We have 30 groups (15 adult groups and 15 college groups). This involves some 420 people (120 adults, or resident members, and 300 college students.)

It is difficult to measure the good done by an activity such as this. Numbers do not tell the whole story. Our Neighborhood Bible Study groups started four years ago with three groups, and have grown to the figures quoted above, but as you can imagine, we are still in the learning process. Within the past year we have had some 20 baptisms from these groups, and several families are now involved with the church who were not involved before Neighborhood Bible Study began. One of the real advantages of this activity, though, is the holding rate of new Christians. Of those converted through the Neighborhood Bible Studies, we only know of one person who has fallen away. The groups grow close, and love and support each other in a way that is difficult in a larger group.

II. GOALS

A. Seek and save the lost. The desire and mission of every Christian is to bring others to Jesus. Neighborhood Bible Studies provide the perfect setting and structure for effective evangelization of lost souls.

B. Mature saints. Neighborhood Bible Studies are not only effective for the unbeliever, but they strengthen and mature the Christian to assist in presenting Jesus to a non-Christian.

C. Divide. This goal is the real key to success in Neighborhood Bible Studies. Every group needs to grow to the point of having to divide so that the evangelistic efforts of the ministry can he divided.

III. WHAT IS A NEIGHBORHOOD BIBLE STUDY?

A. How is it structured? The Neighborhood Bible Study is structured around a relaxed group discussion format in the home of one of the participants. As the tide suggests the Bible, specifically Jesus, is studied each week with an understanding that every person is welcome to express his views on the particular topic. Arguing and debating are not permitted, and differences should be dealt with in a private setting by a mature Christian.

B. How long does it last? The study last approximately one hour, and the study should be ended consistently on time.

C. How is it led? The discussion is led by the group leader or by someone that he has approved in advance. The leader asks open-ended questions that provoke thoughtful and insightful answers by the other members of the group. The lesson should not be sectarian but lead to discipleship of Jesus.

D. What must it be?

1. Relevant. Jesus must he presented as the answer to man's problems and needs. Jesus confronts us with choices to be made right now in the presence of God, and the discussion should reflect these choices.

2. Personal. We cannot share the person of Jesus until we are willing to share ourselves with others. We are real people sharing Jesus with other real people. We must reflect this genuineness of spirit.

3. Practical. We must make Jesus more than a story in a book. Jesus shows us how to live in the society of the 1990's. The study should reflect the practical aspects of the story of Jesus each week.

IV. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE GROUP LEADER

A. Qualities
1. A person of prayer.
2. Able to get along with a wide variety of people.
3. Well versed in scripture with the ability to apply them with wisdom.
4. Able to challenge the lives of others by example and teaching.
5. One who can be challenged by other people.
6. High level of commitment to this ministry.
B. Training of other members
1. Inspire them to want to work and share.
a. Give them a vision of reaching the lost based on 2 Tim. 2:2.
b. Give them a clear understanding of their role in Neighborhood Bible Study.
c. Keep their maturity in Jesus as a goal for the study.
2. Lead by example.
a. Diligence in personal outreach.
b. Take others along on visits and studies.
c. Encourage others to keep up their good work.
3. Give practical advice on ways to use their opportunities to invite and follow up.
4. Let them know this is a team effort.
5. Reproduce yourself in the leadership role. Spend most of your time with the members who want to learn and become leaders.
6. Communicate with members during the week.
a. Who they have invited and who is coming.
b. What progress is being made in personal follow up.
c. Mutual encouragement.
C. Preparing the study
1. Find out who is coming and ascertain their general attitudes and needs.
2. Keep the needs of the visitors in mind while studying the text
3. Develop an outline.
a. Use only a few major points.
b. Note how you will illustrate these points.
c. Be conversational.
d. Ask questions.
i. Launching question
ii. Guiding questions
iii. Feeling questions
iv. Application questions
v. Summary question
4. Use simple, understandable language.
D. Leading the study
1. Establish a friendly atmosphere.
2. Establish the Bible as the only authority.
3. Be free and spontaneous in the presentation.
4. Begin with an opening question that everyone can answer.
5. Do not be tied to the outline.
a. Listen carefully to all participants, and do not simply repeat their answers.
b. Use appropriate illustrations from your own life.
6. Keep control of the study's direction.
a. Avoid letting the study become a rap session.
b. Redirect irrelevant or flippant answers. Do not ignore the comments; rather answer them briefly and move on.
c. Avoid making a person feel awkward because of his answers or comments.
7. Stir people's thinking.
a. Make the main points strong and clear.
b. End on a positive note with practical ways to deal with the points made in the discussion. Summarize into one or two points of fresh insight and challenge
c. Be ready to challenge someone's life in love.
d. If disagreement occurs agree to disagree and move on. Discuss it after the session, if needed.
8. Be prompt in beginning and ending the Neighborhood Bible Study.
9. Follow up on visitors.

V. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE GROUP MEMBERS

A. Qualities
1. Each member must be an example of Christian attitudes and actions.
2. Friendly.
3. Totally committed, enthusiastic and supportive of the Neighborhood Bible Study.
B. Responsibilities
1. Invite and bring visitors to the study.
2. Be regular in attendance.
3. Follow up with visitors. Get to know them outside the study.
4. Spend time with other members for mutual encouragement.
5. Pray daily for the Bible study, the leader, other members and for all of the visitors and prospects.
6. Let the leader know who is coming with you to aid him in preparation for the study.
7. Actively participate in the study itself.
a. Make your comments pertinent to the subject and be supportive.
b. Do not try to direct the study and avoid trying to preach.
c. Remember the study is primarily for the non-Christian.
d. The visitor needs to make a decision for Jesus, not us.

VI. PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS FOR MAKING THE STUDY ITSELF EFFECTIVE

A. Vary the study
1. Topics. Some examples of various topics are: prayer, temptation, money, assurance, meaning of discipleship and authority of scripture. These are only a few of the many topics that can be used in the study.
2. Characters. Bible characters make for probing discussions. People such as: the rich young ruler, Mary Magdalene, Zacchaeus and Zechariah.
3. Texts. Whole books may be studied or specific texts such as the parables of Jesus or Jesus' miracles.
B. Keep all comments focused on the group. The identity of the group should not be attached to a particular church, rather it should focus on the people within that group. Avoid comments such as:
1. In our Bible class we...
2. At Southern Hills I heard...
3. Many churches of Christ believe ...

C. Have extra Bibles available for anyone who might need one.
D. Take turns bringing refreshments.
E. Keep the same leader each week. Consistency is important for new visitors.
F. Take an occasional break. Decide before the break the exact date when the study will resume.
G. Keep an air of enthusiasm. The study requires energy. Do not let it get dull for the participants.
H. Once or twice a year the Christians in the study need to meet together for renewal.
I. Remember that Neighborhood Bible Studies are ongoing. long-range studies that require a long term vision and commitment.
J. Pray without ceasing.

VII. EVANGELISM

A. Evangelistic convictions necessary for involvement in Neighborhood Bible Study.
1. Must have convictions about who a Christian is.
a. A Christian is one with trusting and obedient faith in the Jesus of the Bible.
b. A Christian is one who has repented and changed his lifestyle.
c. A Christian is one who has been washed in the blood of Jesus through baptism.
2. Must have the conviction that those outside of Jesus are eternally lost (John 14:6).
3. Must have the conviction that we have a specific responsibility in helping save the lost and that one way we commit ourselves to filling that role is through involvement in this ministry.
B. How to find. ask and maintain relationships with visitors
1. Make a list of all possible contacts.
2. Make a plan.
a. You need to have a goal about asking visitors, or you will find yourself asking no one.
b. Do not necessarily ask the same ones each week (depends on their response).
c. Decide when you will ask each person.

3. Be alert to new contacts as you meet people.
4. Be persistent and enthusiastic.
a. Let them know what you get out of the study.
b. Do not become discouraged if they say no. Keep asking unless they specifically tell you not to.
c. Do not be pushy; rather let them see in you a genuine concern for their lives.
d. Get involved in their lives.
5. Check up on all contacts the day of the study.
a. Let them know you are looking forward to their attendance at the study.
b. Do not ask 'tAre you still coming?'t This opens up the opportunity for an excuse.
6. Do not pre-judge. You don't know who will come until you ask.
7. Be motivated out of love and concern. The visitor can see if you are concerned and natural in your approach. Don't make him a statistic.
8. After the study:
a. Get the visitor's reaction within two or three days of the study.
b. If the reaction is negative, affirm the study in a kind, positive way.
c. if the reaction is positive, ask further questions about the topic of the study. Remember that the Neighborhood Bible Study is a catalyst for the one-on-one studies.
d. Ask the visitor to the study for next week. e. Continue to develop your relationship with the visitor. Make it a point to know the person outside of the Bible study context.
C. How to recognize and have one-on-one opportunities
1. Verbal signs. There are certain comments that indicate a person is ready for a one-on-one study. Here are a few examples:
a. "I was baptized when I was six years old. Do you think my baptism is valid?"
b. Total unity by the visitor. This feeling is expressed with comments like, "We believe that Jesus is God's Son, but the world doesn't." The visitor no longer identifies himself with the world.
c. "Do you think I am going to heaven?"
d. Comments regarding personal involvement. "Where do I fit into God's plan?" or "What does this have to do with me?" are examples of this type of comment.
e. Comments regarding the existence of God. "Do you think there really is someone running the show?"
f. Issue-oriented comments. Comments such as "Was Christ really resurrected from the dead?" "Is it very important to take communion?" or "Why is baptism so important?" are common.
2. Another sign is a long term commitment to the study itself. If a visitor comes regularly over a long time period, then he is interested enough to pursue a one-on-one Bible study.
3. Any of the signs above indicate that the visitor may be interested in church attendance. Invite the visitor to one of the assemblies at your congregation.

VIII. EXAMPLES OF THREE TYPES OF STUDIES

A. Topical Study Why Worry?-Matthew 6:25-34
1. What do you worry about more than anything else?
2. Read text.
3. Why does Jesus criticize worrying?
a. It keeps you from enjoying what you have (v.25 and 1 Timothy 6:7-8).
b. It is totally useless (~ 27).
c. It causes you to forget your true importance to God (v. 26).
d. It is characteristic of the heathen (v.32).
4. What is the solution for worry?
a. Seek first the kingdom of God.
b. Live one day at a time.
c. Believe.
5. How can I bring all this down where I live?
B. Textual Study Mark 1:2145
1. When were you the busiest you have ever been?
2. Read text.
3. What amazed people about the teaching of Jesus? (v.22)
4. In what way was His teaching new? (v.27)
5. What was the connection between His teaching and theobedience of the evil spirits? (~ 27)
6. Why did people come to Jesus after sunset? (v.32)
7. Why would Jesus not let the spirits speak? (v.34)
8. What is the first thing Jesus did after a strenuous day? (v.34)
9. Why did Jesus need to pray?
10. Why leave town when everyone is looking for you?
11. What is significant about Jesus' touch? (v.41)
12. Why would Jesus not let the leper speak?
13. How can we better handle the pressure of a busy life?
a. Time of prayer.
b. Sense of purpose; priority that cannot be distracted.
C. Character Study
Peter's Denial-Mark 14:27-34, 66-72 1. Have you ever said one thing and done another?
2. Read v.27-31.
3. What prediction does he make about the disciples?
4. What prediction does he make about himself?
5. Why did the disciples have so much trouble believing in theresurrection of Jesus?
6. How does Peter compare himself to the others?
7. How would that make them feel?
8. How did they react? Were they sincere?
9. Read v.66-72.
10. How did they know he was a Galilean?
11. Why did they think he was a disciple?
12. Is there a progression of intensity in his denials?
13. Why did he deny after being brave enough to follow?
14. Who was really on trial and why?
15. Why is a rooster a fitting symbol for Peter?
16. How do we deny Christ?
17. How does his story help us deal with failure? (Mark 16: 7)