5 Tips for Better Group Conversations
Encouraging deep and meaningful Bible study discussions
By BSF Staff
In a small group Bible study, the goal is always to create a healthy, secure space where open and honest conversations flow and everyone feels equally free to contribute. Some groups find their groove from the word “go,” while others move at a slower pace.
Whether it feels natural or takes intentional time, studying the Bible in a group is helpful for proper Scripture interpretation and long-term spiritual growth. For “as iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17).
The following five tips will help you encourage deep, free-flowing conversation in your groups:
1. Remove distractions
Focusing after a long day of work, parenting, or other life circumstances can be difficult. If we want to put worries aside to be present in our groups, we have to be intentional. What specific behaviors or habits could you use to shift your focus before sitting down with your group?
One method is to get out a piece of paper and write down everything on your mind. Write down anxieties, distractions, expectations of the evening, plans for tomorrow, and anything else consuming your thoughts. Getting our mind-clutter out and onto the page frees us to focus on one another.
Remember Paul’s advice in Philippians to “not be anxious about anything” but to turn to prayer. As a result, “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
If we want to put worries aside to be present in our groups, we have to be intentional.
2. Be vulnerable
Commit to being open with your group. If you choose to be vulnerable, it will lead others to do the same! Your group and discussion will be better for it.
While it can be scary to let yourself show weakness or not have all the answers, you are called to true community. That means showing the real you and your real life. Share your true prayer requests and answers to questions, not just what you think is acceptable or will make others think well of you.
James tells us, “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed” (James 5:16).
If you choose to be vulnerable, it will leads others to do the same!
3. Build community
The first step to building community in your group is showing up! Make sure that your group is a priority in your life. As much as you are able, show up to every group meeting.
However, showing intentional care and interest in other group members should extend beyond your weekly meeting. Could you follow up with a member on a prayer request they shared during your discussion? Is there a need you could meet for them? Would you extend an invitation to get to know someone personally outside of your group?
Hebrews reminds us, “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another” (Hebrews 10:24-25).
Showing intentional care and interest in other group members should extend beyond your weekly meeting.
4. Stay on topic
During your group discussion, it is best to stay focused on the passage and follow the guidance of your group leader.
While it’s always great to share your perspective and life with the group, it may be best to hold back from giving your review of a recent movie, bringing up a divisive political topic, or telling a long story about a recent vacation during your discussion time.
Before you speak, think, “Is this relevant to the group discussion? Am I talking to draw attention to myself or to share for the good of the group?”
5. Grow together
Just as there is always room to grow in God’s Word, there is room for everyone to grow in group Bible study. If you commit as a group to growth, you will all be able to look back and see how far you’ve come by the end of your time together.
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I share Joanne’s frustration. I too am praying for patience! I enjoy hearing from everyone in the group. We learn from each other, and no-one should dominate the conversation. I pray that our leader this year can keep the conversation moving in a respectful and fair pace.
Good evening I’m looking forward to being in the class, I don’t talk that much, but I’m praying that I open up a little more this year, I started last year at the end of Jeremiah, I am excited 🙏 for me
I’m praying about being more patient!! I’m the kind of person who likes to stay on track. It does seem that there is always, at least, one person in the group who dominates the conversation like they know more then the rest of us…they try to lead, and then off down the rabbit trail they go and totally left the scope of the question. So frustrating that makes me want to quit the group. It is difficult for the leader too because she literally cannot get a word in edgewise! Last year the leader suggested that we skip a question because we were running a little behind (due to the talkative person) and we should move on. As our group finished up that person actually said, “I really want to go back to the question we skipped” and started talking about it…..
It really does feel hopeless sometimes.
I’m seriously repenting and asking for patience.
I am looking forward to another year of wonderful Bible study but having difficulty returning to my previous group because of some personality differences. After much prayer God showed me that I needed to reach out to and show love in this situation and leave the results to Him. I’m excited to being a part of the results.
This is my very first BSF class. I am looking forward to meeting all of you, and I am really looking forward to studying the Gospel of John with you.
Great reminder of why we are in BSF! Deepening our walk of Faith, fellowship and most importantly knowing who GOD is and growing our relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ! Thanks for all you do, for His Glory!! 🙂
I am so EXCITED! I can’t wait to start this study. THANKS FOR THE Tips.
Very useful and helpful guidance for group leadrs and members relationship. Thanks.
Looking forward to our group this year.
I will be attending the BSF group in KS. What time does it start?
Please contact your local class/leader for more information. If you need their information, you can find it by searching for your class on join.bsfinternational.org and clicking “more info” and “contact.” Thanks!
Love BSF, my appreciation to all leaders in BSF. Looking forward to start the Lesson in September.
I love BSF and have been a leader for over 15 years. But one thing BSF is lacking is allowing group members to get to know one another. We need to be able to share what is happening in our families, jobs, etc. so that we can connect with one another. I do not even know what jobs some of the other leaders have because we never share our personal lives outside of “what God is doing in our lives.” I do think that is wonderful, but there are other things that help us to get to know one another and look forward to seeing each other each week. Becausse my group has been together for a few years, we love each other and visit outside class. We are prayer warriors for each other. I greatly appreciate that.
Donna – such a great thought – have you discussed with your Teaching Leader? Praying for your class and your group! Grateful for your heart and the way you love the women in your class
I would agree that we need to have time to get to know those in our group. We have no time for this and it is a hinderance to real fellowship. I our group, it leads to only a few people responding to questions.
I believe that such a community is biblically to be build within a local church. However, in reality, not so many in one local community are interested in regular Bible study like what BSF discussion group does, at least here in Japan, as you have some Japanese speaking groups as well. So I am struggling to decide how to serve the local church which does not send any member, while spending time on BSF, more of which should be spent on building up the local church I belong to. I suppose you do not have any decisive answer to this unless you have biblical scholars.
It would be helpful if leaders gave out group members’ contact information so we can build relationships/encourage others outside of group time.
Dear Linda – this is a great question for your group leader! Each group is unique. Your heart to connect with other members is so encouraging – I am praying all BSF members will feel this same desire. Thank you for asking!
These are all good suggestions, looking forward to a great group discussion of John this year.
These are great tips and good reminders
Looking so forward to a beautiful study of a familiar and rich new testament book. Jon is one of my favorites. I anticipate God showing up in new and mighty way.
Very helpful tips especially remove distractions. I will keep them in mind.
The groups I have been the closest with are those who everyone shares their thoughts and opinions. No one dominates the conversation. Sharing truly gives a strong bond. I trust everyone reads they key points.
Thank you for the helpful hints!
The important attitude I receive is this fact of accepting to be vulnerable. Thank you! I think I should to humiliate myself before God, I exhort all fellow Christians to do so. Thanks again.
Please can I ask – do all registered class members receive these emails?
They do!
Thank you for the guidance!
❤️✝️✡️❤️
I love this article, it is right on cue, enjoyed reading and being reminded, thank you.
THANK YOU FOR THIS GUIDENCE.
These are great, thank you. I might add one more and that’s about answering questions: while a pause (after the leader asks the question) may feel like it needs to be filled, perhaps resisting answering if you’ve already recently done so would give the shyer ladies a chance to speak up.
This is a great suggestion.
Great comments, I would add:
Be Present and Listen- Acknowledge others and try to understand their perspective and….
Pray : Sharing each other’s burdens builds bonds, take time to Pray about group Shares, Pains , Struggles and needs. I personally shared my 8 month old grand-daughter was diagnosed with leukemia ,the men offered to pray, at the end of the prayer, I opened my eyes to discover 12 men on their knees. I will never forget it.
Avoid having side conversations with others while attending the group meeting. Also, welcome pertinent biblical background information provided by group members. And, never be afraid to share relevant comments. Remember, God is in control!
Recommend silencing your phones or placing them in vibrate mode during class to remove that distraction for yourself & others
Thank you BSF! I continue to grow spiritually!
Thank you for the well worded reminders
God blessings, and thank you for these helpful suggestions. They are very helpful to me!🫶🏼🙏🙂
Thank you for these important reminders. BSF Groups is all about taking time to develop our spiritual lives. It’s easy for me to fall into a habit of rushing through my lesson and trying to cram group time into a busy schedule. We all benefit so much more when ladies attend small group.
Appreciate these tips for a more meaningful, healthy group dynamic this year.
Thank you for these great suggestions. 2022 was my first year in BSF and it has truly been life changing. I am looking forward to what God is going to do this year.
both of these articles are great. I cannot thank you enough for sending them at the beginning of the year. They are terrific to have in our tool box.
Georgia
Thanks for the great reminder as we begin our new year. They are all right on point.