Create a Study Guide
Step 2: How to Create a Bible Study Guide
You’re ready to get started but you don’t have any resources. A Bible study guide gives structure to your group’s time in God’s Word. It helps participants prepare in advance, keeps the discussion focused, and makes sure Scripture stays central. At The Greeting Call, we typically study about half a chapter at a time — enough to go deep without overwhelming the group.
While there are several great Bible study guides and plans on the market, we’ve found that leaders/facilitators learn the most and grow closer to God when creating their own guides. Rather than leaning on the study guide/answers, it makes them dig into the scriptures and have an understanding for themselves.
Here’s how you can create your own guide, step by step.
Before You Begin: Map Out the Course of Your Study
Start by choosing which book of the Bible your group will walk through and how you’ll divide it up. We recommend studying about half a chapter each week. Create a calendar for the entire study
Example (Mark 1):
01/01/2026 Week 1: Mark 1:1–20 (The Beginning of Jesus’ Ministry)
01/08/2026 Week 2: Mark 1:21–45 (Teachings, Miracles, and Prayer)
This steady pace keeps participants engaged and ensures you cover Scripture thoroughly.
Step 1: Add Meeting Details
If your group is gathering in person, include when and where. Consistency makes it easier for people to commit. Having this information is helpful to people who may invite and share with their friends.
Example:
Day/Time: Thursdays at 7:30PM or Fridays at 6:30AM
Location: Address of Bible Study
Step 2: List the Scripture
List out the verses your group will focus on for that week. This makes it clear the verses that you will cover during your study.
Example: Mark 1:1–20 — The Beginning of Jesus’ Ministry
Step 3: Create a Recommend Reading/Journal Plan
Break the passage into daily readings with short titles that highlight the theme. This helps members stay consistent throughout the week. We highly encourage our bible studies to practice journaling. Point others towards the How to Journal resource.
Example (Mark 1:1–20):
Day 1: Mark 1:1–3 – Preparing the Way
Day 2: Mark 1:4–8 – John’s Baptism of Repentance
Day 3: Mark 1:9–11 – The Baptism of Jesus
Day 4: Mark 1:12–13 – Jesus Tested in the Wilderness
Day 5: Mark 1:14–15 – The Kingdom of God Is at Hand
Day 6: Mark 1:16–18 – The Call of Simon and Andrew
Day 7: Mark 1:19–20 – The Call of James and John
Step 4: Create Guiding Questions
Create questions that spark discussion and personal application. Include both text-based and life-based questions throughout your study guide. Include the simple questions that you ask yourself when reading the text. You never know who may have the same questions but may not be willing to speak up about it.
Examples (Mark 1:1–20):
Why do you think Mark starts out by quoting Isaiah? (v.2-3)
What do we learn about John the Baptist in verses 4-8?
How does verse 13 encourage you to stand firm against the lies and temptations from Satan?
Offer prompts that help participants reflect more deeply.
Example:
Where in your life is God calling you to “drop your nets” and follow Him more fully?
How do you prepare your heart, like John prepared the way, for Jesus to work in your life?
Step 5: Provide Supplemental Resources
Point your group to trustworthy resources that help explain the passage. We try to include links to cross references, commentaries, and sermons in our study guides. These are just supplemental for those who are wanting to dig deeper into the scripture.
Example (Mark 1:1–20):
Cross References: Isaiah 40:3, Matthew 3:1–6
Commentary: Enduring Word Commentary – Mark 1
Sermon: “Repent and Believe” (Mark 1:14–15)
Step 6: Keep It Simple
A good study guide doesn’t need to be complicated or overwhelming. Scripture, daily readings, questions, and a few resources are enough. The goal is to help people encounter God’s Word, not overwhelm them with information.
Final Encouragement
When you create a Bible study guide, remember: it’s not about the perfect format — it’s about pointing people to Christ. Pray over the passage, keep the focus on Scripture, and trust the Holy Spirit to do the work of transformation in your group.
