Teaching a Bible study is a sacred calling—and it can be a little intimidating. Whether you’re leading a small group in your living room or guiding a class at church, preparation is key. Dr. Robert Pazmino once wrote, “Preparation is an act of love and a form of worship.”

You don’t need a seminary degree or a halo to do it well, but you do need a plan. Here are three tried-and-true ways to study and prepare so you can teach with confidence, clarity, and maybe even a little joy.

1. Start with Scripture—Not Commentary

It’s tempting to dive straight into study guides, commentaries, or YouTube sermons. But before you crack open Matthew Henry or Google “Romans 8 explained,” spend time with the actual text. Read it slowly. Read it repeatedly. Let the words soak in as you read it from at least three different translations. Read it like it’s the first time—even if it’s the hundredth.

• Ask questions: What’s happening here? Who’s speaking? What’s the context?
• Look for patterns, repeated words, or surprising phrases.
• Jot down your observations before seeking outside input.

This helps you engage with Scripture personally before layering on interpretations. It also keeps your teaching fresh and rooted in the Word itself—not just someone else’s take on it. Commentaries are great tools, but they’re supplements, not starters.

2. Think Like a Group Member Before You Teach

Once you’ve soaked in the passage, shift gears and imagine you’re the one attending the group, not leading it. What would you want to know? What might confuse you? What questions would you ask?

This mindset helps you:

• Identify potential stumbling blocks.
• Clarify key themes or theological concepts.
• Prepare thoughtful questions that spark discussion, not just nodding heads.

Also, consider the group’s makeup. Are the group members new to the Bible or seasoned believers? Do they prefer open-ended dialogue or structured teaching? Tailoring your approach to your audience makes your study more engaging—and less likely to result in awkward silence or rabbit trails about the Nephilim.

3. Use Tools, But Don’t Overload

Bible study tools are like seasoning—used wisely, they enhance the flavor. Used excessively, they overpower the dish. Here are a few essentials:

• A solid study Bible (CSB is a great option!)
• A reliable commentary (I like the New American Commentary).
• A concordance or Bible app for cross-referencing.

Digital tools like Logos can be incredibly helpful, but don’t let them become a crutch. The goal isn’t to impress your group with Greek word studies—it’s to help them encounter God through His Word. Keep it simple, keep it clear, and keep it focused.

One more thought…

Teaching a Bible study isn’t about being the smartest person in the room—it’s about being faithful, prepared, and open to the Spirit’s leading. When you start with Scripture, think like a student, and use tools wisely, you’ll find that preparation becomes less of a chore and more of a joy.

And remember: God’s Word is living and active. Your job isn’t to make it exciting—it already is. Your job is to help others see that. So take a deep breath, say a prayer, and dive in. You’ve got this.