12 Great Bible Study Ideas to Get Your Small Group Talking

Whether you are meeting with your group in person or via Zoom, having a meaningful and engaging study will make a difference in the commitment of your members and in their spiritual growth. These suggested Bible studies and small group studies can spur deep, meaningful conversation in your community.

This is a list of 12 studies to read, lead or study with a community of Christ-followers, including some classics and newer studies. Consider which topics would resonate with your group and start on a new journey exploring the Bible and our world together.

Generous Justice

Author: Tim Keller
Study Type: Cultural Engagement and Renewal
Media: Book, a study guide is also available by separate authors
Spiritual Level: Any

Review: Generous Justice is a study on justice in the Bible. According to the Bible, the word for justice is the same word for righteousness. Keller unpacks how righteous living involves being a just person. He walks the reader through somewhat of a systematic process as he draws out all the implications of justice in the Bible. This read is highly Biblical and can easily invite the reader to look up the referenced Biblical passages for further thought and study. This book will not disappoint. Keller even provides chapters that help the reader think through the practical implications of doing justice in the public square. It's a great study that will invite great discussion.

Prep required for the leader: I would recommend reading the whole book ahead of time, and then rereading along with the group. There is a study guide available for purchase from separate authors.
Prep required for the group member: Have them read the chapter in advance.
Available: The book is available from a number of retailers. The study guide is available on Amazon.

Recommended by: Steven Borders

The Power of Knowing God

Author: Tony Evans
Study Type: Spiritual Growth
Media: Video and Study Guide
Spiritual Level: Any

Review: This study is designed to help anyone grow in their walk with God. This is not just a study for head knowledge but heart engagement. Tony Evans is a gifted Bible teacher who is easy to understand and follow. In this study, he wants to provide practical steps to know God more. This leads to living more in alignment with the purpose for which you were created. The author states that knowing God more will lead to understanding His will for your life and experiencing Him more personally. The knowledge of God will bring about fruitfulness in your life. This series seeks to build a desire to know and experience more of God in your life. It's a great study to inspire new as well as seasoned Christians.

Prep required for the leader: Moderate. Watch the video and read the study guide in advance to get a good feel for the material and make any personal notes in advance.
Prep required for the group member: None. There is a book available but is optional for this study. Group members can come, watch the video and discuss together.
Available: on Christianbook.com and elsewhere.

Recommended by: Steven Borders

Get Out of Your Head

Author: Jennie Allen
Study Type: Spiritual Growth
Media: Video Series and Study Guide
Spiritual Level: Any

Review: Based on the leader's guide, this study is geared a little more toward women but can be beneficial for anyone. The study is a look into the book of Philippians and is aimed at the topic of breaking toxic ways of thinking. The author states that the mind can often be a battlefield that becomes filled with negative thought patterns. Freedom comes when we refuse to be victims to our thoughts and realize we have already been equipped with power from God to fight and win the war for our minds. In this study of Philippians, the author highlights how we can take control of our thoughts and break destructive thought patterns. As we submit our minds to Christ, God's promises and truth enter into our lives and restore our minds. Knowing God's truth and promises works its way in our lives and unleashes us for better living.

Prep required for the leader: Moderate. Review the leader's guide. It would be a good idea to watch the video in advance and make notes on discussion questions in advance.
Prep required for group members: Moderate. Group members should read the discussion guide in advance to be familiar with topic. Then, can come and watch the video and discuss as a group.
Available: at Christianbook.com and elsewhere.

Recommended by: Steven Borders

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Compass & Light

Author: Silent Images
Study Type: Cultural Engagement and Renewal
Media: Video Series with Curriculum for Discussion
Spiritual Level: Any

Review: Mental illness is one of these issues that is often not addressed due to the stigma, shame, and misunderstanding that come alongside it. After seeing the impact of mental illness on issues like homelessness, poverty, human trafficking, education, and domestic violence, Silent Images felt burdened to produce films that educate others about the realities of mental illness. This seven-part series interviews people grappling with each of these illnesses as well as family members who are also affected. The films are compelling and create empathy, understanding and awareness, as well as provide a springboard for discussion. The series covers the following topics: Anxiety, Addiction, Bipolar, Depression, Eating Disorders, PTSD and Suicide. Each video is 15 to 20 minutes.

Prep required for the leader: Moderate. Watch the video series before leading the weekly discussions so you have a broad idea of what all is covered and so you can see common themes. The films are about 15 to 20 minutes each and have a short small group curriculum that will help guide viewers through these complicated issues.*
Prep required for the group member: None required. Members will watch the video at the group meeting and then discuss.
Available: Silent Images and Right Now Media*The curriculum is available by emailing Silent Images at [email protected].

Recommended by: Andrea Johnson

Get Off Our Donkey

Author: Silent Images
Study Type: Cultural Engagement and Renewal
Media: Video Series with Curriculum for Discussion
Spiritual Level: Any

Review: The Get Off Our Donkey series playfully plays off the well-known parable of the Good Samaritan who gets off his donkey to help the wounded person and cares for him at his own expense. This is a seven-part film series highlighting seven areas of need in Charlotte, NC specifically but also affecting most cities across the US. The series covers topics of: Homelessness, High School Dropouts, Human Trafficking, Refugees, Prisoners, Elderly, and Abortion. Each 10-minute video introduces the viewer to the topic, why it has become a need, interviews affected people and organizations serving in each area. This video series creates awareness on pressing issues and needs that can be overwhelming on their own, but there are also practical application points and service ideas to respond to the needs. While each city's needs look a little different, the seven areas highlighted can be seen in any major city.

Prep for Leader: Watch the videos before the meeting and review the discussion questions. It would also be good for leaders to review current needs and opportunities for service in your particular city before discussing each topic. You could watch the series, and then select several areas of need in your city where your group wants to serve together.
Prep for group members: None required. Come to the meeting and watch the video and discussion questions facilitated by the leader.*
Available: SilentImages.com *The curriculum is available by emailing Silent Images at [email protected].

Recommended by: Andrea Johnson

The Great Divorce

Author: C.S. Lewis
Study Type: Allegorical Exploration of Heaven and Eternity
Media: Book
Spiritual Level: Any; however, mature believers will be challenged to apply Biblical teaching about eternity to how we live now. For seekers or new Christians, it might be an eye-opening and challenging read.

Review: This is one of my favorite books that I read annually because it gives me an eternal perspective and pulls my thinking out of the here and now and the tyranny of the urgent and onto what is actually important - the eternal. Lewis lays out a brilliant allegory of a traveler boarding a bus to leave hell and step into the foothills of heaven. He masterfully explores free will and the choices humans are given but also the logical consequences of their choices, but then the transformation and freedom given when we die to self and submit to the Father's much greater plan. When we die to self, we don't get "our rights"; we get something far better. He reminds us what is temporal and fleeting about this life. We can only understand this current world and eternity through an extremely limited perspective. Heaven will surpass all our expectations or wildest imaginations, and everything we are chasing after or seeking will be found in heaven and in God. This book is a great and vivid reminder of eternity and that the things of this world are passing.

Prep required for the leader: Read the book ahead of time for a comprehensive overview and review the questions each week before discussion.
Prep required for the group member: Read the designated chapters and review study notes before the group meeting.
Available: Christianbook.com and elsewhere. There is also a Study Guide and Teen Addition Study Guide

Recommended by: Andrea Johnson

The Wisdom Pyramid

Author: Brett McCracken
Study Type: Worldview: Culture and Christianity
Media: Book
Spiritual Level: Any

Review: In today's media-saturated culture, people are getting sick on a diet of junk food, (i.e. social media and the internet) but they don't always know how to consume a better information diet. Brett McCracken skillfully compares our information intake to our food intake using the USDA's old food pyramid as a visual guide. He creates the "Wisdom Pyramid" as a compelling visual guide for a better proportional diet of information that can lead to healthy "diets" and wisdom. Similar to our need to be wise about what we feed our bodies, we need to be wise about what we feed our minds, hearts and souls. The old saying, "you are what you eat" is also true for what we feed our minds. We need Biblical wisdom and vision for our hearts, souls and minds now more than ever - as adults and especially as we teach teens and children. Brett breaks the book into two main parts: 1) Understand the Sources of Our Sickness and 2) Sources of our Wisdom. In part one, he explores the habits making us sick: 1) Eating Too Much, 2) Eating Too Fast, and 3) Eating Only What Tastes Good to Me. In part two, he outlines a practical guide to "eating well" with Biblical wisdom being our base, then the church, nature, books, beauty and finally the internet and social media. Finally, the reader is not left without hope as McCracken gives practical ideas for cultivating wisdom as well as challenging the reader not to throw up their hands and walk away from culture but work to redeem culture.

Prep required for the leader: I would recommend reading the whole book ahead of time, and then rereading along with the group. There are questions for consideration and group discussion at the end of each chapter. This book should create lots of dialogue and opportunities for practical application and accountability. Group members will find multiple ways to be challenged and lovingly challenge each other by walking through this study together.
Prep required for the group member: Read the assigned weekly chapters and answer study questions before the group meets.
Available: Christianbook.com and elsewhere.

Recommended by: Andrea Johnson

Gospel in Life: Grace Changes Everything

Author: Tim Keller
Study Type: Christian Life and Scripture Study
Media: 8 Session Study and Video Guide
Spiritual Level: Any, Mature

Review: In this series, Tim Keller unpacks how the gospel impacts every area of life. The study illustrates how allowing grace to transform the heart naturally results in a transformed lifestyle. The study demonstrates how the human heart gravitates toward legalism and regularly needs the gospel to reorient a person away from religion and into an experience with God. This study has great practical application because a heart impacted by grace naturally has an outworking that on a person, a home and a community. The study focuses on the heart of Christianity. It focuses on the same Gospel transformation that took place in the early church that created a movement that turned the world upside down.

Prep required for the leader: There is a study guide that assigns reading before each session. There is a short video to show at each meeting, along with discussion questions based upon the reading and video.
Prep required for the group member: Read the assigned chapter and review the discussion questions beforehand.
Available: Christianbook.com and elsewhere. There is a study guide and video guide sold separately or as a bundle.

Recommended by: Steven Borders

Redeeming Work

Author: Andy Crouch
Study Type: Christian Life and Scripture Study
Media: Video and Study Guide
Spiritual Level: Any

Review: We spend so much time at work. It's what we ask people when we meet them and often what we discuss in small talk. For some, it might even provide higher meaning or fulfillment. Yet, there is often a gap between our faith and our work. The two feel disconnected from one another. In this 6-session group study, work will be seen within the context of scripture and help bridge that gap between faith and work. Work is not a result of the Fall of humans and our work can have meaning and purpose. The guide provides practical ways to apply faith in our work. Keep in mind, that we all work. Some people work in the home, some volunteer as a form of work and some work earns an income. In all these forms of work, we can apply these principles - making this an applicable study for all.

Prep required for the leader: I would recommend reading the whole book ahead of time, and then rereading along with the group. There is a study guide available with good questions that you can reference as well as adding your own.
Prep required for the group member: Read the assigned weekly chapters and answer study questions before the group meets.
Available: The study guide is available on smallgroups.com and the video can be seen on RightNowMedia.

Recommended by: Steven Borders

Run with the Horses: A Quest for Life at its Best

Author: Eugene H. Peterson
Study Type: Christian Life Study
Media: Book
Spiritual Level: Any, but it will resonate more with mature believers.

Review: Peterson is best known for translating The Message Bible, but he authored numerous other books in his time. Run with the Horses was first published in 1983, where Peterson reflects on the life of Jeremiah and challenges the reader with this key verse whereGod says to Jeremiah, "So Jeremiah, if you're worn out in this footrace with men, what makes you think you can race against horses? And if you can't keep your wits during times of calm, what's going to happen when troubles break loose like the Jordan in flood?" Peterson helps us parallel our own lives and trials to Jeremiah's calling by God to be a prophet. He challenges us to stop making excuses and serve God wholeheartedly and reminds us that the great heroes of the faith were not perfect but they were willing. It is a challenge to leave the mundane and mind-numbing ways of the world and live with passion the life that God has actually called us to live.

Prep required for the leader: Read the book and review any questions you want the group to discuss prior to meeting. The 2019 commemorative edition of the book includes a six-session Bible study guide for individuals or groups.
Prep required for the group member: Read the assigned chapters and review any questions prior to meeting.
Available: Christianbook.com, Amazon.com and others.

Recommended by: Andrea Johnson

The Power to Change

Author: Jennie Allen
Study Type: Christian Living
Media: Video and Study Guide
Spiritual Level: Any, but most ideal for believers newer to the faith.

Review: This is a great study that is geared at living a more Christ-like life. This journey begins the moment you encounter Christ. Yet, over time it can become more difficult to overcome the challenges and burdens that weigh us down. Temptations arise and we can feel trapped. The study reminds us that we have been rescued by God. This study explores the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Christian as He moves you into greater victory over sin and burdens. The daily surrender to God invites His power to operate in your life as He shapes you more into His image. The greater the surrender, the greater the change and victory in our lives. The Gospel is a message of God's grace operating in our lives. His power transforms our hearts first - starting with inward transformation that moves outward. Trying to change on the outside first, will only bring legalism and defeat.

Prep required for the leader: Read the leader's guide ahead of time for a comprehensive overview and review the questions each week before discussion.
Prep required for the group member: There is a study guide that can be purchased or the leader guide or they can simply watch the video as a group and discuss.
Available: on RightNowMedia - a database of hundreds of studies for small groups.

Recommended by: Steven Borders

Sacred Marriage

Author: Gary Thomas
Study Type: Biblical Marriage Study
Media: Book with DVD study and viewer guide available
Spiritual Level: Any, but it will resonate most with mature believers.

Review: Gary Thomas' famous quote from the book is, "What if God designed marriage to make us holy more than to make us happy?" It's a startling question that flies in the face of culture and reality TV. This book thoughtfully and purposefully walks Christians through the meaning of and purpose for Christian marriage. While it is clearly meant more for married or engaged couples, it is also a powerful read for singles to help set their expectations for the true purpose of biblical marriage. I first read this in my early twenties, and it profoundly shaped my view on marriage, what to expect, what I was actually called to as woman, and it led to greater contentment in my single season knowing how hard (but good) marriage is. By learning to truly love our spouse, we better love our God.

Prep required for the leader: Discussion questions are included in the book, and you can also order a video series for your group to watch as well as discussion questions for the video series.
Prep required for the group member: Read the designated chapters before the group meeting and review or answer any assigned questions.
Available: Christianbook.com and others.

Recommended by: Andrea Johnson

Enjoy thinking through which studies could be a good challenge and provide opportunities for deep discussion for your group. Learning to apply the Bible's teachings in new ways helps us discover our true purpose and embrace more of God's word in our daily lives.

Andrea Johnson is a native Texan now living in Charlotte, N.C., with her husband and two daughters. She enjoys running, photography and good chocolate.

Steven Borders is a Marketing Strategist at SignUpGenius and has served in a number of church leadership roles. He has an MDiv from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary.