In many local churches, the start of fall means the launch of new small group Bible studies. These groups often meet in homes to read and discuss Scripture, pray, and fellowship. They’re usually led by laypeople tasked with helping the group grow together in knowledge and application of God’s Word.

If you’ve ever led a Bible study like this, you know how challenging it can be to direct a fruitful, engaging discussion. What do you do when the conversation veers in unhelpful directions, or when a group member makes a theologically questionable assertion? How do you keep the conversation from devolving into subjective territory (“What I get from this verse is . . .”)? What can you do to spark meaty, meaningful engagement with the text at hand?

In his immensely helpful new article for TGC, Blake Glosson offers six practical tips for leading better Bible study discussions. If your church has a small groups program, consider circulating this article to all the leaders. Equip them for more fruitful conversations, making the most of these valuable opportunities to grow together in Christ-centered fellowship and Scripture-shaped wisdom.