As a proponent of small groups, I know the powerful connection that can occur when women come together to study God’s Word. Something amazing happens as we delve deeply into Scripture.
Not only does the Word of God illuminate our minds, but the community we encounter provides consistent encouragement to our hearts.
I am reminded of passages that speak to this idea of coming together in community in order to study God’s Word and assist one another.
Acts 2:42 says, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” We know from Hebrews 10:24-25 that we should regularly practice coming together.
It reads, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Both of these passages point us to the fact that being in community makes a difference and is necessary to us as people of faith. It matters to God, and it should matter to us too.
Small group Bible studies afford women the ability to grow in community with accountability. It also provides a support system for believers to be vulnerable and honest in the midst of living out what it means to be a Christian.
The type of intimacy that can develop from this kind of group offers ladies the ability to identify people they can connect with, turn to, walk alongside, and stand with them as we all do life together.
As the leader of small groups ministry, I have the awesome privilege of serving my local church by coordinating groups to offer the congregation an opportunity to dive deeper into faith and fellowship with one another.
One of my responsibilities involves vetting curricula that may serve as good resources for those small groups to study.
Below reflects my top 10 picks (in no particular order — presented alphabetically) of Bible studies that are specific to women and do a great job of connecting us to God and each other.
1. Galatians by Jada Edwards
This is a great study for women because it reinforces the belief that our identity is in Christ Jesus and that Jesus is more than enough for all we need to be complete. Within our culture, identity is a theme many women struggle to receive validation.
We are reminded in the study of Galatians how we are already accepted and free. Over the course of six sessions, Jada constantly re-affirms our true identity in Jesus, leading the way with a candor that is relatable to the commonalities we all share as women.
2. The Daniel Prayer by Anne Graham Lotz
One great aspect of this study is how Anne introduces her Bible study method in session one of the study. In the video lesson, she actually models (in community) how to apply the method, which serves as the structure for the entire study.
This approach is extremely interactive, which allows for ladies in a small group setting to really dig into Scripture and offer meaningful discussion beyond a surface level.
Another positive aspect of this study is the topic of prayer itself, and how the practice of prayer can be utilized within community.
A study of this nature might even provide the basis by which to identify a prayer partner or pairing as sub-groups to find extended connection within the small group experience.
3. Luke by Lisa Harper
It does not get more real than studying Luke’s gospel account to observe the relentless compassion of God for all people.
In down-to-earth fashion, as only she can, Lisa flows in her anointing for masterful storytelling to walk us through Jesus’ gut-level (not shallow, or superficial) appeal to offer salvation to absolutely everyone.
Without reservation, we see those who are outliers, oppressed, obscured, and outcasts transformed by the outlandish, overwhelming, and outrageous mercy of God.
4. Rhythms of Renewal by Rebekah Lyons
This study is organized around four distinct rhythms: rest, restore, connect, and create. Rebekah offers practical solutions for trading a lifestyle filled with stress and anxiety for one of peace and purpose instead.
Each rhythm is a concept modeled and anchored in Scripture. The medical and scientific research offered to undergird this study complements the strategies presented. Immediate application can be implemented at every point of this five-week study.
Rhythms of Renewal invites women to slow down, reflect on meaningful living, and intentionally navigate how we relate to ourselves, God, and others.
5. Believing God by Beth Moore
Believing God challenges women to go beyond having faith in God to actually believing God! We are admonished to believe everything God reveals to us about who He is, and who we are through the power of His spirit living in us.
This 10-session study examines the lives of persons in the Bible who exemplified extraordinary faith in their obedience to God.
Beth spurs us on to victorious living that comes through faith to fully embrace and believe God, never settling for mediocrity or status quo.
6. Worth More Than Rubies by Christina Patterson
After completing your seven-session study of Worth More Than Rubies, you will walk away not only with a greater appreciation for what it means to be a Proverbs 31 Woman but also with a deeper understanding of the original context of the passage.
Christina has done a thorough job of providing a biblical framework for womanhood as it pertains to this passage as she explores seven virtues that champion us to be women after God’s own heart.
Emphasizing who we are in Christ over what we do by way of performance, the study points us back to our relationship with Christ as the focal point of what being virtuous women is actually all about.
7. Surrendered by Barb Roose
Relatable and relevant, this study draws upon wisdom principles from Jesus’ 40-day encounter in the wilderness.
Over the course of six sessions, ladies are empowered through the deliberate act of releasing what we cannot control in exchange for God’s power and peace, just as Jesus did when tempted by the devil.
Despite the test and trials that are sure to come our way, Barb reminds us to take our cues from Jesus as we decide how to respond to the wilderness-like experiences of this world through our daily surrender to God.
8. Jonah by Priscilla Shirer
In her seven-session study, Priscilla narrates Jonah’s experience and builds an undeniable case of how it correlates with each of our lives today.
Our view of interruptions is deconstructed and reconstructed in order to better recognize the sovereignty of God at work all around and within us.
We will understand the choice to accept unexpected plans as part of God’s divine purpose and God’s grace on display through us, as we yield to His will.
9. Uninvited by Lysa TerKeurst
One universal subject all women have or will face at one time or another in their life is rejection. Lysa is transparent in speaking truth to women regarding the realities of rejection and how to live beyond them.
Over six sessions, we are equipped to process hurt, deal with insecurities, and overcome loneliness that all stem from the sting of rejection. This study is a great resource for women wanting to understand what it really means to belong.
10. One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp
Ann’s five-session study is remarkable and refreshing. Who would have known there is so much to be thankful for and so many ways to express gratitude?
This study causes us to introspectively reflect on how we live with gratitude. It compels us to look with fresh eyes, drawing strength and inspiration from Scripture so we may remain in a grateful posture even when turmoil is present within or around us.
Being cognizant of God’s presence in every season of life inevitably results in thanksgiving, praise, and gratitude not impeded by the hardness and difficulty of life.
For further reading:
What Is the Best Way to Study the Bible?
10 Excellent Christian Books for Women
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