After all, who would question a study Bible? Some people feel as though they’re questioning the Bible itself! They read the entry and the discussion is over. In response to a question in Sunday school or small group, someone notices an entry in their study Bible that addresses the issue head-on.
It’s happened more times than I can count. Good leaders welcome questions that point back to the text, no matter when they arise. This forced us to examine a standard or easy interpretation of a passage. But one person had a question they couldn’t shake. Many of the best discussions in my small groups have occurred when most of the group seemed ready to move on. No one should feel bad for having difficulty understanding the Bible, and no one should feel small for asking questions. Healthy small groups leave room for questions, further explanations, and repetition. The best sort of church tradition leads us back to the text, not away from it. But tradition should never replace studying the Bible itself. The historical tradition of a church or denomination can help us interpret Scripture. Small groups thrive when each member is grappling with the text, sharing observations, discussing interpretations, and praying together about applications. Rather, the small group leader guides the group in understanding and applying the Bible.Īttempting to answer every question is a dangerous approach to small group leadership.
In an ideal small group Bible study, the leader does not function as an authority or expert. But if a quotation is not rooted in the biblical text, the appeal may be to eloquence or reputation instead of to the Bible. As a small group leader, I may share a quote when I find someone has a more powerful or elegant way of making my point. Like much in life, quotations vary in their helpfulness. (This may be your own pastor!) A member of your small group may invoke this leader’s opinion on the matter when making their appeal. There may be an author or preacher who has well-known thoughts on the topic your group is discussing. Let’s examine five false authorities that emerge in small group studies. The Bible speaks as an authority, and all humanity is called to submit their thoughts, plans, and interpretations of reality to God’s Word.ĭespite the absolute authority of God’s word, we often rely on other helpful people and resources more than the Bible. Our conviction here at Knowable Word is that God is the absolute and perfect authority, and he has revealed himself and declared his will through the Bible. When small group members differ on a matter of interpretation, how is the question settled? To what authority do you and your friends appeal? And misplaced allegiances may short-circuit our learning or stunt our growth as Christians. What’s our authority? What quotes do we share? To whom do we appeal? How do we handle disagreements?įor both leaders and small group members, our answers reveal our allegiances. In small group Bible studies, we have a similar question before us every time we gather. Who’s in charge here? In government, family, and church, this question has sparked controversy aplenty throughout history.
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