Three things are critical to ensuring group leaders are truly discipling individuals and leading them into a closer walk with Christ.
Church leaders are glad when, after talking to someone about leading a Bible study group, that individual says yes. There may even be an audible sigh of relief. And church leaders are elated when individuals volunteer themselves. We love it when someone says, “I’d like to lead a Bible study,” without first being asked! After all, developing leaders and volunteers was identified as a ministry need by more pastors (77%) than any other in The Greatest Needs of Pastors study.
But after those group leaders have a time to meet, a place to meet, and a group to meet with, do you know what’s happening in their groups? It’s a Bible study, so they’re studying the Bible, right? But do you know specifically what they are teaching? Are they being true to Scripture?
Unfortunately, I’ve seen cases of group leaders who, when left to their own devices, “teach” the Bible out of their own ignorance—teaching questionable doctrine or leading a group in a way that is far from fruitful and effective. We would be wise to know what’s going on and what leaders are teaching in the Bible study groups within the church.
Keep reading this article on Lifeway Research.