How to Lead an Online Bible Study During COVID-19

I wanted to write this post with tips to the girl desiring community in this unusual time we are facing. Without the community of church, small groups or social gatherings, leading an online Bible study could be super beneficial to yourself and those in your community.

We were made for community, quarantined or not.

1) Text friends you want to join

Pray for a knowledge of who you have been called to invite and instead of waiting, text your friends now. In addition, pray for your friends hearts as they decide to say, "yes."

• Pray they'll be supportive and rid themselves of any jealousy.

• Pray they'd rid themselves of fear, anxiety and insecurity.

• Pray they'd have boldness to be vulnerable in opening up, in order to grow.

2) Pick a platform that works best for you and your friends

Whether it be Zoom, Facetime or Instagram, find what works for your group. This may be different among people. I'm currently leading 2 groups of 15 girls on Instagram and I'm apart of two additional Bible studies, one on Zoom and one by Facetime.

3) Set a date and time

Pick a time and day of the week that works will everyone's schedules. Begin to make this time a priority and as a leader, prioritize talking to your girls outside of this time and preparing lessons.

4) Pray for each of the girls

Begin preparation by praying for each of the girls by name. Pray for:

• An understanding of the Gospel like never before.

• A commitment to being on the call.

• Acceptance of what others are vulnerable in sharing.

• A surrendered heart allowing God to work within them.

5) Commit

Begin to prepare a lesson on a topic you feel lead to share on. I've created a basic outline of a lesson with some basic ideas:

1. Make everyone comfortable by starting with an ice-breaker or high/lows.

2. Share a relatable story and direct it back to scripture.

3. Ask different people tor read the scripture.

4. Ask questions relating to the scripture.

5. Allow for time to share personal connections and discuss among the group.

6. Give discussion questions about the application of the scripture.

7. Leave the girls with a challenge to accomplish in preparation for the next week.

8. Close by sharing prayer request and praying for each other.

6) Be real and cheer each other on

Remind the girls that their brokenness is welcome and support them among their journey in seeking a deeper relationship with Christ. Check in with them and show them love throughout the week.

• Send a handwritten card.

• Call them to chat alone.

• Text an encouraging Bible verse.

Have faith and believe God will work in your life and the lives of others through your willingness to host this group!

About the author: Mckenzie Louise

Mckenzie is the founder of Shiningforthelord and uses her passion to write as an outlet to encourage young women, in various seasons of life, to pursue a relationship with Christ through forsaking all things of this world, in a relentless pursuit to know their creator on a deeper level.