Starting a Bible Study at Your Parish

You don't need a theology degree or a budget. Most parish studies begin with one person who decides to open Scripture with others and keeps showing up, with their parish behind them and a room to meet in.

1. Pick a format

Lectio Divina. The 1,500-year-old practice of prayerful reading. Sit with the coming Sunday's Gospel, read it slowly, and let people share what stood out. Requires almost no preparation and works for any group.

Book study. Work through one book of the Bible over several months with a guided study. Good for groups that want structure and depth.

Seasonal or topical. A four-to-six week series tied to Advent or Lent. The short commitment makes it the easiest to say yes to, which makes it the best way to start.

2. Pick a time you can hold

Consistency matters more than convenience. A group that always meets Wednesday at 6:30 builds a habit; one that moves around loses people. Before or after an existing Mass is usually the safest bet.

3. Talk to your parish office

You'll need a room and a place in the bulletin. Most offices are glad someone volunteered. Ask about the calendar, whether the space is already booked, and who to send announcements to.

4. Keep the first session simple

Open with a prayer, read the passage aloud, ask what struck people, close with a prayer. Resist the urge to lecture. The goal is that people come back next week.

5. Make it findable

The bulletin reaches people already at Mass. It doesn't reach the person who just moved to town or is thinking about coming back. Tell us about your study. It's free, and once we've confirmed it with your parish it goes in front of everyone searching your ZIP code.