Discipleship
How To Start A Small Group Bible Study (A Simple, Practical Guide)
Small groups are where many Christians grow most — and where new believers find a home. How to start one: who to invite, where and when to meet, a simple format, what to study first, leading discussion, and keeping it healthy.
·2 min read·Jesus Festival Movement
Sunday gatherings matter, but many Christians grow most in a small group: a handful of people, a Bible, a kitchen table and honest conversation. It's also where new believers often find a home. Starting one is simpler than you think.
“And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”
That verse is practically a small group format: teaching, fellowship, food and prayer.
Before you start
- Pray for the people God wants in the group
- Talk to your church leaders — most churches love to support new groups
- Find a co-leader so the group never depends on one person
- Invite personally — a direct ask works far better than an announcement
When and where
Pick a regular time — the same day each week or fortnight — and a welcoming place: a home, a quiet café, or a room at church. Keep it to 60–90 minutes so it's sustainable. Food helps more than almost anything.
A simple format
Welcome and food (15 minutes)
Unhurried. Relationships are half the point.
Read the passage (5 minutes)
Out loud, together. Short passages are fine.
Discuss (30 minutes)
What does this show us about God? About people? What will we do this week?
Pray for one another (15 minutes)
Share requests and pray for each other — and for people you know who don't follow Jesus yet.
One thing to practise
Each person names one thing to put into practice before you meet again.
What to study first
Start with a Gospel — John or Mark — a passage at a time. It keeps Jesus at the centre and works for everyone from long-time believers to people exploring faith. Our guide to reading the Bible for the first time is a good handout for newcomers.
Leading discussion well
- Ask open questions, then wait — silence often means people are thinking
- Don't answer your own questions; let the group discover
- Gently bring quieter voices in, and gently rein in dominant ones
- It's fine to say "I don't know — let's find out"
- Keep coming back to the passage and to Jesus
Keep it healthy
- Keep what's shared in the group confidential
- Look outward: pray for people you know, and serve together sometimes
- Welcome newcomers and new believers — leave an empty chair
- When the group gets too big to talk, multiply into two
- Stay connected to a local church, and follow its safeguarding policies
“And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.”
A healthy small group is discipleship in action — read what discipleship is. And it's often the best next step for someone who has just come to faith: see your first 30 days as a Christian.
Questions people ask
How do you start a small group Bible study?
Pray first, invite a few people personally, and choose a regular time and place. Keep the format simple — welcome, read a passage, discuss it, pray together and choose one thing to practise — and start with a Gospel such as John or Mark.
How many people should be in a small group?
Small enough that everyone can talk — often around four to twelve. If a group grows much larger, discussion gets harder; consider splitting into two groups or breaking into smaller circles for prayer.
What should a small group study first?
A Gospel is a great place to start, especially John or Mark, because it keeps Jesus at the centre and is accessible to new believers and people exploring faith. Read a passage each week rather than racing through.
What questions should you ask in a Bible study?
Three simple questions work for almost any passage: What does this show us about God? What does it show us about people? What will we do about it this week? Follow up with "What stood out to you?" and give people time to answer.