Since God gave the Ten Commandments to Moses, people have studied the scriptures in many different places. For example, the Israelites read the words of God in tents, and the Ethiopian in Acts 8 reads the book of Isaiah while traveling in a chariot.
Studying the scriptures everywhere is Biblical. In Deuteronomy 6:6-7, Moses spoke the words of God and said, “These words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall diligently teach them to your children, and you shall speak of them when you sit in your house, when you go on your journey, when you lie down and when you get up.
The scriptures are meant to be woven into the fabric of your life, not just studied in a church building. Read on for five fun places to hold your next Bible study.
1. Coffee
Cafes are the perfect place to hold a Bible study. The cozy atmosphere and good food will help your group relax and open up to one another. You may even have a Christian cafe in your area where you can meet new believers and support local ministries.
If you need space to study privately, a café might also be perfect for you. Most places have amenities that include quiet corners, so you can find a good place to sit and read the scriptures with a hot drink. Going to a coffee shop can help you set aside time to focus on the scriptures without being distracted.
2. Someone’s house
For a more private meeting, you can invite your Bible study group to meet at your home. Meeting at someone’s home is a great way to combine Bible study with dinner or game night. Having more privacy means you can pray for each other for a long time or decide to have a spontaneous worship session.
Going to the same place week after week can strengthen community bonds and give people a sense of security they need to be vulnerable in a group setting. However, some Bible studies choose to meet in different homes each week so different members can take turns leading. How you implement this is entirely up to you and what will work best for your study.
3. The great outdoors
Moving your Bible study outside is one of the best ways to study the scriptures. The vastness and complexity of nature are a constant reminder of God’s character and our place in his world. The observation of nature causes wonder, which leads to adoration. Nature also tends to have a calming and clarifying effect on people, reminding them that God is good and worthy of our trust.
Consider holding the Bible study in the shade at the end of a hike for a variety of benefits. You can take your group to the beach, camping or even go rock climbing. Combining scripture study with an outdoor environment can lead to deep questions and surprising insights. It’s also the perfect opportunity to make memories and bond with your community.
4. University Campus
If you’re in college, another great place to hold a Bible study is on campus. On-campus meetings are convenient for other students who are already nearby and give your group the opportunity to meet new people and invite them to join you.
Organizing your study on campus is also a way to bring God’s presence to your school. The Bible explains that God’s presence is with each believer personally, but in Matthew 18:20 Jesus also said that “where two or three are assembled in my name, I am in the midst of them. If you want to impact students and change your campus, start by studying the scriptures there together.
5. Visit the museum
For those who live in large cities, you may consider studying the Bible in a museum. Along the way, read the scriptures together and talk about links at the Museum. Then walk through the exhibits together and brainstorm questions to discuss on the way back.
Good museums to visit include the Museum of the Bible in Washington, DC, natural history museums, art museums, and historical exhibits. Visiting old houses is another way to consider the people and times that came before you. Because Scripture is the story of God’s engagement with the world, it touches every aspect of life and will connect with every place you visit.
try something new
Depending on your personality, some places will be better than others for studying the scriptures. Extroverts may prefer a busy café, while more discreet people will enjoy meeting outside.
There is no substitute for simply reading what God has said. However, meeting you in new places will teach you more about yourself, your group, and how the word of God applies to life. Use this list to organize creative meetings where you can study the Bible and learn more about God with the people you love.
