How to Prepare an Outline for Discussion
This is intended for small groups or other Bible study discussions.
Prepare an outline with this format:
-
Prayer & Praise - 5- 10 minutes
- Begin the worship by focusing on God and removing distractions
-
Icebreaker (1 question) - 5- 10 minutes
- this helps get people comfortable with talking and sharing
- see a list of icebreakers here.
-
Discovery (2 questions) - 10 minutes
- Main purpose is to look at the chosen text and see what it says.
- Ex: Who, what, where, when
- questions about historical cultural background, wording, phrases, etc.
- questions about context
-
Interpretation (2 questions) - 20 minutes
- How/Why/Explain questions – let the Scripture provide the answers.
- What does this text tell us about God?
- Ex: Why do you think this character…? How does God interact with ... How is this different from ...
-
Application (1-2 questions) - 10 minutes
- Conclusion – reflection – how is this relevant to me today? What am I to do w/ what I learned? What in my life will be different?
- Make sure the application is measurable, specific, and personal
-
Sharing & Prayer - 5-10 minutes
- Pray in partners or with the group by sharing praises & prayer requests with each other
Example:
Text: Mark 8;22-26
Icebreaker Q:
- Share a time when you had to re-do something, and why.
Discovery Q:
- Who asked Jesus for the healing?
- Where did Jesus take the blind man from/to?
Interpretation Q:
- Why do you think Jesus chose the methods that He did?
- In your opinion, when was the blind man's faith tested the most?
Application Q:
- What are you struggling with right now for which you need to trust Jesus, even if the process doesn't make sense?
Pastor Kim, I really found this article and your article about studying the Bible useful. It inspires me to read the Bible more. Thank you for your articles and for the English Compass. I find it helpful and inspiring in my Christian walk.
Jane Chung (#1) – December 05, 2011