Why Hold an Orientation Session

with Sharon Kaufman

When you have new people in your Bible study class who are not familiar with the Inductive Bible Study method, it is crucial to complete an orientation before beginning the study material. You want them to be successful and dig deeper into God’s Word.  By holding an orientation session, you will help them learn the skills they need to know to finish the study and be impacted by the word of God. 

New students could become very frustrated if they are not taught the skills of Inductive Bible Study. Rather than having them discouraged, set your students up for success by showing them how to effectively do their studies. During this session, take your students step-by-step through the first week of the lesson, teaching them whatever skills are necessary and how to use the different components of Inductive Bible Study.

Show them how to do the following and let them know why these things matter:

– marking keywords

– making a list of the keywords

– marking geographical locations

– marking references to time

– summary statements using keywords from the text

– cross-references

– word studies

This will give your newcomers a better understanding of how to do the study.  Plus, they will already have some of their study finished for class the following week. 

An orientation session is for new people and can also be a refresher for those familiar with Inductive Study.  This session will give everyone in your group the confidence to be prepared to participate fully in the first official week of the class study.

This study method might seem daunting to some, so be sure to encourage your students that this will become more familiar and they will be amazed at the truths they will learn.

Completing an orientation before you begin each course is essential!