CONDUCTING A BIBLE STUDY

There are many forms and varieties of bible studies that can be educational and done in a respectful manner. One common form of bible study is the "Sabbath School" format. In this format, the Chaplain will prepare a list of scriptures on a particular subject and have each person in turn read a scripture, after which he or others may comment. The scriptures selected should speak for themselves. Participants can often add color and meaning by stating what the scripture says in their own words, and how it relates to their lives. The Chaplain can stimulate discussion by asking questions, re-reading or having the scripture re-read, and then stating or asking someone to state an answer.

When studying the Bible, participants should always ask and answer these two questions: " What does the Scripture say ?" and " What does it say to me ?" Usually 1 to 1½ hour for the bible study is sufficient to discuss the topics and, of course, if the group desires, a particular topic can be revisited in the future. A summation of what has been discussed during the bible study should be performed by the Chaplain followed by a prayer and/or common meal.

Common Bible Study Pitfalls to Avoid

• The Chaplain should not dominate the session by taking all the time talking. Preaching a sermon and closing the service and leaving is certainly not an effective way of teaching. Not everyone grasps the contents of the message immediately. Discussion often helps to clarify what was said.
• Lack of preparation leads to lack of learning. As Edison said of his inventions, so a Chaplain can say of an inspired message; that it is 99% perspiration and 1% inspiration. Are you willing to put forth the effort to make a bible study effective?
• Participants who lead the discussions off on tangents can disrupt and confuse the others. Don't allow this to happen!
• Don't argue. Argumentation has no place in worship services. Love does not argue and seek to have its own way. Few have learned to allow others to believe a little different than they do. Read Romans 12:1-10. This should be our attitude in every bible study.
• Not listening to others results in not learning, with zero benefit to you and others. The study has been only a forum for your own ideas, not a learning session for new ideas. This goes  for both the preparer and participants of the study.