Download the 18 small group Bible study ideas for deeper connection & discipleship
Fill out the form below to schedule a demo or call our sales team at
469-564-3922
Are you looking for the best small group Bible study ideas? You’re in the right place!
Leading small group Bible studies for church is an exciting (and also challenging) endeavor. Not only do you get to grow together, facilitate discussions, and impact lives for the gospel, but you can use your small group as an outreach ministry!
As a small group leader, you know the pressure of finding the perfect Bible study—one that engages, inspires, and truly connects with your group. Fortunately, there are many great small group Bible study ideas and resources available to help you get started.
Whether your group is focused on new believers, deep theological exploration, topical studies like prayer or marriage, or walking through a specific book of the Bible, there's something for every group dynamic and spiritual need.
The key is choosing a study that resonates with your group’s season of life, spiritual maturity, and hunger for growth. Let’s take a look at eighteen small group Bible study ideas you can use at your church!
If your small group includes new believers or those exploring the faith, it’s crucial to provide a solid foundation of the basics of the Christian faith. These small group Bible studies benefit from a supportive environment where questions are welcomed and no one feels behind.
Thoughtful topics for new Christians include:
You might also incorporate small, meaningful gifts—such as devotionals, journals, or Scripture cards—to help encourage spiritual growth and maturity.
There are several “classic” Christian books that make excellent small group material—even those not specifically written as Bible studies. Books on spiritual formation, prayer, apologetics, struggles with sin, and discipleship can spark rich dialogue when paired with Scripture.
Ideas for Bible studies that center on Christian classics include:
Reading and discussing a Christian classic together can generate excitement and curiosity, as well as cultivate spiritual growth in your church.
One popular small group Bible study idea is to study one of the books of the Bible. Studying a book of the Bible (or its most important passages) helps participants dive deep into Scripture, glean important truths, and discover new stories they’ve never heard before.
Some books of the Bible focus on important stories while others focus on deep Scriptural truths. Importantly, the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) focus on the life and teachings of Jesus.
Here are a few popular books of the Bible to consider:
Whether your group is new to the Bible or seasoned in their faith, choosing a book to study together can spark meaningful discussions and spiritual growth.
Another powerful study idea is to focus on individual people in the Bible—both heroes and flawed figures. Such character-based studies often lead to deep spiritual insights and heartfelt conversations about our own journeys of faith.
There are hundreds if not thousands of characters of the Bible for Bible study options! Popular heroes of the faith include:
Your small group participants may be surprised how these ancient stories that are thousands of years old are so applicable to their modern lives.
Seasonal studies are a wonderful way to align your group with the rhythms of the church calendar and help people engage with Scripture during specific times of the year.
For instance, a Christmas study might focus on the prophecies about Christ’s birth, while an Easter study could center on the resurrection and the book of Acts. Seasonal studies are also great for short-term groups or outreach opportunities. Seasonal Bible study ideas include:
Feel free to get creative! Your seasonal small group Bible study could learn about the importance of the harvest, or thankfulness & gratitude during the autumn season.
Many small groups enjoy going through studies written by trusted Christian authors. These studies often include video lessons, group discussion questions, and personal reflection exercises. Using a well-known author’s material provides structure for leaders and helps create consistency for members, especially those who may be new to Bible study.
Popular Christian authors with Bible studies include:
Many Christian books today are written with deep theological insight, relatable examples, personal stories, and spiritual wisdom. And, because there are a multitude of authors who come from all different backgrounds, age groups, struggles, denominations, and stories, there’s something for every group.
Topical studies are a great way to address current issues or felt needs within your church or small group. These studies can be especially helpful for outreach-focused groups or those in transitional seasons of life.
Topical Bible studies bring immediate relevance and life application to your gatherings. Ideas include:
For groups wanting to go deeper theologically, studying Christian doctrines can be incredibly enriching. These studies help participants form a solid biblical foundation and deepen their understanding of what they believe and why.
While doctrine studies may require more preparation or structure, they’re ideal for spiritually mature groups or those wanting to explore church doctrines and beliefs in an accessible way. They equip members to defend their faith, grow in spiritual maturity, and teach others these truths in small groups or catechesis classes.
Small groups Bible study ideas for church doctrines include:
Tailoring your Bible study group to a specific demographic can create a sense of belonging and shared understanding within that small group. These help participants bond over similar life circumstances, struggles, backgrounds, and interests. Ideas include:
These demographic-specific groups create space for participants to engage Scripture through their life experiences and build authentic community with others who truly understand them.
Bible study groups can speak directly to Christian professionals, CEOs, entrepreneurs, managers, and those in leadership roles in the workplace. These studies explore how to lead with integrity, serve with humility, and make decisions through a biblical worldview.
There are thousands of Christian books written on the topic of leadership. Bible studies for leaders and managers could center around:
A great way to unify your church leadership and staff is through intentional group study. Your church leadership can host a small group Bible study that’s specifically for your church leadership and staff. Whether you meet weekly, monthly, or even bi-monthly, having a book that’s required reading encourages spiritual health, unity, and vision alignment for your church.
Bible studies for church leadership & staff offers a way for leaders to step back from the demands of ministry and pour into their own growth, refresh their sense of calling, and encourage one another. Here are some great ideas for small group Bible studies specifically for your church leadership and staff:
Hosting Bible studies for married couples is one of the most popular formats for Bible studies at church today. Marriage-focused Bible studies help couples grow together spiritually, improve communication, and build Christ-centered homes and families. Ideas include:
If you’re searching online for a Bible study, shopping by publishers or Christian bookstores can help you discover new and exciting Bible studies for small groups! There are numerous Christian publishers and amazing Christian bookstores that offer high-quality Bible studies for all types of groups, ages, and topics, including:
Depending on what you choose, some include leader guides, videos, discussion questions, and digital access. Perusing trusted publishers’ resources ensures biblically sound content, provides denominational materials, and helps expose leaders to exciting new books and Bible studies.
Today’s parents face a unique set of challenges—from navigating hot-button cultural issues and setting healthy boundaries around technology, to guiding their children through questions of identity and purpose.
That’s why Bible studies for parents are an essential part of the Church’s discipleship strategy, offering wisdom, support, and biblical grounding for parents, including:
Though they’ve been in church their entire lives, there are many Christians who have only read bits and pieces of God’s Word and are missing out on some amazing biblical truths! Hosting a Bible study small group is a great way to walk your congregation through the Bible in a year.
Bible in a Year studies typically include a daily reading plan and a weekly group meeting for discussion, questions, and prayer. Ideas for Bible in a Year studies include:
Church-wide Bible studies are a powerful way to foster unity and spiritual growth across the entire congregation. These studies involve all small groups, ministries, and sometimes even the Sunday message aligning around the same curriculum or biblical theme.
Whether it’s an eight-week study on spiritual disciplines, a walk through the book of Acts, or a journey studying through a particular topic, a churchwide Bible study unites your entire church on one topic in an amazing way!
Catechesis is the process of “catechizing” or discipling another person or group of people, particularly through a class or process hosted by a church. While we often think of “Confirmation” as something only children experience, in reality many adults need to go through a process of catechism as well!
Catechesis classes teach the basics of the Christian faith. A person can learn about the Bible and the history of Christianity, be discipled and mentored, held accountable, and can ask questions. In short, they can be taught the tenets of the Christian faith and make a decision to follow Christ.
What makes catechesis so powerful is its ability to meet people in different stages of faith—whether they’re exploring Christianity for the first time, returning after years away, or seeking to deepen their understanding of core doctrines and spiritual disciplines.
Outreach Bible studies are designed to be open, welcoming, and accessible to those outside the church—often tailored for people who may be skeptical, unchurched, or recovering from challenging circumstances. Ideas include:
Oftentimes, those grieving or struggling with addiction can feel too ashamed to go to church or feel like they just won’t “fit in.” However, your Bible study can be the bridge that meets them exactly where they’re at: inviting the broken, the hurting, and the sick into your church and providing healing, truth, and community. These groups can become a vital part of your church’s outreach and discipleship efforts.
The best small group Bible study ideas come from understanding the unique needs, interests, and spiritual season of your group. Whether your group is large or small, new or well-established, every gathering is an opportunity to point people to Christ, build authentic relationships, and grow together in faith.
For the past 2,000 years Christians have gathered to spur each other on in the faith, carry each other’s burdens, and support each other in good times and bad. Many of the first Christians met in house churches with only a few dozen people or so—just like yours.
With lots of prayer, intentional planning, and the right resources, your small group could be a powerful force in your church and community, helping people navigate important issues, mature spiritually, build bonds that last a lifetime, and make a major impact for the Kingdom of God!
© 2025 Subsplash
