Welcome

Your Bible wk1@

Central Avenue Christian Church

A couple of questions…

Why are you here?What do you want to get out of the

course?Are there any things I need to clarify

before we start?

Course Outline• Session 1 “The Benefits of Bible Study”• Session 2 “The Origin and Structure of the Bible”• Session 3 “Finding your way around the Bible”• Session 4 “Books of the Old Testament”• Session 5 “Books of the New Testament”• Session 6 “How we know the Bible is the Word of

God”• Session 7 “History of Old Testament times”• Session 8 “History of New Testament times”

Objectives for today

• Describe responsibilities of Group Leaders.

• Understand how Bible Study helps us become better Group Leaders.

• Appreciate the benefits of personal Bible Study in developing us as Group Leaders.

Question for Reflection

What is our own experience of group Bible Study?

Have you ever led a group Bible Study?

Learning Objective 1

Describe the responsibilities of

Group Leaders.

Personal Characteristics

• Personal Spiritual Life – needs to be sound to lead others. The Bible is our spiritual food!

• Servant heart – it’s hard work leading and caring for others!

• Pastor’s heart – spiritual welfare of your group• Like people – you will have all sorts in your

group!• Desire to learn – “what is sound doctrine”• Enthusiasm to pass on what’s in the Bible, not

just your own points of view!

Personal Characteristics contd.

• Know why Bible Study is important• Be able to explain the benefits of

Personal Bible Study as opposed to a “Quiet Time”

• Build a working knowledge of the Bible• Be organised and methodical• Surround group with prayer• Be enthusiastic – it rubs off!

Group Exercise 1

What are the most important characteristics of a Small Group Leader?

Learning Objective 2

Understand how Bible Study helps us become better Group Leaders.

How Bible Study Benefits us

• Biblical model of church Acts 2:42ff• Biblical model of teaching – Didache• Builds a humble heart – gets our focus

on God• Builds sound doctrine - 2Tim• Protects the flock from false teachings• Makes learning more fun and interesting

Group Exercise 2

What are the benefits to the group of the leader

having a good grounding in the Bible?

Learning Objective 3

Appreciate the benefits of personal Bible Study in developing us as Group

Leaders.

8 Benefits of Bible Study

• Bread for the soul• Enjoyment• Nearness to God• Encouragement• Foundation• Inspiration• Truth• Security

Group Exercise 3

What can we do personally to improve our own Biblical knowledge?

We should now be able to…

• Describe responsibilities of Group Leaders.

• Understand how Bible Study helps us become better Group Leaders.

• Appreciate the benefits of personal Bible Study in developing us as Group Leaders.

This week’s task

• Make a commitment to improve our own spiritual life by “Quiet Times” and methodical Bible Study.