One of our primary aims in youth ministries is to help young people uncover truth from God's word. Frequently, however, we feel unqualified to teach the Bible to others. We say things to ourselves like, "I don't know much about the Bible myself," or "I've never been to a seminary." Take heart. You don't need to be a theologian to lead effective, exciting Bible studies.

In our ministry with young people, it is important to integrate Bible study with the total youth ministries program. This is not to say that you necessarily need to have a Bible-centered group discussion while playing miniature golf, but programming for intentional Bible study is fundamental. Bible study can be an integral part of weekly fellowship programs and Christian education. In addition, many groups have a specialized Bible study for particular ages (e.g., senior Bible study) or for any in the group who are interested in deeper study.

One of the challenges we face is the reputation of Bible study as "boring," "irrelevant," or "hard to understand." It is our responsibility to present these studies in creative, exciting, and relevant ways. Bible study doesn't happen in a vacuum; it is part of life, and we can help young people integrate God's word into their lives. We must remember that we are in a sense "translators" of the Bible-helping to put the words of Scripture into the language of young people.

The style of Bible study that generally works best is called "inductive" or "inclusive." This method of study involves the students in the learning through discussion, reflection, or creative projects. The purpose of this method is for each person to discover what the Scriptures say, what they mean, and how they can be applied in his or her life. As you prepare for this type of study, you will not ask the question, "What will I say to the group about love in 1 Corinthians 13?" Rather, you will ask yourself, "What will we as a group do about love in 1 Corinthians 13?" This question allows you to think of learning activities that will open the Scripture to the group. The group members are then responsible for their own learning. The role of the leader is not "teacher," but convener and guide. You are then free from the responsibilities of doing all the talking and having all the "answers."

Fundamentally, an inductive Bible study asks four questions:

1. What does this passage say?

2. What does it mean?

3. What does it mean to me?

4. How can I apply this in my life?

All the discussion--- questions and learning activities you develop for each particular study will follow these four questions. The key to stimulating Bible study is finding creative ways to ask these questions.

Question 1:
What Does This Passage Say?

This is the question of facts. It is important to uncover what is actually being said, who said it, where it was said, when it was said, and so on, before dealing with questions of interpretation and application. Here are a few suggestions of ways to ask this question.

• Paraphrase the text; have participants write the passage in their own words.
• Role-play; have members of the group act out the story or action in the text.
• Give each person a handout with questions like (using Hebrews 11 as an example), "What does the author say faith is in verse 1?" "What was Noah's faithful act according to verse 7?" "What are the names of the people the author mentions in this chapter who acted in faith?"
• Have each person write a "news release" describing the events that took place in the text.
• Create a video, slide show, or photo collage that tells the story of the text.

Question 2:
What Does It Mean?

This is a question of interpretation. More specifically, this question deals with interpretation within the original context of the passage. Here the group will go beyond the who/what/when questions and ask "Why?" or "How?"

• On a handout, ask questions like (using Hebrews 11 as an example again), "What does ‘being sure of what we hope for’ in verse 1 (NIV) mean?" "Why do you think it was an act of faith for Noah to build the ark?" "Do you think it was easy for all these people to be faithful? Why?"
• Write a poem from the perspective of one of the characters about how it felt to be that person.
• Discuss questions beginning with words like "What does it mean?" or "How?" or "Why?"
• Have role players answer questions about the character they portrayed, like "Why did you ... ?" or "What did you mean when you said ... ?"
• Use Bible dictionaries or commentaries to help understand what something might have meant in that culture. Ask your clergyperson for help in finding and using these resources.

Question 3:
What Does It Mean to Me?

This question is intended to cause the group to interact with the text on a contemporary and personal level. This part of the study brings the words of Scripture home, finding meaning and understanding as the Bible speaks to each of us.

• Have each person choose which person in the text he or she relates to the most.  Discuss why that person was chosen.
• Clip pictures from magazines that look like "peacemaking" or "love," for example. Have each person explain the reason for choosing the pictures.
• Role-play a "modern version" of the story that the group creates.
• On a handout, ask questions like (still using Hebrews 11 as an example), "Do you agree with the definition of ‘faith’ in verse 1? Why or why not?" "If you were used as an example of faith, like Sarah or Abraham, what would the author say about you?"
• Using a tape recorder, interview group members about what this Scripture means to them.

Question 4:
How Can I Apply This in My Life?

Of the four questions, this is the one most frequently overlooked. Yet this question is perhaps the most important because it takes "knowledge" and puts it into practical form. It is our responsibility to help young people understand Scripture so that it can be life changing.

• Direct experience. After studying about "service," do a service project. After studying about "love," make and send valentines to shut-ins.
• Simulation games. Second only to actual experience, a simulation game draws participants into a situation that appears to be real but is not.
• On a handout, ask questions like (using Hebrews 11 as a final example), "What are some things standing in the way of your having deeper faith?" "What three things can you do this week to grow in your faith?" "How can this group help you grow in your faith?"
• As a group, make a symbol that reflects what you've learned: for example, banners, posters, collages, special crosses.
• Divide into pairs or small groups, share with one another ways you can apply what you've studied, then pray for each other.

These four questions are the foundation for inductive Bible study. However, it is your creativity and relationships with young people that will make your Bible studies come alive. Most important, remember that we truly are inadequate to teach God's word. But that is good, because we must then trust in God to speak to us and through us.