Let’s draw a picture: You’ve recently met a family and arranged for a Bible study in their home. They have suggested 7 p.m., between supper time and when they must put their young children to bed. How do you prepare? Note their names, take them to the Lord in prayer, and look over the evening’s lesson. You arrive on time. How do you begin? By getting to know them better, learning about their spiritual journey so far. After a few minutes, noticing that the table is available, you suggest moving there. Sometimes, especially if people are nervous, discussing the Bible in comfortable seats is best. In this case, you sense that a transition is needed from casual chatter to purposeful Bible study. (The move also lets the children know that their parents are trying to focus.) You begin with a simple prayer, asking God’s peace to be with this household (Luke 10:5). The Bible is opened. This family needs an introduction to Jesus, so you have chosen to read the book of Mark together. You find that the husband is willing to read aloud, so you take turns reading the paragraphs. You also engage the wife by asking non-threatening questions. For example, having just read Mark 1:1-5, you ask about John’s mission. For whom was He preparing? How were people to prepare? When needed, gently point back to the text, finding the answers there. Gradually build a culture of letting the Bible speak, of respecting its authority, as compared with human guesses and opinions.
In one of your early conversations, ask about your friend’s spiritual journey. What is his relationship to God? Does he feel that his prayers are being heard? If he says he is a Christian, how did he come to Christ? Questions about baptism are important (Acts 19:3). Write down your friend’s answers. They may help later when he compares his previous experience with the New Testament’s way to obey the Gospel.