Every Bible study group has one (or two). The person who’s read all the commentaries, memorized the Greek, and is ready to share – for 45 minutes straight. While their passion is admirable, their monologues can unintentionally stifle group participation and leave others feeling like spectators at a one-person revival.

We’ve all seen people roll their eyes when this person begins to speak, and you can tell the group members are beginning to disengage with the topic at hand when Mr. or Mrs. Overzealous waxes eloquent.

So how do you, the gracious and wise leader, handle the overly zealous contributor without squashing their spirit—or your group’s dynamic? Here are four tactful strategies to keep your study balanced and engaging for everyone.

1. Set the Stage with Ground Rules

Sometimes the best way to prevent over-sharing is to preempt it. At the beginning of your Bible study year (assuming you have an ongoing group), or at the start of a short-term study (and maybe a time or two during future studies), lay out a few friendly guidelines for discussion. Keep it light, but clear.

Example:
“Let’s aim to keep our comments to a minute or two so everyone has a chance to share. Think of it like popcorn—short bursts of flavor, not a whole meal!”

You can even make it fun by using a timer or passing an object (like a talking stick or a rubber chicken—hey, it works!) to indicate whose turn it is. Humor disarms, and structure empowers quieter members to speak up.

2. Affirm, Then Redirect

Start by acknowledging their enthusiasm. After all, it’s a blessing to have someone who’s genuinely excited about Scripture. But once they’ve shared (and shared… and shared), gently steer the conversation back to the group.

Try this:
“Wow, that’s a great insight, Greg! I can tell you’ve really thought about this passage. Let’s hear what others are thinking—Sarah, what stood out to you in this verse?”

This approach affirms the contributor while signaling that it’s time for others to speak. It also subtly sets a precedent: everyone gets a turn at the mic.

3. Divide your Group into Pairs or Triads

If you have over-zealous people who like to dominate your discussion time, head them off at the pass by using smaller groups for discussing key questions throughout the study time.

Try this:

“Hey – I’ve got a question for you. Let’s form groups of two or three people and I will give you three minutes to talk about your responses. On your mark, get set, go!” This keeps that one person from dominating the entire group.

4. Follow Up Outside the Group – A Little “Coffee and Conversation” Might Do the Trick

If the issue persists, it may be time for a one-on-one chat. This doesn’t have to be awkward or confrontational. In fact, it can be a great opportunity to affirm their gifts and invite them into a deeper leadership role.

Say something like:
“Hey, I really appreciate your passion and the depth you bring to our discussions. I’ve noticed it can sometimes make it hard for others to jump in. Would you be open to helping me draw others out during the study?”

This reframes the conversation from “you talk too much” to “you’re a leader—let’s use that to bless the group.” Most people respond well when they feel valued and included in the solution.

Final Thoughts

Leading a Bible study is a bit like conducting a choir—you want every voice to be heard, not just the soloist. With a little grace, a dash of humor, and a clear sense of purpose, you can guide your group toward richer, more balanced conversations where everyone grows.

And who knows? Your overly zealous contributor might just become your most effective co-leader—once they learn to share the spotlight.