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To start a Bible study group, pray, invite three to six people, pick a regular time and place, start with a book like the Gospel of Mark or John, and use a simple format of reading a passage together and discussing a few good questions. You don't need to be an expert. You need to be faithful, prepared and willing to learn alongside others.
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Acts 2:42
1. Start with prayer and your church
Ask God who He wants in the group, and let your pastor or church leaders know what you're starting. Many churches will support new groups with resources and prayer, and a church connection gives the group a healthy home.
2. Invite a few people personally
- Keep it small: three to six people lets everyone talk. When it grows past ten or twelve, it's time to start a second group.
- Invite personally: "I'm starting a Bible study on Tuesday nights for six weeks. Would you like to come?" A clear start and end date makes it easier to say yes.
- Include people exploring faith. A discussion-based study is one of the best ways for someone curious about Jesus to read the Bible for themselves.
3. Choose a time, place and length
Pick a consistent day and time: weekly is ideal. Meet somewhere comfortable and easy to talk: a living room, a quiet café, a workplace break room. Plan for 60 to 90 minutes, and start and end on time so people can keep coming.
4. Pick what to read first
Start with a Gospel. Mark is short, fast-moving and ideal for a group; John is written so that people "may believe that Jesus is the Messiah" (John 20:31). Read one short section (10–20 verses) each week rather than a whole chapter. Later, try Acts, Philippians, James or a Psalm. Use a readable translation such as the NIV, CSB or NLT (more on translations in how to read the Bible for the first time).
5. Use a simple discussion format
A format that's easy to lead and easy for others to copy:
- Welcome and check in (10–15 min). "What are you thankful for this week? What's been hard?"
- Read the passage aloud (5 min). Read it twice, ideally from two different people.
- Discover together (30–40 min). Ask: What does this passage say about God? What does it say about people? Is there an example to follow, a command to obey or a promise to trust?
- Apply (10 min). "What is one thing I will do this week because of this passage?" and "Who could I share it with?"
- Pray for each other (10 min). Pray specifically about what people shared.
6. Lead well without being the expert
- Prepare: read the passage a few times during the week and think through the questions.
- Don't fear hard questions. "Great question. I don't know, but let's find out together" is honest leadership.
- Draw everyone in and gently make room when one person dominates.
- Keep Scripture central. Bring the conversation back to the text rather than opinions.
- Protect confidentiality. What's shared in the group stays in the group.
7. Care for one another
A Bible study becomes a family when people care for each other between meetings. Text during the week, share meals, and help when someone is sick or struggling. For hard moments, see what to say when someone is hurting.
8. Grow and multiply
Healthy groups grow. Give others turns leading the discussion, so new leaders are ready when the group gets large. Then send a few people to start a second group rather than letting one group become too big to share. That's discipleship that multiplies: "entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others" (2 Timothy 2:2). More in discipleship that multiplies.
Bible study questions you can use any week
- What stood out to you in this passage?
- What does this passage show us about who God is?
- What does it show us about people, including ourselves?
- Is there a command to obey, an example to follow or a promise to trust?
- What will you do differently this week because of it?
- Who do you know who needs to hear this?
Tools for your group
Resources across the network for growing disciples together.
- I Am Reborn (IAmReborn.net): Proclaiming the transforming power of new life in Christ, and helping new believers grow deep roots.
- Love on The World (LoveonTheWorld.com): Mobilizing believers to love people, share Jesus, and serve their communities with bold compassion.
- Kingdom Base (KingdomBase.App): Keep track of the people you're reaching, praying for, and discipling — so nobody falls through the cracks.
Quick answers
How do I start a Bible study group?
Pray, let your church know, invite three to six people personally, choose a regular time and place, start with a Gospel such as Mark or John, and use a simple format: check in, read the passage aloud, discuss a few good questions, apply it, and pray for each other.
What book of the Bible should a new Bible study start with?
A Gospel is the best place to start. Mark is short and fast-moving, and John was written so people may believe Jesus is the Messiah. Read 10 to 20 verses each week.
How many people should be in a Bible study group?
Three to six is ideal for discussion. When a group grows past ten or twelve, it's a good time to train a new leader and start a second group.
What questions should I ask in a Bible study?
Ask: What stood out to you? What does this show about God? What does it show about people? Is there a command, example or promise? What will you do differently this week? Who needs to hear this?
Do I need to be an expert to lead a Bible study?
No. A good leader prepares, asks open questions, keeps Scripture central and is honest when they don't know an answer. Your role is to help people discover what the passage says, not to lecture.