Select A Topic For The Lesson

• The Bible has something of significance to tell us about almost all aspects of our lives. Since the Bible covers so many areas, it is important for you to select as specific a topic as possible for your lesson. If you choose too broad of topic, there may be too much information to cover adequately in the amount of time you have. If you have a great deal of time, then break it down into multiple lessons. The more specific you are with your topic the more focused and effective your study can be. The subject of the lesson can be selected by the members of the study group or by the group leader who believes there is a specific need.
  
  

Select Your Materials

• There are tremendous amounts of Bible study materials available on almost any subject. Use this material in two ways. Purchase a single copy of a publication and use it as your guide while leading the group. Your second option is to purchase a copy for each member of the group so it will act as a type of text book for the class. Regardless of how much outside material you select, make certain the general lesson plan is centered and anchored in the scriptures. Use a concordance of the Bible to find all phrases and references to what you will be studying. Look up all references and make notes of each.
  
  

Prepare the Plan

• Prepare an outline of the lesson which will be handed out to each member of your group. The lesson plan needs to allow for a range of free thought and discussion during the study. The main purpose of the handout is to allow the leader to keep the group focused on the intended subject. It is very easy for a discussion on the Bible to wander into a new area, so the leader will need a tool to bring the group back on target. Try to limit the outline to a single page and just list bullet points you intended to cover or use as kick-off points. Be certain to list each scripture reference by chapter and verse. The group should look up each verse themselves so they can read it in its original context. It is fine if different members of the group have different translations of the Bible, this can help stimulate thought and conversation.