues enhances the quality of dialogue. When leaders request that members reference specific portions of text in their responses, it grounds the conversation in Scripture rather than opinion. Glosson suggests saying, “In your response, if you would direct us to the part of the text you’re referring to, that’ll help the rest of us follow along.” This practice encourages textual fidelity while building analytical skills among participants.
4. Take physical notes of member responses.
   Complementing this approach, leaders who take physical notes during discussions demonstrate active listening and communicate that member contributions are valued. As Glosson notes, “Taking notes shows you value what your members have to say, which encourages participation and blesses those sharing.”
5. Praise (helpful) responses.
   The emotional climate of Bible study groups has a significant impact on participation. Leaders who praise helpful responses foster an environment where members feel safe contributing. Simple affirmations, such as “That’s helpful” or “Great insight,” reinforce positive participation. Glosson emphasizes that “Our members should know us as encouragers even before they know us as experts.” This encouragement should be genuine rather than perfunctory, though discernment remains important when addressing problematic comments.
6. Be curious and expectant.
   Perhaps most importantly, effective Bible study leadership requires intellectual humility. Leaders who approach discussions with curiosity rather than positioning themselves as the sole authority create space for collective discovery. Glosson observes that “The best discussion leaders aren’t necessarily the most educated but the most curious—genuinely eager to hear and learn from others.” Building on others’ insights by connecting them to relevant Scripture edifies the group while honoring individual contributions. This collaborative approach reflects the understanding that God’s wisdom often emerges through community engagement rather than singular expertise.

Source: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/lead-bible-study-discussions/

Disclaimer: Information in my “slip-box” doesn’t necessarily reflect my agreement with the source or all its content. Recording diverse perspectives helps strengthen one’s position beyond the echo chamber of like-minded thinkers. By documenting alternative viewpoints, we engage in the intellectual wrestling match that ultimately deepens our understanding.

I aspire to post one note from my “slip-box” every weekday. If you want to learn more about how to work with knowledge, click this link: What is knowledge management?