When I started leading a Bible study for teen girls, I was terrified. I was a junior in college and was highly aware that I didn’t have all of the answers, and felt like I had no idea what I was doing. God was so faithful to put men and women around me who could help answer my questions and calm my fears. I realized that I had a lot to learn, but that my own experiences were valuable tools as I began to lead. Here are five keys for leading a girls Bible study:
- You don’t have to be an expert. Girls need to see that you’re teachable! Whatever you do, don’t make up an answer on the spot (this is a recipe for confusion and occasional disaster). Be willing to ask questions of your student pastor, dig into a commentary, and spend time praying for clarity. As you’re walking with girls, they need to know that teaching and leading aren’t equated with perfection.
- Invest in relationships. This is hard because it takes time. There’s probably going to be at least one girl that you have a harder time connecting with, but it’s worth making an effort. If girls are showing up week over week, they’re invested to some degree. Yes, maybe mom is making them come, but you’ve got some time to make a difference. Where can you show up for the girls in your group? Are they playing basketball or cheering? Do they need a ride to Bible study each week? Find ways to meet them where they are, both online and in person. If you don’t know how to use a social media app they’re always on, get them to show you! Getting to know the girls in your Bible study will make a huge difference.
- Be consistent. If you say you’re going to meet at a certain time and place, don’t be the last to show up. Even if just one girl can be present, don’t cancel your group. All that does is tell the one girl that it’s not worth your time to just meet with her. Block those dates and times on your calendar, and give girls a heads up if you have something come up that forces you to miss your study. Your consistency speaks volumes to the girls you’re leading.
- Be the leader. There’s going to be a tendency for conversations to rabbit trail in a totally different direction, and you’re the one who has to keep things on track. Some weeks, you may have to be creative with ways to move the discussion forward. By setting some boundaries, it lets girls know that their time is valuable to you and that you want to lead well. Some conversations are best moved outside the group setting, and you’ve got to lead out in pushing the pause button and getting back to home base. Leading well makes a huge impact.
- Let prayer weave all the pieces together. Pray for the girls in your group throughout the week, and keep up with what’s going on in their lives. Leading a Bible study is more than just an hour a week, but it’s an ongoing commitment to be a part of the lives of the girls God has entrusted to you for this season. They’ll be able to tell if you’re paying attention to what they’re saying, and if you remember what they’ve told you. Girls can spot a fake quicker than we realize, and they want to know that you’re following through on what you said you would do. This is a huge way to build trust, and to lay all of the pieces at God’s feet.
More than anything, girls are looking for godly women who will walk with them during this season of their lives. Once they see that you’re a consistent factor, they’re much more likely to open up and let you in. What are some of your keys to leading a Bible study for girls? Leave us a comment and let us know!
Mary Margaret serves as the Girls Ministry Specialist for Lifeway, which basically means that teenage girls and the women who lead them are her favorite people on the planet. She served several churches as a Girls Minister, has a master’s degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and is a former Event Coordinator. Mary Margaret has a passion to equip girls and women to dive deeply into God’s word and live out their calling. She also hosts Lifeway Women’s {MARKED} podcast and co-hosts the Lifeway Student Ministry Podcast. Mary Margaret is married to Jonathan and they love living in Franklin, TN.
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