Home Bible Study Groups

Question

Are home Bible study groups biblical in the corporate church?

Answer

Some home bible study groups (HBSGs) would be fine and others would not, depending upon a host of circumstances. The book of Acts had them (chapters 2 and 4).

Pastors or elders are responsible to determine what is best as they lead a congregation (Eph. 4:9-16). Some pastors may decide that HBSGs best serve the congregation while others may choose a midweek Bible study at the church. Some may use both or neither. Some may use virtual resources.

Paul states of elders in Acts 20:28: "Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood." This is an important responsibility before God, seeking the spiritual profit and nurturing of the flock over for which they have oversight. Elders have the responsibility to keep things gospel centered. They have the responsibility to not only teach, but lead their flocks as well.

So HBSGs can be beneficial, but they are only one option among many that pastors or elders may use to nurture their flocks.