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 skeptics 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 evangelization of Europe. Likewise, believers that 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 neighborhood, 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
2026 Network Programme
Detailed information about this Network's 2027 sessions is not yet available but will be posted in the future. Please review the information from last year for a look at the high quality of instructors, teaching, and content available in this Network:
The Network will open with an overview of the Manuscript Bible Study (MBS) process. Then we will study the Parable of the Sower in Mark 4:1-20, to experience how this kind of Bible study enables a group to encounter God through His Word and His Spirit and helps us to see a familiar passage with fresh eyes.
In our first teacher training session, we will introduce seven factors that characterize excellent Bible studies. Using a reflection tool based on these “7 Marks” and our study of Mark 4:1-20, we will learn various ways a teacher can facilitate powerful group experiences with Scripture.
We will practice the central elements of the Bible study process (looking closely, asking and answering probing questions, and applying what we learn to our lives) by studying Mark 4:35-5:20. Our study will enable us to step into the disciples’ shoes as they witness Jesus’ authority over nature and the demonic and wrestle with his identity.
To help us develop a deeper understanding of leading Bible studies, we will begin the session by debriefing our study of Mark 4:35-5:20 using our reflection tool. Then our training will focus on how to actively partner with the Holy Spirit in every aspect of preparing and facilitating an impactful group experience in Scripture.
As news about Jesus’ power spreads, people desperate for help come to Him from every quarter. Studying Mark 5:21-43 together will allow us to walk alongside Jesus as He navigates the competing needs of a girl on the brink of death and the desperation of an outcast woman.
In this session, after debriefing the day’s scripture study, we will use our studies of Mark chapters 4 and 5 to develop the skill of recognizing how biblical authors’ use structure to hold meaning and communicate effectively. This skill is crucial in deepening as students and teachers of God’s Word.
As we look carefully at the experience of the twelve and of John the Baptist in preaching the Gospel and calling for repentance, we will consider the implications for us as ministers of the Gospel and teachers of God’s Word.
Reflecting together on our experience studying Mark 6:6-30 will solidify our understanding of what high quality Bible study looks like. We will present a tool for preparing to lead so that all seven markers are incorporated. Then we will take time to personalize plans for growing as students and teachers of the Word. Finally, we will invite input on how the Network can build an ongoing community among Bible study leaders across Europe.