There was an interesting discussion this week at Christians in Context on Steering the Right Course in Small Group Bible Studies
On the one hand, many (if not most) small group Bible studies become simply poolings of ignorance, with everyone, if they contribute at all, simply "sharing" what the passage "means to me." Both knowledge of and practice of sound hermeneutics are often notably absent. On the other hand, people in small groups who have theological training and knowledge can dominate and stifle discussion and interaction, and/or confuse everyone else with interjections of technical terminology and concepts foreign to the average Christian. I have often bitten my lips to keep from over-dominating a group while so wishing to correct obvious error.
How do we prevent this from happening, so that knowledgeable teachers can teach and everyone can join in discussion? A lot of prayer is needed of course - both in the group and before the meetings.
One important thing to remember is to stay focused on the Biblical text and what it says and keep the group so focused. To the text, to the text, always to the text. Use your theological knowledge to look at the text, use you life experience to look at the text, but do not stray from the text. If a leader can provide background information to the passage in question, and then ask questions that consistently call the participants back to the text and what it actually says in its context, as opposed to what they wish it said or various possible philosophical and emotional rabbit trails, perhaps the Word can do its work in us with as little human interference as possible.
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