Refresh Your Lessons Tip: Vary Bible Study Methods

As a regular Bible study teacher, women's ministry leader, conference speaker, and trainer, I know just how humdrum Bible study can become!

[Gasp!]

Yes, I said "humdrum."

Perhaps "humdrum" isn't quite the right word. "Routine" would be more accurate.

We develop our study habits (many good) and lesson-prep strategies and plow ahead with our plans day-after-day, week-after-week, year-after-year.

I don't know about you, but sometimes I need to change-it-up. I need to try something different or challenge myself to step out of my comfort zone.

And when I do, I find myself relying more heavily on God than I might otherwise. And I soon sense His Spirit breathing fresh life into my soul (and, hence, my teaching).

Here are a number of resources I found that offer sound, sometimes creative, strategies for studying the Scriptures (without sacrificing a solid hermeneutic).

The Navigators Bible Studies Handbook

Discipleship Journal's Best Bible Study Methods

Rick Warren's Bible Study Methods

Discover the Bible for Yourself (Kay Arthur)

Living By the Book: The Art and Science of Reading the Bible, Revised and Updated (Hendricks)

How to Study the Bible (Robert West)

How to Study Your Bible: The Lasting Rewards of the Inductive Method (Kay Arthur)

The Youth Worker's Guide to Creative Bible Study (Dockrey)

The Busy Mom's Guide to Bible Study (Welchel)

The Bible Study Teacher's Guide (Van Kampen)


I look to these titles (and others like them) for new (to me) strategies and fresh inspiration.

But if I want to invigorate my vision for teaching I'll turn to one of those books listed in the right margin in this blog under the "Ten Books Every Bible Study Teacher Should Read" heading.

In either case I find God using these resources to spark the creativity He's given me and to fan my passion for His word (and teaching) into flame once again.

I hope you find something here that will invigorate you, too.

'Til next time,
Joan