“I rejoice at your word like one who finds great spoil..."
Psalm 119:162 [ESV]
What are Bible Groups?
A Bible group is 2-4 men, women or couples who agree to meet regularly to read and discuss scripture together. At Seaside, Bible groups are typically birthed from within Community Groups, however there are some groups that gather outside of that context.
Bible groups can be done with someone who is just beginning to follow Jesus or among those who have been Christians for some time. They can be geared towards developing a future leader or even in a mentoring context (old and young together). A Bible group is also a great way for someone who’s never read the Bible or isn’t sure what they believe to participate in.
Bible groups can be done with someone who is just beginning to follow Jesus or among those who have been Christians for some time. They can be geared towards developing a future leader or even in a mentoring context (old and young together). A Bible group is also a great way for someone who’s never read the Bible or isn’t sure what they believe to participate in.
Why do we do Bible Groups?
1. There are incredible things to learn about God and yourself in the Bible. “I rejoice at your word like one who finds great spoil, (Psalm 119:162 ESV).” There is great treasure waiting for you so go find it!
2. Bible groups are simple. While programs, classes, and events are helpful and necessary to help people grow spiritually, a Bible group doesn’t require a building, curriculum, or a staff member of a church to run it. It’s something that any believer can do. All it requires is 2-3 men or women, some Bibles, a simple training (that we provide), and a place to meet.
3. They allow for quality spiritual growth. Because they are groups of 2-3, everyone can share and talk. This allows friendships to grow faster and deeper. In addition to the small size they are also gender specific. Let’s be honest, there are certain struggles that men and women face that we aren’t willing to talk about in mixed company. Also, though many churches have small groups or community groups (10-12 adults and kids) that are great for building community and serving others, this format is not always the best for spiritual growth. Often there are distractions (“What are the kids doing now?”) and the size of the groups can prohibit everyone from participating. Bible groups allow for a level of learning and discussion that is typically difficult in a larger group setting.
4. They are flexible and accessible. Bible groups are very flexible. A group can change their meeting time every week. This is helpful for men and women whose work schedules are constantly changing (military, police, hospitals, etc.). Bible groups can also give people more access to the Bible not just in terms of schedules but even in terms of a different opportunity to learn the Bible. For example, you may have a friend who wouldn’t come to our Sunday gathering but would meet with you to read and discuss the Bible over a cup of coffee, beer, or meal.
5. They allow for the Bible to be learned in the context of friendships. There’s nothing wrong with taking a formal Bible class and there’s nothing wrong with just getting together to hang out and build community. But what if you could grow in your relationship with God by reading the Bible and make some good friends at the same time. Let’s face it, some of us have a hard time reading the Bible on our own but reading it with one or two friends helps us stay in God’s word and gives us some accountability.
6. They are reproducible. After going through a few studies, almost anyone can feel equipped to start a Bible group. My heart for our church is that you would be equipped and feel confident in your ability to make a disciple. This is the most basic way to do that.
2. Bible groups are simple. While programs, classes, and events are helpful and necessary to help people grow spiritually, a Bible group doesn’t require a building, curriculum, or a staff member of a church to run it. It’s something that any believer can do. All it requires is 2-3 men or women, some Bibles, a simple training (that we provide), and a place to meet.
3. They allow for quality spiritual growth. Because they are groups of 2-3, everyone can share and talk. This allows friendships to grow faster and deeper. In addition to the small size they are also gender specific. Let’s be honest, there are certain struggles that men and women face that we aren’t willing to talk about in mixed company. Also, though many churches have small groups or community groups (10-12 adults and kids) that are great for building community and serving others, this format is not always the best for spiritual growth. Often there are distractions (“What are the kids doing now?”) and the size of the groups can prohibit everyone from participating. Bible groups allow for a level of learning and discussion that is typically difficult in a larger group setting.
4. They are flexible and accessible. Bible groups are very flexible. A group can change their meeting time every week. This is helpful for men and women whose work schedules are constantly changing (military, police, hospitals, etc.). Bible groups can also give people more access to the Bible not just in terms of schedules but even in terms of a different opportunity to learn the Bible. For example, you may have a friend who wouldn’t come to our Sunday gathering but would meet with you to read and discuss the Bible over a cup of coffee, beer, or meal.
5. They allow for the Bible to be learned in the context of friendships. There’s nothing wrong with taking a formal Bible class and there’s nothing wrong with just getting together to hang out and build community. But what if you could grow in your relationship with God by reading the Bible and make some good friends at the same time. Let’s face it, some of us have a hard time reading the Bible on our own but reading it with one or two friends helps us stay in God’s word and gives us some accountability.
6. They are reproducible. After going through a few studies, almost anyone can feel equipped to start a Bible group. My heart for our church is that you would be equipped and feel confident in your ability to make a disciple. This is the most basic way to do that.