Creative Options for Summer Bible Study Groups

Looking for a summer Bible study for you or the women in your church and community?

Maybe you’re wondering if a summer Bible study group is even a good idea.

We weren’t so sure ourselves when we launched our first summer Bible study.

The Bible Study Coordinator on our women’s ministry team reported that she felt God was leading us to add a summer Bible study option in addition to our spring and fall sessions.

Initially, we batted the idea back and forth.

Aren’t people busy in the summer taking vacations and hanging out by the pool?

Would women really give up a summer evening to spend time in God’s Word?

God had big plans, girls! He blew us away.

We had a bigger turnout for that study than we did for many of our regular study sessions. Really.

Over 20 women made the commitment. He blew our expectations out of the water!

Many in attendance teach during the school year and they were excited to have a daytime study during the summer.

 7 creative options for your summer Bible study group

1. Bible Marathon – Rachel Wojo shares how to put together a marathon study. I love this unique idea!

2. Stand-alone Bible Study Sessions  – A few Bible studies are packaged in such a way that they don’t require women to attend every single week. If someone’s on vacation one week, they can jump back in the next. Some examples are Twelve Women of the Bible and Bad Girls of the Bible.

3. Shorter studies – Shorter 6 weeks studies are often easier for women to commit to during the summer months. It’s also less of a strain on those with families.

4. Neighborhood Studies – gather at the pool or in backyards weekly. Imagine what a great outreach this could be! Whether you choose a book of the Bible or a 6-week study, go forward with the expectation that conversations will be interrupted multiple times. That’s okay!

5. Online Studies – If you don’t have a group or person to study the Bible along with you IRL (in real life), online studies are an option. A quick Google search should yield several results.

6. On-Demand Videos – Several years ago I completed a Bible study that was available on-demand. A friend several states away did the study at the same time. The accountability was extremely helpful. Be sure to note, this option can be pricey unless your church provides access to a streaming service such as Right Now Media.

7. Summer Book Clubs – Rather than study a book of the Bible, consider offering multiple summer book clubs. For details and ideas check out the post How to Host a Summer Book Club.

No excuses girls – for yourself or for your team!

No, it’s not too late – consider starting in July and finishing in August.

Pray and seek God’s direction – if not this summer, maybe He is preparing the way for next summer.

You may also want to read:
Tips & Tools for Bible Study & Small Group Facilitators
5 Myths Bible Study Leaders Believe
How to Host a Summer Book Club