SOAPY Bible Study
In the past, I've written about and talked about the SOAP method of Bible study. This is a simple Bible study method which can be utilized by an individual or a small group. All you need is a passage of Scripture and 15-30 minutes (a journal is helpful). Recently I came across an evolved form of this method. Hyde Park Community United Methodist Church uses the SOAPY method of Bible study. They've modified the SOAP method by adding a Y. Read more about it below:
SOAPY BIBLE STUDY:
This Bible study is an intentional focused effort of growing in the understanding of the scriptures. This form of study will assist in the transformation of our inner lives as we mature in understanding and in faith.
Set aside 15 minutes every day for the study. You might want to take more time after you have gotten started. Don’t overload yourself in the beginning. Keep a “soapy” journal because there will be the need to write everyday. As you develop your routine, share what you are learning with your Discipleship Group, Sunday school class, Circle, other groups in which you participate, or with friends in conversation.
S – SCRIPTURE: Read the scripture passage aloud so you can hear it. Second, write every word of the scripture in your journal. Both reading it aloud and writing it will help put the scripture in your mind and heart.
O – OBSERVATION: Ask yourself the question, “What is God teaching me in this scripture?” As you ask yourself the question, your mind will be full of thoughts. Write those thoughts down. You will know what is being communicated as you reflect upon what you have written.
A – APPLICATION: Ask yourself the question, “How does this scripture apply to my life?” As you reflect upon the question, look for promises to claim, attitudes to change, challenges to accept, sins to confess, commands to obey, actions to take, examples to follow, or skills to learn. Write in your journal how the scripture applies to you and to your life situations.
P – PRAYER: Write a prayer to God. Depending on what you have read and written the prayer might be one of praise and thanksgiving, a prayer asking God to help you apply the teaching to your life, or a prayer of confession. This is your prayer to God. The discipline of writing your prayer will lead to transformation.
Y – YIELDING: As you complete your “SOAPY” Bible study, ask yourself the question, “What of my life must I yield to God?” This is the question that leads to obedience. Everyday, through Bible study, you will have the opportunity to yield a little more of your life to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. The prayer I use each day that leads to yielding is, “Lord, by your grace grant me the obedience to yield another part of my life to you today.”
The Art of Asking Questions
In a small group setting, questions are far more than just a way to pass the time. They need to be more than a list of spiritual discussions we need to work our way through. Well-timed and well-asked questions have an enormous amount of untapped potential.
We've all heard the saying, "the way to a man's heart is through his stomach". While this may be true, I would also suggest that questions can be the entryway to a person's heart. When used appropriately, the right questions at the right time can be the catalyst for spiritual introspection and formation as well as community growth.
Asking questions is an art form. Every small group leader should constantly strive to become better at asking spiritually probing questions.
From the blog of Josh Robinson, here are three things to think about as you seek to become a "question artist".
1. What is the main thought of the biblical discussion? Preparing a goal for each lesson into one sentence will help drive the main thought in each person’s heart. If a leader does not know where they are going, it can easily become distracted and run off course. Keeping the nights focused on life application will keep it fresh and engaging. As a leader, the goal should not be simply answering the questions. If a leader knows where they are going they will create tension that helps people seek God for the answers in life. The goal of discipleship is that people grow in their relationship with Christ. The most important aspect of growing in Christ is to understand and apply His word.2. Am I willing to embrace the awkward art of asking questions? What happens when we only share information? It is called info dumping! People disconnect and look to one or two people who are the experts. If a leader quickly gives answers the rest of the group will become disconnected from the discussion. We have all seen it, especially in student ministry. “Okay, what does Jesus mean when He says, blessed are the poor in spirit?” The air in the room is quickly depleted while most look at their shoe laces. The leader feels the awkward silence and quickly answers the question. What happens is the students realize that each time a question is asked, if they are patient, they will not have to engage in the discussion. Many times I will simply say, “I enjoy the awkwardness, let’s keep thinking about this question” and repeat the question in a fresh way. Embrace the awkward moments and do not let them off the hook or you will create a lecture based small group with people disconnected from God’s Word.3. Are my questions leading to more questions? Healthy small groups discuss the Bible rather than listen to one person give a lecture. I’m guilty of being the main one talking when I lead a small group. Discussion gives people the chance to ask questions and voice their struggles, opinions and thoughts. People want to know what God’s words means and how to apply it to their own lives. Questions should always lead people back to scripture. If a question is based upon an agenda, it is not a Bible study, but an opinion study. Opinions are important, but God’s Word is the final source of truth. It is important to set aside one’s ideas, personal experience and opinions when studying and applying God’s Word.
8 Tips For Better Small Group Discussions
I borrowed this list from discipleship journal, but these are some helpful hints for leading discussion:
1. Wait out the silence. After you ask a question, don't rush to rephrase or answer it. Allow group members time to think.
2. Watch faces. If you see the wheels turning, invite members to think aloud: "Mike, did you have a thought you'd like to share?"
3. Ask follow-up questions. This draws the speaker out and helps everyone think about the subject more thoroughly. You might ask,
- "What do you mean by that?"
- "In what way?"
- "Why do you think that is?"
4. Know when to contribute. You don't need to do what your group members have already done. If a member has offered a gentle, appropriate correction to a wrong answer, it's not necessary to add to it. If the group has covered a question well and your answer is the same, go to the next question. However, if you have a different answer to offer, do so respectfully. "I thought of it from a different angle" and, "We really see this differently, don't we?" are good ways to introduce your idea.
5. Consult the group. When a member asks you a question, let the group add its input first. Someone else may have an excellent response. You can summarize with your answer afterward if it would help.
6. Monitor tangents. Decide if a tangent fits the purpose of the group. Allow those that are beneficial, but refocus a discussion that's gone too far off subject or degenerated into meaningless chatter. Sometimes a knowing smile and a "Getting back to question seven..." are sufficient. If your group wants to address a tangential issue in more detail, consider scheduling a separate meeting to examine it.
(David's Note: Sometime it is okay to abandon the planned discussion in favor of something which comes up as a tangent. As the leader, it is your responsibility to guide the group, not push and pull it. If your sense is that the group is significantly engaged, and truly sharing, on the tangent; it might not be wise to ruin that moment)
7. Affirm member's input without condescending. Don't over-comment. Correct their responses gently when necessary.
8. Encourage quieter members. Some members are more reluctant to share than others. Consider gentle invitations: "Jan, we'd love to hear from you. Do you have any thoughts on the subject?"
10 Reminders Small Group Leaders Need
I came across this list last week, it's a nice reminder of some of the things that should be important to every small group leader. You can read the entire blog post here. The author, Jon Stolpe, expands on each of these points with his own thoughts:
1. Small group leaders are important.2. Small group leaders set the tone.3. Small groups are not about small group leaders.3A. Small groups aren’t just about the groups either.4. Small group leaders aren’t supposed to live on an island.5. Small group leaders must be invitational.6. Small group leaders aren’t perfect.7. Being a small group leader isn’t always easy.8. Seek advice and wisdom from trusted advisers.9. Lean into the small group leader community.9A. Be patient. It may take time for your small group to grow.10. Be passionate!