I noted awhile back that our small groups have stopped doing “book studies”. I’m not against them and I think in a particular season they can be quite beneficial (see here). Today, I wanted to share how I prepare our small group studies. It’s quite simple and I think any church that wanted to do something similar could—with a little time—do this in their small group.
First, I provide a brief commentary on the major text that was preached on during the morning service. We don’t typically do topical sermons—but even when we do it’s not difficult to find a major text to do a brief commentary on.
Don’t be intimidated by the idea of writing a brief commentary on the text. It’s not terribly difficult to purchase a couple of the top commentaries on each book of the Bible. Pick a couple from Challies’ list or a couple of the Top 5 commentaries suggested by Ligonier. Wrestle with the text a little yourself, pour through a couple of commentaries, and do the best you can at explaining briefly what this text is all about*.
Second, I listen to the sermon (or look through my notes if I’m the one preaching) and write out 8-10 questions for the group to consider. Nothing too difficult, just basic question to help make the Bible practical.
Here are a few questions from our small groups discussion on Esther 2:22—3:15. The major point of the sermon was that God often turns seemingly small things into really big things.
- What are some “small things” that happened in your life that turned into really big things?
- What happens if we ignore the daily grind and only focus on the big things in life?
- How does spiritual discipline fit into the truth that God works in the small things?
- Do we trust God’s promises? How can we tell the real answer to that question? What does trusting God look like in the every day?
There were a couple other questions but that gives you an idea of the type of questions that I write. After the sermon I type these questions out and send them to all of our small group leaders along with my brief commentary.
I’m sure that things could be improved upon and I’d love any of your suggestions. But as of now this is how we do it and it seems to be of great benefit to our people.
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*Be sure to cite your sources don’t just cut and paste even if you think it will only be used by your tiny small group.
