A. Preparing Questions
1. The general bible study rundown is:
- Welding: question should be simple, thought-provoking, and related to main theme
- Reading passage
- Discussion questions
(a) Observation Q: findings, how is the verse related to, different from, or similar to the other verses?
(b) Interpretation Q: why did the author write it here? why is it so? do you agree?
(c) Application Q: how does it apply to Christians in general? to me? what changes should I make?
2. Thankfully, DBS leaders already prepare good materials, especially on (a) and (b). Our bible study leader's job is to come up with relevant application questions for the group, suitable for our background and situation. It is strong encouraged that the bible study leader attends the prestudy - it is a good group setting to help review the material, ask questions, and meet and learn from people from other groups.
3. A good question:
- is at the right level of the group, intellectually and experience-wise
- is clear, short, and easy to grasp
- stimulats thinking and judgment
- has a valid answer
- is well related to the preceding and the following questions
- should stimulate the search of the text
- brings us to the main points of the passage
- relates on portion of the passage to the next
- leads to practical applications
4. In preparing application questions:
- avoid abrupt jump to application
- avoid questions that are too personal
- avoid unrealistic/irrelevant, hypothetical situations
- avoid questions that generate criticizing spirit
- avoid non-specific wording
- arouse personal interest of group members
- do relate to specific and concrete issues
- case studies
B. Tips on leading (ref: Pastor Poon's notes)
1. Role of the bible study leader
(a) Reach the goal of the bible study
(b) Help discussion continue; leader does not have to answer every question
(c) Lead the group towards the right direction; manage time and atmosphere
2. Using "The Package Principle" to lead a bible study group
(a) To pack (to prepare): requires a good direction
(b) To deliver (to present): the material should be complete and attractive
(c) To find: the material should stimulate the group to think and act; try to involve everyone
(d) Found... and want more: people would want to take the message home
3. Preparations
- Focus on final destination
- Write down a logical outline
- Choose a seat where everyone can see you
- Pray for members and materials
4. Leading
- Introduce scripture, theme, and background
- Be excited - it's contagious. If members are shy, can ask the warmed-up members first.
- Short conclusion at the end
- Can introduce the next bible study (if available)
5. Examples of follow-up questions
(a) Do you mean.... Can you explain further?
(b) What does it mean?
(c) Why is it so important?
(d) How can we apply this in our lives?
6. How to solve difficult situations
(a) Dominating member
- ask him/her a question that give a definite answer
- pass the question back to the group
- set a time limit
- ask other members by name
- remind him/her privately to not dominate the discussion
(b) Quiet member
- ask for his/her opinion by name
- ask easier questions
- don't make him/her feel uncomfortable
- appreciate every opinion
(c) Lack of interest
- ask questions that stimulate thinking and discussion
- sense of humor (...give it a try!)
- be flexible: it may be more beneficial to go on to the next topic
(d) Conflict
- not every conflict or tension is bad
- ask an argumentative person a question that gives a definite answer
- don't answer your own question
- don't be afraid of silence
- try your sense of humor (again)
(e) Lost
- use a good question to bring the group back to the original theme
- remind the group that the discussion has gone astray and should go back