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Men's Bible Study Ideas
by Carl Caton
Over the years, I've looked for a lot of ideas for my men's bible study. Usually a small group leader is always on the lookout for a good curriculum to use. There are a lot of basic "categories" of where you will find ideas. A large number of publishers produce "bible study guides." These guides may focus on a book of the bible or on a topical theme like "Courageous Men of the Bible." You can also choose to focus on a particular spiritual discipline like prayer. Sometimes you can study a book like "Man in the Mirror" by Patrick Morley. You'll find dozens of these titles under men's issues at your Christian bookstore. I'm careful about using a book because it's not exactly a "bible study" but really a "book study" instead. That said, I've found a lot of great books that have helped the guys in my group.
Sometimes leaders are looking for ideas beyond the curriculum. Maybe they are looking for a format or style to use. I think my men's group has found an outstanding format to use. With more than twenty guys who usually attend, we've found a lot of great leaders among our membership. I randomly divide the lessons among twelve or fourteen different men. No man leads more than one lesson. That keeps things fresh in the study. You can only listen to one man speak for so long before you get a little weary, having heard every illustration from his life. Dividing the lessons among different men brings creativity, unique style, and surprising perspective.
Occasionally, I find someone who thinks this is a little unorthodox. And I guess it is. I'm usually scolded by someone who indicates that only an "expert" should lead the study. How could we possibly let a "common man" lead a bible study? It's funny that the same issue seemed to be settled centuries ago in the reformation. Didn't they think the common man shouldn't have his own bible? Wasn't it better for the paid professional to interpret scripture?
The guys in my study clearly understand they have to think for themselves. When scriptural error arises, some of the more astute scholars gently bring us back to solid biblical thinking. We don't allow the leader to get far off course. It's actually a very healthy process. It keeps us on our toes. It challenges us to think.
The internet is a great place to find all kinds of valuable ideas for your men's bible study. I pray you will find great creativity and bring a fresh and real value to your study!
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