The Mission And Values Of A Neighbor Bible Study

Let’s start at the very beginning, it’s a very good place to start.

Beginning a neighbor Bible study is exciting! As a new school year approaches, you may be full of faith and expectant of what God will do. You may have prayed, invited and now it is time to begin your neighbor Bible study. 

The following resource has been created to establish a foundation for group discussion. As a leader, it is important to keep the group on task and moving forward. We have found that reading this at the start of a group study each semester has proven to be both effective and helpful for leaders.

As situations arise that might stray from the values, you have the opportunity to address them graciously. As facilitator, you set the pace and tone for discourse and sharing. Reminding your members of the group’s mission and values provides clear direction. As members know that these are important, they will be more mindful of their own sharing.

Mission

To provide an environment where people can begin or deepen their walk with the Lord, through studying God’s Word and building friendships with one another. 

Values

Authenticity

The atmosphere of the Bible Study should encourage openness and transparency among members. This is an environment where people should feel free to be themselves.

Confidentiality

For authenticity to occur, members must be able to trust that issues discussed within the group are not to be shared outside of the group.

Participation

Everyone is given the right to their own opinion and all questions are encouraged and respected. The study is discussion-oriented, and everyone is encouraged to participate, but no one is ever required to answer. Each member should monitor their own discussion time so that everyone has a chance to share.

Respect

Members should never say anything that will embarrass other members of the group.

Preparation

We will strive to come to the study with our assignment completed. However, our priority is spiritual growth within the group. We would prefer you to attend and learn through discussion rather than missing the meeting.

Affirmation

It is important to create an atmosphere where members affirm and encourage one another, build each other up in Christ, love and care for one another.

Acceptance

Because we represent many denominations, we will value our differences (which are few) and will celebrate and focus on what we have in common – God’s Word spoken to us through the Bible. 

Prayer

While we recognize the awesome power of prayer, our primary focus is on Bible study. We should feel free to share prayer requests without judgment, knowing they will be kept confidential.  Prayer requests will be gathered in the following way…(please edit to fit the needs of your group)

How about you? Have you faced challenges as you have led? What helped bring the discussion back to the Bible study?

This document is available on our website here.

Other helpful printable resources are available under the Resources dropdown menu at nbs2go.com.