Relational Bible Study

By R. Cody Smith

To help understand the concept of Relational Bible Study, let us simply imagine that we are part of a small group of first-century Christians gathered in a home to share one of the apostle Paul’s letters. Keep in mind that the New Testament was written to be read for content and life application by ordinary Christians just like you and I, and not necessarily for academic study.  

“Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20 

This is not the only way to study the Bible, but one that focuses on making the connection between reading the Gospel and applying it to our day-to-day lives. It is the application of God’s word in our lives that transforms us, and pleases him. Take one simple verse from Mathew 22:37. This injunction of Jesus, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your mind,” the first and greatest commandment. Oh that I could forget all but Christ crucified for my sins and learn to live this verse alone.   

“Do not conform any longer to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2 

While most formal Bible studies are focused on acquiring biblical knowledge, the goal of our relational study is to draw meaning from specific verses that we can apply to our current life’s circumstances. In time we will be able to talk openly about our personal struggles, share our testimonies when we are victorious, and otherwise encourage each other to greater levels of faith. As we grow together in love, the power of the living word, and the prayers of the saints will begin to transform our lives.  

“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 

As we grow together a certain grace will come upon us, the Holy Spirit will become increasingly more active in our times together, and the Living Word will begin to breath into our lives. The wisdom of God will lead us then to specific topics where he wants to minister to us, individually and corporately. At times we may read very little scripture, perhaps none at all.   

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” James 5:16

In our group people are invited to NOT leave their worldly cares at the door, but to allow the word of God to open these points of concern to ministry from our group. This springboard of self-revelatory conversation usually results in what we call the acts of one-anothering, or the fifty-four New Testament commandments involving things that we should do with, for and to one another: Love one another, carry one another’s burdens, etc. Obviously this is probably not going to work too well in a large group; Relational Bible study is best suited as an activity of house churches and other small group settings.

What we’ll need in order to get started:

 A group of 3-12 people who have a sincere desire to know more about the Bible.

Later on this minimum requirement of curiosity will introduce even non-Christians to the living God, and many will choose to join our community, and at some point begin to commit their lives to the lordship of Christ, this is the beginning of real discipleship.  

One or more Bibles

A few rules:

A group facilitator who will:

After a few meetings people will easily catch hold of the concept making the facilitators role increasingly less important. In fact after a few short weeks most of the group members should be able to facilitate the starting of new groups on their own.

Ok, lets get started: 

In the beginning it will be helpful for the group facilitator to read through the rules we have all agreed to respect. 

Beginning at the selected starting point each person in turn reads a short passage of scripture, reading carefully for understanding as much as a paragraph, as little as one line, then pausing to allow others to comment or ask questions. Typically people will make comments such as Amen, Oh, I love that part, reminds me of … Next thing you know off we go, but no rabbit trails please.

The emphasis here is on application, not gathering information; reading is done for content, not for quantity. There may be times of awkwardness in the beginning, let everyone know that this is expected and our group will quickly find it’s own rhythm. When/if the comments or conversation become exhausted, the next person continues the reading and so forth until reaching a natural conclusion or the end of our allotted time. 

Learning scripture per se is not our primary concern. As we read through the Bible certain questions will arise, life applications will be discovered. From these natural conversations, individual needs will become obvious, and ministry will happen spontaneously. As The Body of Christ ministers to the actual needs of it’s members we will all be witnesses of the results, and become inspired to greater levels of faith, deeper levels of commitment. 

Our facilitator-leader and others in the group may have considerable Bible knowledge, and will need to use restraint while allowing newer Christians to discover truth (discovered truth has more value) at their own tempo and according to their immediate needs. Sometimes, with the best of intentions, we can tend to rush in and answer questions that haven’t even been asked yet.

One of the deepest felt needs of human beings, to be known and accepted as we truly are, free from masks and manipulation. When we reach this point together it is the beginning of healthy relationships, and real Christian community.

Closing with a song and time of prayer as led. Be flexible, be creative, be sensitive, the very best meetings will flow when the Holy Spirit is allowed to lead. Suggested time allowed 1.5 hours start to finish.

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