Learning Objectives

We love meeting God in Scripture. Over the years, we’ve seen God transform thousands of students and faculty through his Word, drawing them into relationship with him and transforming them into fully devoted followers of Jesus.

  • Explain the process of an InterVarsity-style inductive Bible study

  • Discover how to begin studying Scripture inductively for yourself and with others

  • Prepare to lead an inductive Bible study for your small group or community

Play Your Way

Engage with the material in your context!

  • ~60 minutes (self-paced)

    All your progress will be saved so you can resume where you left off.

  • Course Quicksheet (pdf)

    This is a quick summary of the material that you can use as a preview of the course or as a refresher once you've taken it.

  • Resource Toolbox

    See a list of the resources referenced in this course, all collected in one spot for your convenience.

Course Curriculum

  • 1

    Chapter 1: Transformed Through the Word

    • Scripture Comes Alive

    • Introduction

    • Before we begin . . .

  • 2

    Chapter 2: What Is Inductive Bible Study?

    • Lesson 1: Slow Your Roll

    • Lesson 2: The What and Why

  • 3

    Chapter 3: Elements of Inductive Bible Study

    • Lesson 1: The Format: Observation, Interpretation, Application

    • Lesson 2: Observation—What's There?

    • Lesson 3: Interpretation—What Does It Mean?

    • Lesson 4: Application—So What?

  • 4

    Chapter 4: Resources for Inductive Bible Study

    • Lesson 1: Manuscript

    • Lesson 2: Pens / Colored Pencils / Highlighters

    • Lesson 3: Inductive Bible Study Bookmarks

    • Lesson 4: Friends

    • Check for Understanding (Quiz)

  • 5

    Chapter 5: Leading Others

    • Lesson 1: Pacing and Timing

    • Lesson 2: Troubleshooting Common Challenges

    • Lesson 3: Praying Paul's Prayer

  • 6

    Conclusion

    • Closing Remarks

    • Before you go . . .

Resource Toolbox

All resources referenced from this course will be linked below for your convenience to view and download. Please use/adapt these resources to what works for you in your ministry context.

Worksheets

Worksheet containing 3 interconnected circles.

Building Your Own Bible Study Quicksheet

Summary of the course in a quick, 3-page format, perfect for a quick review on the go!

PDF

Guides

Simple analog clock with hour, minute, and second hands.

Pacing Templates for Bible Study

This resource contains four templates for how to pace your study, depending on how much time you have: 1 hour, 1.5 hours, 2 hours, or 3 hours.

Ministry Library Page

College students reading the Bible while sitting outside at a table.

Small Group Bible Study Collection

All of these curated guides include Bible passages, discussion questions, and more. Find Outreach Bible Studies and Topical Bible Studies.

Ministry Library Collection

Webpage featuring a list of Bible study resources.

More Bible Study Guides

Browse through all Ministry Library Bible study guides based on theme, audience, book, and more.

Ministry Library

Books

New Bible Dictionary

The New Bible Dictionary is a reference work ideally suited for people of all ages and backgrounds.

InterVarsity Press

How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth

In clear, simple language, How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth helps you accurately understand the different parts of the Bible—their meaning for ancient audiences and their implications for you today—so you can uncover the inexhaustible wealth of God's Word.

Zondervan Academic

The Bible Study Handbook

A comprehensive guide for Bible students of every level of experience and spiritual maturity.

InterVarsity Press

Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes: Removing Cultural Blinders to Better Understand the Bible

Getting beyond our own cultural assumptions is increasingly important for being Christians in our interconnected and globalized world. Learn to read Scripture as a member of the global body of Christ.

InterVarsity Press

Miscellaneous

A stack of bookmarks. Each one has 3 interconnected circles on it.

Bible Study Bookmarks

Use this bookmark as a reminder of the main principles of Inductive Bible Study: observation, interpretation, and application.

InterVarsity Store

biblegateway.com

Searchable online Bible with study resources.

Online Bible

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