How to Build a Sustainable Bible Study

from Pat Morley

Volume 187
July 3, 2006

For 20 years we have sustained a dynamic weekly men's Bible study here in Orlando. Here are 3 foundational principles we apply. I'll give you more principles in upcoming Weekly Briefings.

1. Design your Bible study to be an oasis. One of our simplest rules is that we want to be an oasis for men, a place where they can come get a drink during the week. Give men a place to which they can repair that is less intense than the place from which they came. Men today are tired. Their roles and responsibilities are difficult to maintain-husband, father, worker, churchman, and citizen. So if you want to design a sustainable Bible study, don't put more rocks in their packs! Don't give them a list of things "to do" to prove they love God, or to earn God's love. Refresh them. Where would you rather go? To a place that empties more of you out, or a place that fills you up.

2. Design your Bible study to be grace-based. Don't beat up on men for not being more spiritual. After all, the men who come to your study represent a small fraction of the men in your city. Don't be angry with the ones who did attend because others didn't attend. Remember, men come because they want to deepen their walk! By grace...

3. Design your Bible study to be application oriented. Every Bible study will have some theology and some history (it is, after all, an ancient book). But what men are really looking for is "news they can use." Men want to know, "So what? How can I apply this to my world, my problems, my opportunities, my family, my work?" Show them how a real God wants to intervene in their real world.

For the glory of Christ and no other reason,

Pat Morley

Each week, Pat shares biblical insight and encouragement on leading issues impacting men on Man2Man Express with Brian Doyle and David Beguerie. Click here to listen to Pat's latest broadcast.