For many years, I had the privilege of leading Bible studies on college campuses with fraternity and sorority students who were open to talking about Jesus. Through these studies, I had the privilege of seeing God do some amazing things.
The thing is: God is always doing amazing things, and he gives us the opportunity to be a part of his life-changing work. When God brings a nonbeliever into your life who is curious about the Bible, will you be ready?
Below are seven tips that will help equip you to walk alongside a non-Christian or new Christian who is interested in studying the Bible.
1. Invite
Your invitation can be as simple as a quick text or chat:
Hey, you mentioned you are ______ [Ex. wrestling with things in life, wanting to learn the Bible better, etc.]. Will you meet with me for six weeks to dig into a book of the Bible together? The book of John is one of my favorites and would be a great way to connect and learn together.
The six-week timeframe is intentional. It helps ensure that neither of you gets overwhelmed by the commitment. You can always extend the study if it’s going well—or end it early if you need to.
2. Determine the Structure
Studying the Bible together doesn’t need to be complicated. I often use “The Seven Signs,” a free Bible study resource from Redeemed, based on the Gospel of John. You also don’t need to use a specific resource. You can just open your Bible and say, “Let’s walk through this together.”
Whichever way you decide to go, the key is to help your friend discover biblical truths for him/herself—without you telling them what to think or giving them answers.
3. Find Your Own Voice
You are gifted by God, and God wants to use you.
One of the first evangelists was a woman drawing water from a well (John 4). She had no training, and she didn’t prepare via a special class or theology book. This woman heard what Jesus had to say, believed it, and told everyone she knew. Then she invited others to check out Jesus for themselves. As a result, many believed in Jesus.
Yes, there is value in growing deep in our faith and sharpening our theological understanding. However, don’t let insecurities prevent you from being used by God. The story of the woman at the well is a reminder that God wants to use you.
Part of finding your own way to lead a study involves leaning into your God-given empathy and compassion. You cannot know all the context, hurt, and confusion that your friend may be carrying. Trust God to lead you as you seek to lead the study.
4. Keep It Conversational
Even lifelong Christians are stumped by portions of Scripture. How much more so for a first-timer? To lower the intimidation level, keep your discussion conversational. Use questions like:
- What do you see in these five verses?
- What are your thoughts on what verse __ means?
Don’t just wait for answers. Instead, offer your own insights to help warm up the conversation. This promotes dialogue and conveys your excitement to learn with your friend—not merely “teach.”
As you share your experiences and interact with the passage, your friend will pick up cues on how to ask questions of the text, how to wrestle with truth, and how to apply it.
5. Point to the Text
If your friend asks a question, point back to the text whenever possible. For instance, if there’s a question about Jesus’s interactions with women as you read John 4, you might answer: “Hmm, what does verse 27 say about that? In verse 27, it says . . .”
This does two things. First, it frees you from being the “Bible Answer Person.” Secondly, it subtly trains your friend to keep looking to the text for answers.
6. Look at the Application
How does this big idea or truth impact our everyday lives? Why does this matter? What does it change?
These are the questions we should be asking every time we read the Bible—whether in a formal study or not. Why? Because God wants his Word to radically shape our lives, and that occurs when we meditate on it. When your friend begins to do this by applying truth to daily life, God will begin to move the study from their head to their heart.
7. Decide Whether to Extend
If things are going well, you can lengthen the study by a few weeks. When I do this, I pick my favorite passages or ones I think might be impactful to the person I am studying with. My go-to additions include:
- John 1: “The Seven Signs” study adds this as well. It talks about the purpose of the book of John and whets the appetite for what is to come.
- John 3 (the story of Nicodemus): This passage introduces us to someone who wrestled with the identity of Jesus. In response, Jesus offers profound truth. Of course, you will also read John 3:16, which never hurts!
- John 4 (the woman at the well): Most people who are new to Jesus or young believers can identify with the woman in many ways—whether they are male or female. Her story demonstrates Jesus’s grace and truth. The way Jesus lovingly engages this sinner is mind-blowing and genuinely life-changing.
- Consider a broad flyover of John 18-20. This provides a change of pace. Because it covers the crucifixion, it can also pave the way for an invitation for your friend to follow Jesus.
- John 18 and 21: These two scenes capture Peter’s denial and reinstatement. In these chapters, we see Peter—the one upon whom Jesus builds his Church—fail miserably. Then, Jesus lovingly and powerfully reinstates Peter’s life of purpose and mission.
Ultimately, all the tips in the world won’t guarantee a successful study. We know, however, that we are more than equipped for all of God’s works that he has prepared for us to do (Eph. 2:10-11). So, pray for the Lord’s leading in both who to invite and how to lead, and then take action!
