2027 Bible Study Leaders Network
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Renewal in Europe will require a fresh commitment to corporate engagement with Scripture. Far too many people assume that the only way to learn God’s Word deeply is to attend Bible college. Far too many believers assume that the only way to lead others into Scripture is to lecture or preach. These assumptions are a bottleneck that limits European believers, seekers, and sceptics from interacting deeply with Scripture.
Gatherings in homes, cafes, universities and churches that encounter the living God through his Word can contribute profoundly to a renewal of the biblical church and the evangelisation of Europe. Likewise, believers who have learned how to effectively study Scripture and to train others to do so will create a multiplicative force that has the potential to reach into every neighbourhood, workplace, and social circle.
Anchored by the European Leadership Forum, the Bible Study Leaders Network seeks to create space for fresh encounters with God in community around the Word and to provide practical training for Bible study leaders. At its heart is a commitment to demonstrate and train vibrant manuscript study, sound exegetical practices, and excellent interpretive and application questions. The training includes facilitation skills, which are essential for creating environments that keep the text central and are accessible to those with varying levels of familiarity with the Bible.
*This Network uses an immersive Bible study approach called Manuscript Bible Study (MBS), and its focus is on teaching participants how to use this method in their own Bible study groups.
What Participants Are Saying About the Forum's Training on How to Study the Bible
- "Being here at the Forum was so helpful for me, and I think for my ministry's movement as well, because I made so many connections with leaders from different countries, could encourage one another, and share some of my experiences. I joined the Bible Study Leaders Network and the Year-Round Mentorship, and it was a great opportunity to discover some of the gifts God created in me. I think this could have a huge impact on my ministry, helping the younger generation love Scripture and get to know the Lord more." - David Szarka, Media Leader, Hungary
- "I feel I learned Bible study skills that will be used for my life and ministry, but it also helped me get in the Word and get in the right mindset for the rest of the conference. It was experiential."
- "The inductive study process was so helpful - simply engaging the scriptures in observation, interpretation and application. It demystifies the text opening one up to fresh and new insights."
Applicants should be those who lead or are interested in leading Bible studies and want to develop their skills in facilitating and equipping others to interact deeply with Scripture. This Network seeks to provide essential skills for conducting Bible studies using a highly interactive, inductive method that emphasises discovery and active learning.
Network Leadership
Network Speakers
Sherami Hinders works with Revive Europe as their Director of Spiritual Foundations and Leader of Scripture Engagement. She also works with Greater Europe Mission (GEM) in Scripture Engagement Leadership. She teaches students and staff… Read more
Lindsay Olesberg is the Co-Founder / President of Script & Spirit, an organisation that trains, supports and resources Manuscript Bible Study leaders. Lindsay studied at Pomona College (B.A. in Asian Studies) and Fuller Theological Seminary (M.A. in Theology). She served as InterVarsity/USA’… Read more
Tamás Schauermann is a graphic designer, organisation developer, coach, and trainer in Hungary. His main interest is helping people find their calling and work and live in healthy communities that are making use of their talents but also provide a meaningful framework for their everyday lives.… Read more
Network Programme
Sunday, 23 May
The Network will open with an introduction to Manuscript Bible Study, an inductive approach that is discovery-oriented and highly interactive. Using Mark 1:1-15, we will begin learning to observe closely, to ask probing questions, to interpret using the text and the context, and to be transformed by our encounter with God through his Word and Spirit.
Our continued immersion in the opening chapters of Mark’s Gospel will provide a front-row seat as Jesus calls His first disciples. Along with the fishermen and the people of Capernaum, we will be amazed as Jesus demonstrates His authority and power. These familiar scenes will call us afresh into a life of discipleship and mission.
Monday, 24 May
Using Manuscript Bible Study, we will reflect deeply on Jesus’ life of prayer, His clarity about His mission, and His compassion. A deepened understanding of Jesus’ early days of ministry provides a profound grounding for our lives as Christian leaders. Jesus' model of implementing His plans and yet responding well to interruption will challenge and inspire us.
Poorly written questions undermine the quality of a Bible study, curtailing learning and dampening community around the Word. In this session, we will build on our observations from Mark 1:35-45 to develop the skill of writing T.I.G.H.T. questions that facilitate discovery, understanding, and a dynamic group experience.
Tuesday, 25 May
As we deepen our skills in looking closely and asking and answering probing questions, we will see afresh the beauty of Jesus’ authority to forgive sins. Studying Mark 2:1-17 will require us to wrestle with the implications of Jesus’ assertion that He came for the sick and sinners, not the healthy and righteous.
As a Bible Study leader, partnership with the Holy Spirit requires careful study and prayerful preparation of application questions. Using passages from Mark 2:1-17, we will practice the skill of creating multiple response pathways. We will also learn how to follow the Holy Spirit’s lead when choosing which pathway to take.
Wednesday, 26 May
As conflict with religious leaders intensifies in Mark’s Gospel, Jesus used parables and history to provide an interpretive key for His impending death. Studying Mark 2:18-3:6 together inductively will enable us to discover how the images and stories Jesus tells integrate into a coherent whole.
Our closing session will address how the values and process of Manuscript Bible Study (MBS) challenge assumptions and practices of being a Bible study leader in various cultural contexts. We will compare experiences of MBS leaders from different parts of Europe and make personalised plans for taking MBS home.