The Basic Structrue of a Small Group Bible Study
There are five key elements that should happen during any small group meeting. These elements are summed up in the acrostic TASTE:
- Teaching
- Application
- Sharing
- Touch
- Extra
Take note through each of these points that the emphasis is facilitating discussion of what God is saying through His Word rather than attaining intellectual information. The word "seminary" is conspicuously absent from the entire Bible. From Genesis through Revelation God has repeatedly demonstrated that He speaks directly through His Word to those who seek Him. Leaders must always bear in mind Jesus' definition of "leader":
“Do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader, that is, Christ. But the greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted."
—Matthew 23:10-12
"And He said to them, 'The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who have authority over them are called ‘Benefactors.’ But it is not this way with you, but the one who is the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant."
—Luke 22:25-26
The salient point is that we are to be facilitators, servants that point towards the Master, careful not to allow the focus to rest on us. It's far more important to have the desire to host a small group than to desire being a leader. Christ's requirements for a leader are simply someone willing to serve others.