Deciding to lead a Catholic Bible study can feel daunting— What if no one comes? What if I don’t know all the answers? What if I totally bomb this? —but don’t worry, you’ve got this! With 25 years of experience, FOCUS has developed best practices to make the process as fruitful (and simple!) as possible.
This guide will take you step-by-step through launching and leading a fruitful study, while also addressing those pesky doubts. By the end, you’ll be ready to bring people closer to God through His Word—and have fun while doing it!
- Before You Begin: Start with the Right Foundation
- Where to Start: The Practical Stuff
- Your First Gathering: Setting the Tone
- Tips to Keep Your Bible Study Engaging
- Still Not Convinced? Let’s Bust Some Common Excuses
- Say Yes and Watch God Work!
- Additional Resources
Before You Begin: Start with the Right Foundation
The Key Ingredient: Your Relationship with God
The secret to a successful study isn’t a perfectly organized agenda or deep theological knowledge—it’s your connection with God. Christ said, “Apart from me, you can do nothing” (Jn 15:5), and that truth is central here.
Here’s how to prepare spiritually:
- Daily Prayer & Sacraments: Spend time with God in prayer and regularly receive the sacraments to grow closer to Him.
- Study: Familiarize yourself with Catholic Church teachings to grow confident in what you share.
- Ask for Help: Team up with a mentor or spiritual friend to encourage and guide you.
Why it’s worth it : “But I’m not holy enough to lead!” Perfect! God loves working through ordinary, imperfect people (see Moses, Peter, Paul…). He’ll meet you where you are—and guide you to lead others closer to Him through His Word.
Need a Catholic Bible Study to start off? Join FOCUS in the study of the Word of God. Try out our Salvation History study here on our blog!
Where to Start: The Practical Stuff
1. Namestorming
Write down 30 names of people who might join. Think broadly: friends, coworkers, neighbors, and acquaintances. The rule of thumb is: 30 invitations = 10 solid participants.
2. Location & Time
Pick a space where people feel comfortable and can easily gather, like a home, parish meeting room, or coffee shop. Choose a time that works for your group—weekday evenings often work well!
3. Personal Invitations
Skip the mass emails and texts! A personal invitation works best. Share why you’re excited about the study and why you think they’ll benefit. For example:
- “I know you’ve been curious about the Word, and I’ve been wanting to get a Bible study group together!”
- “You’ve mentioned wanting to connect with more Catholic and like-minded people. I think you’d really enjoy the community in this study.”
Why it’s worth it : “What if no one shows up?” It’s normal for some people to say no! Don’t get discouraged. Keep inviting. Even if only a few come, Christ started with just 12!
4. Choose a Study
If you’re new to leading, start with something beginner-friendly like FOCUS’s The Crux or Salvation History. These studies lay a great foundation for understanding Scripture.
Your First Gathering: Setting the Tone
Think of the first meeting as a “get-to-know-you” hangout rather than diving straight into Scripture. The goal is to build relationships and ease any fears participants might have.
Here’s What to Do:
- Welcome Everyone Warmly: Make it friendly, not formal! While there is of course a difference in tone depending on your audience, avoid stiffness and encourage community. Consider offering snacks or drinks to break the ice.
- Introduce Yourself: Share why you decided to lead and a bit about your own Catholic journey.
- Have Them Introduce Themselves: Ask participants to share their names and what brought them to the study.
- Share Your Vision: Explain that this study is a place to grow closer to God, build community, and explore Scripture together. While the study will focus on Catholic teaching, everyone is welcome.
- Address Common Fears: Let people know they don’t need to be a Bible expert or have “all the answers.” Emphasize that everyone is on a journey, and that’s okay!
- Optional Prayer: If your group is ready, close the meeting with a simple prayer or a Scripture reading (e.g., Psalm 139:1-5).
Why it’s worth it : “What if people feel awkward?” Most people feel awkward at first! A warm, welcoming environment and some lighthearted icebreakers will ease the tension quickly.
Tips to Keep Your Catholic Bible Study Engaging
- Incorporate Themes: Host prayer breakfasts or wine and cheese nights to make your gatherings feel special.
- Start with Icebreakers: Use lighthearted questions like, “What’s a book you love, and why?” to get people talking.
- Follow Up: After the first meeting, send a quick message to thank everyone for coming..
- Celebrate Milestones: Finish a study? Host an event to celebrate! Small celebrations keep the group energized.
Still Not Convinced? Let’s Bust Some Common Excuses
- “I’m too busy.”Response: That’s the beauty of leading! You get to choose the time, and meeting weekly or biweekly only takes an hour or two.
- “I don’t know enough about Scripture.”Response: You’re not alone! Start with a beginner-friendly study. Remember, the Holy Spirit is the real teacher.
- “I’m nervous about leading discussions.”Response: It’s okay to admit you don’t have all the answers. Your role is to facilitate rather than lecture.
Say Yes and Watch God Work!
Giving your “yes” to lead a Bible study may be intimidating, but it’s one of the most effective ways to grow in faith. God doesn’t need perfect leaders—He needs willing leaders.
So, grab a Bible, a cup of coffee, and a notebook, and trust that God will work through his Word and through your “yes.” By stepping out in faith, you’re not just leading a study—you’re creating a space for transformation, community, and grace.
Are you ready to start your journey as a Catholic Bible study leader? Let us know how it goes!
Additional Resources
Emotionally ready to lead a Catholic Bible study, but not sure what tools you need? For any and all Catholic resources to aid you out in your Bible study, check out FOCUS Bible Study Materials on FOCUS Equip.
If you have done FOCUS’s Bible studies before, no fear! Ascension has a fantastic list of Catholic Bible studies here. For a list of great Catholic Study Bibles, head here. And here is a short, but concise list of resources from the USCCB.
Check out our guides to The Rosary, Lectio Divina, and more to enrich you to lead others.
If you haven’t yet, check out SEEK Replay, which features tons of inspiration and information on how to evangelize through Bible Studies and more.
And don’t forget to browse through FOCUS Equip, our resource site for all FOCUS Catholic materials.
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