Women's Bible studies are essential to a thriving Women's Ministry. Women need a safe place to ask questions, share experiences, connect with others, and grow closer to God. A successful Bible study develops spiritual maturity in a non-threatening environment, strengthens relationships, and improves harmony within the body of the church. Whatever the size and needs of your church, the following steps will be helpful in either starting or growing Bible studies:

The first step is to begin with prayer. Invite several spiritually mature women to pray specifically for God to bring teachable hearts, qualified leaders, and life- changing study materials. Have your women’s ministry team help make decisions and share the load. Clearly outline and communicate the tasks that lie ahead, and delegate responsibilities.

Recognize the needs of the women in your church. In order to plan an effective Bible study or studies, you first need to ask some questions about the women of your church. You may need to do a survey to gain valuable information about their interests, needs, and availability.

Choose materials wisely. Not every study is right for the women of your church. A review team can narrow the options and make recommendations. It may be necessary to offer more than one study due to the various needs of different ages, lifestyles, and maturity levels. New believers will have a difficult time with in-depth studies and mature believers who have years of bible knowledge will desire more in-depth material.

Many of today studies are available on DVD and are presented by well-known authors and bible teachers. We are extremely blessed to have such wonderful studies available and they come with student workbooks.  Sometimes it is best to take a break from the DVD type studies and allow some of the women in your church who are gifted to teach. This provides a more personal and interactive class. Most bibles studies offer teacher guides along with the student lesson. If your church has a large population of mothers you might want to do a study specifically for them. It would be best to select a leader who has experience and cares deeply for young women.

Select your leaders and facilitators after much prayer. By having studies available on DVD this makes it easier for today’s busy women.

Get the word out. The biggest thing we compete with is time. Women are extremely busy today. Let them know in plenty of time about the study. Keep the women and staff of your church informed and interested. Use testimonies at an event to promote upcoming studies, or during Sunday school classes. Create flyers, posters, or mail-outs.

Set the Standard. Clearly communicate your expectations to your facilitators. I understand that some churches are providing an agreement for leaders to sign, listing expectations and the church's statement of beliefs. When possible provide a training class before the study begins, equipping them to lead a discussion group. This really doesn’t take but one time and it can be so much fun.

Extras  Mothers can only come to your studies if their young children are taken care of. Some churches are fortunate to have volunteers who are willing to watch the children; other churches provide paid childcare workers. Discuss with your pastor ways to work together, calling on their expertise in this area.

God’s word tells us to "commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will be established" (Proverbs 16:3). Pray hard, plan well, and let the Lord direct your steps.

Suggested Bible Study Guidelines

1. Begin on time-Start with welcome praise reports and prayer request. I always start with something funny.
2. If you are using a DVD make sure and have it ready to play.
3. After the DVD, break-out into small groups or discuss the teaching points before dismissing class. Students may have misunderstood something or need to share something. Should you not know the answer tell them that you will talk with the pastor and get back with them next week. (Remember there are some things that we will never understand in God’s word.
4. Care about your class. You have been carefully chosen by God to nurture and feed them His word.  Some of the best friends you will ever make could possibly come from bible study-so help your church to excel in this ministry.

Recommend Studies

Beth Moore is a marvelous teacher and all of her studies are on DVD-they are in-depth and I think are more for those who are spiritually mature. However, I think Believing God is great for all levels. Go to LifeWay.com or Living Proof ministries to find out more about Beth’s ministries.

Embracing Grace by Liz Curtis Higgs Liz has other studies that are also on DVD -Bad girls of the Bible-and Loved by God. She is a remarkable woman and a remarkable writer. You can visit her web site to find out more about her studies. Her studies also include a student workbook.

When a Woman Discovers Her Dream Finding God’s Purpose for your Life Cindi McMenamin

A neat study to help women discover that God has a much bigger dream for them no matter what age: Includes questions and scriptures for daily reflections-all ages. Really eye opening. Need an enthusiastic  teacher to lead the group.

A Woman’s High Calling 10 Essentials for Godly Living Elizabeth George- if your church would like to put a mentoring program in place this is the book to use! Elizabeth uses the scripture from Titus 2 to guide today’s women to accept their sacred calling by reaching out to the next generation.

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