A churchwide Bible study allows church members to personally study at their convenience while maintaining accountability and community.
By Leah Matthews
Bible study is one of the main ways we can connect not only to God but also to our church community. We’re all familiar with the Bible study groups model where small groups meet on a dedicated day of the week. But have you considered a churchwide Bible study?
A churchwide Bible study allows church members to study on their own when it’s convenient for their schedules. You can utilize a churchwide online platform to allow for a weekly recap and discussion or integrate the week’s review into the weekly sermon.
It’s also a good idea to have a point person for individuals to reach out to with questions as they work through the curriculum on their own. This staff member or volunteer could also create smaller discussion groups with more leaders, moderate online discussion boards, or host Q&A chats at the end of the study.
There are at least six benefits to conducting a study in this format.
1. Maintain (or increase) momentum and involvement in your church
Some churches have seasonal cycles when there are fewer formal opportunities to gather. This is the perfect time for churches to dig deeper in the Word and grow in faith individually and corporately.
At the start of a summer or winter season, individuals are often looking for a way to connect to the church community. Being involved in a churchwide Bible study allows them to stay connected during regular church programming.
“Being involved in a churchwide Bible study allows individuals to stay connected during regular church programming.” — Leah Matthews Share on X2. Engage new families
Summer is a top time for families to move in and out of communities. Many of these families will be looking for ways to connect with their new communities, especially churches, as they begin to establish new rhythms for the fall.
This is the perfect opportunity to welcome newcomers to your church by updating your welcome gift to include the book the rest of the congregation is reading and invite them into the churchwide study. This is a low-stakes opportunity for new families to connect to God’s work in your church.
3. Increase social media connection
A churchwide study is a great way to engage church members on social media. You can post shareable images that serve as a reminder of that day’s assigned reading. You can also create a hashtag to aggregate what your church members are saying about the study online. This could spark the interest of both church members and non-members and amplify the study’s momentum and impact.
4. Promote family connection
Families are constantly pulled in many directions. Having a study the whole family can read will allow for a deeper connection and provide the opportunity for discussion they may not otherwise have between family members. Many parents want to disciple their kids but don’t know how to get started. Using a churchwide Bible study in the home could be a helpful starting place.
5. Get deeper in the Word
Due to the slower pace of life, winter may be the perfect time for your church to do a six-week study. Studies such as “Sermon on the Mount” invite the church—together—into a deep study of God’s Word. Rather than simply giving your congregation a new Bible reading plan in January, invite your congregation to walk through a specific study together that takes them deeper into Scripture and their walk with God.
6. Provide opportunities for the congregation to stay in community
Taking a break for a season is often helpful for small groups, but it can lead to individuals and families feeling a bit disconnected from the church. Offering a churchwide Bible study during those down times will encourage individuals and families to stay connected to the body of Christ even while their small group isn’t meeting.
7. Give your church members something to talk about
It’s always easier to invite someone to church for a specific event or experience. A churchwide study gives members a chance to share what’s going on in your congregation. This allows them to feel like they are coming in during the starting point of a churchwide initiative. And the excitement of something new will give them a feeling like they are starting fresh, along with other members.
“Studying Scripture in a group leads to the growth of the church body as a whole.” — Leah Matthews Share on XStudying Scripture in a group leads to the growth of the church body as a whole. God’s Word is living and powerful. And when we study it with other believers, it unifies and strengthens relationships, as every person leans in and discovers His truth together.
For permission to republish this article, contact Marissa Postell Sullivan.
