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.

  • Learn what an InterVarsity-style inductive Bible study is

  • 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

Building Your Own Bible Study Quicksheet

(3-page pdf)

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

 

Guides

Pacing Templates for Bible Study

(Ministry Library page)

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.
Small Group Bible Study Collection

(Ministry Library Collection)

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

(Ministry Library) 


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


Books

New Bible Dictionary

Edited by I. Howard Marshall, A. R. Millard, and J. I. Packer, by Donald J. Wiseman.

The New Bible Dictionary is a reference work ideally suited for people of all ages and backgrounds.
How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth

by Fee, Gordon, & Douglas Stewart.

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.
The Bible Study Handbook

by Lindsay Olesberg

A comprehensive guide for Bible students of every level of experience and spiritual maturity.
Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes: Removing Cultural Blinders to Better Understand the Bible

by E. Randolph Richards and Brandon J. O'Brien

 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.


More

Bible Study Bookmarks

(InterVarsity Store)

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

(online Bible)

Searchable online Bible with study resources


Related Courses

This course is part of the Leading Life-Changing Small Groups Bundle.