Group Bible study stretches, enriches, and supports us in ways
we can't experience on our own.
The Bible is a single book that gives us instant access to an entire library. Inside of that vast library, we can wander long hallways and peruse books of every type—from history to “how to” to humor. We can engage in great adventures and travel to the other side of the world, to the cosmos and the highest heavens, and even—if we dare—into the deepest recesses of the human heart. Here is a single book that sweeps across centuries, across genres, across seas and lands, and all across the human experience of the divine. There is more here than a lifetime can consume!
This variety and richness are what make the Bible so intriguing…and so intimidating. Catholics are not alone in feeling drawn to Scripture with an undeniable magnetism, while also feeling overwhelmed by the thought of engaging with this hefty, ancient text. We long to hear God’s voice speaking clearly in our lives—and here it is! But where do we begin? How do we listen and understand?
One simple way to start is by studying the Bible together in small groups. God’s Word may certainly be read by individuals, but it is a Word that is given to a community: the people of God. It is best read in the context of the Church. It is meant to permeate the entire Body of Christ, to be savored and treasured together.
I like to think of Scripture as a prism that captures God’s light and refracts it in all directions. Each one of us sees and absorbs this beautiful light a little bit differently, depending on where we stand, where our lives have taken us, and our capacity for absorbing or refracting this light ourselves. Our understanding of God’s Word is enriched by sharing our insights, experiences, and questions with others, and by hearing their ideas, even if they are different than our own. This group study experience—this group sharing—stretches us in a good way. We have a larger, wider view. It is deeper and richer.
There are some good practical reasons for group Bible study, too. Having a weekly meeting gives structure and momentum to our study. We are motivated to read and engage in the text so we will be ready to discuss it with our friends or fellow parishioners. We look forward to our weekly meeting where we pray, learn, and share our lives together in the safety and warmth of God’s Word.
You can start a Bible study with just a small group of friends, family members, or parishioners. You can meet at church, of course—but you can also meet in your home, at a park, at a café, or online. It doesn’t matter where you are or how many of you there are. For where even two or three are gathered in his name, there is Christ, the wisdom of God, in their midst (Matt 18:20; 1 Cor 1:24).
A version of this article was originally published in Catechist magazine. Used with permission.
Amy Ekeh is the director of Little Rock Scripture Study and the author of several Alive in the Word titles including Finding Peace, Letting Go of Stress and Worry. Amy teaches New Testament for the Hartford Catholic Biblical School and Sacred Heart University. She lives in Milford, CT with her husband and their four children.
