Choosing a Bible Study

 

We are blessed to live in a time of access to many wonderful resources! With this can also come some overwhelm as we try to sift through the many choices. In addition, it can be confusing to know what we can trust and what studies are worth our time and energy.

The very best thing you can do when you want to study your Bible is study your Bible! It can be tempting to want the newest study book or to jump into something a favorite author or influencer has published. But resources are great tools and can be helpful in our study of the Word. 

Here are some thoughts to help you in choosing a Bible Study:

* A great Bible Study book helps you in learning to study the Bible and keeps the Word as the central focus of the study. This may seem obvious, but sometimes you can spend more time reading someone else's opinion than actually studying the Bible. Keep an eye out for resources that send you to the Word, disciple you in how to read the Word, and ground commentary in the Word.

* Pray and ask for wisdom and discernment from the Lord! You can also ask someone on staff at your church or a trusted sister in Christ for recommendations. Will this study edify your walk with the Lord? Is it a book study or a Bible study? This may seem like a nuanced difference - but a book may serve a very different purpose than a Bible study.

* Look at who the author of the study follows, who follows them, what authors the publisher is choosing, and statements of belief. This is not always foolproof but can be a good way to find out more especially when it is a new-to-you author. 

* Some simple questions that can help you narrow down your search might also include: how long of a study are you looking for? Do you want it to have video sessions included? Are you interested in studying a book of the Bible or a topic? What format would help you?

* Remember that a study guide as a resource is to serve you in your walk with the Lord. You do not serve the study book! There is freedom to use it in a way that works for you or not use it in a way that doesn't work for you. And like many things - even if you don't finish every bit of homework, what you do finish will still be a benefit. Be open to how the Lord might lead you during the study - you might depart from the homework to dig into something that you are curious about in the Word! What a gift!

Here are some specific recommendations - there is a complete list of resources here that I compiled over several years of women's ministry newsletters at our church. 

The Gospel Coalition Women's Initiatives - articles, podcast, newsletter, and book recommendations; a wealth of information and a great resource for women! Key note speakers in cohorts and conferences are a great resource for further content including Jen Wilkin, Melissa Kruger, Ruth Chou Simons, Nancy Guthrie, and more.

Meet Me in the Bible series - introduces the Observe, Interpret, Apply method of study and disciples in how to study your own Bible!

Well-Watered Women - most of their studies have been retired or are pdf only, but their content is still beautiful and great quality!

She Reads Truth - this has been my most trusted source over the years in women's ministry. I like it because it is accessible to women in many levels of growth, includes daily reflections on their website as well as weekly podcasts. I will give a little caution that sometimes the podcast is not my favorite and they were recently acquired by Penguin Random House. I hope this does not change their focus or content but will be keeping an eye out to see. 

Revive Our Hearts - another wealth of resources for women! Everything that I've seen from Revive our Hearts is very well done and beautifully focused on worshipping the Lord! 

I've also enjoyed Bible studies from Hosanna Revival, Daily Grace Co and Lifeway.

Do you have a favorite Bible study you've done? I would love to hear about it!