Keeping a Bible Study from Being Hijacked

Bible studies are meant to be spaces where God’s Word is honored, truth is pursued, and love is practiced (Ephesians 4:15). Unfortunately, sometimes discussions can be derailed by individuals with personal agendas, divisive teachings, or disruptive behavior. Here are biblical and practical ways to help keep a Bible study focused and protected from being hijacked.

Bible Study Should Always Start With Prayer

Prayer is essential to any Bible study, no matter how big or small. Ask God to give the leader and group discernment, humility, and unity in the Holy Spirit. Pray that the focus would be on God’s Word, and that all have a voice and something from Scripture to share.

Appoint Faithful and Prepared Leadership

A Bible study should have a clear, spiritually mature leader or facilitator who is able to teach, grounded in Scripture and able to guide the discussion with wisdom and grace. This means to have spiritual discernment to know what some are doing is wrong, and how to correct it in a tender but firm way.

“And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”

2 Tim 2:2 NKJV

A faithful leader should be able to gently redirect conversations, correct error, and maintain focus on the biblical text, all the while keeping within the alloted time. This is especially difficult in dealing with those with strong personalities.

Set Clear Expectations and Guidelines

At the beginning of the Bible study and periodically, it is helpful to explain the purpose of the group: to study God’s Word, grow in faith, and encourage one another. This helps the flow and make sure everything is done decently and in order (1 Corinthians 14:40). There could be secondary purposes also. For instance, if you are leading a men’s Bible study, the secondary focus might be to help men become better fathers, sons, and friends through Jesus Christ.

One should establish expectations for respectful conversation, staying focused, and avoiding arguments; and outline consequences when these expectations are continuously violated. This helps prevent confusion and gives the leader a basis for redirecting unhelpful contributions when all are in agreement.

If someone is new to the group, the person who invited them should let him or her know to just listen and observe the flow of the study. After the group is done, maybe sit with them and discuss Bible study protocol. Those in the group should be good examples for new people to emulate.

Keep the Study Centered on Scripture

It is important to keep the Bible as the central authority so that it becomes easier to discern when someone is introducing ideas that are not aligned with God’s truth.

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

2 Tim 3:16-17 NKJV

When we are grounded in the truth, we will recognize the lies. God’s Word in the Holy Bible is the standard to which we should be studying.

Have Clear Direction

The Bible study teacher or facilitator should have a clear direction of where the study is going. They should have a purpose, a plan, and a goal to accomplish: for the overall study, and for that individual class. If not firmly planted, it could be derailed very easily. The following is an example:

• Purpose: Men’s Bible Study.
• Goal of the overall study: to equip men to be better husbands or fathers.
• Plan for the overall study: Study through Ephesians.
• Plan for the class time: Study chapter 1 for two hours. Create engaging questions from the text. Allow three, one to two minute answers each question. May break out into smaller groups for more individualized discussion if the overall group is large.

It may be benneficial to have more structure and do a book study or something that has an outline and sylibus to keep everyone on track instead of just picking a chapter of the Bible and reading through it.

Address False Teaching Lovingly and Firmly

If someone introduces unbiblical doctrine, philosophy, or tries to dominate the group with controversial views, the leader should gently but clearly correct the error using Scripture.

“Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene…”

2 Timothy 2:14-17 ESV

“correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth,

2 Tim 2:25 ESV

If someone were to say something that is not true according to the standard of the Bible, ask a question to gain more clarity into what the person is trying to say. You ask something like:

• “What do you mean by ______?”
• “How did you come to that conclusion?”
• “Where did you get this from?”
• “Are you sure about that?”
• “Can you find that in the Bible for me?”

Questions are interactive, inviting the person to dialogue about what they believe. It also shift the burden of proof to the person who made the claim to answer it, and put the teacher in the driver’s seat. Plus, it helps the teacher buy time and gain valuable information all the while doing it in a gentle fashion. But, the Bible study facilitator must be quick about it, and get back to the intended lesson as to not lose people who want to learn.

Follow Up Privately if Needed

If someone continues to be disruptive or divisive, it may be necessary to speak with them privately in love, following a pattern of Matthew 18:15-17. It may even come to politely asking the person to leave for a time, or indefinitely, with restoration and true fellowship, not rejection—is the ultimate goal.

By doing these things, you help create a space where the Word of God is honored, and everyone can grow in grace and truth (John 1:14). Bible studies are for the entire group, not individuals. If the disruptive person needs extra time or has issues, consider making time before or after the study. We all want to help those who need help, but not to the detriment of the rest of the group. This is unfair to all who want to be a part.

What is the Ultimate Goal?

The ultimate goal of every Bible study, no matter how big or small, should be equipping disciples to make disciples, fostering community where individuals not only deepen their own understanding of scripture but also learn to share that knowledge effectively with others. This process involves nurturing faith, encouraging open discussions, and creating an environment that promotes spiritual growth. Empowering them to confidently share their faith and lead others on their own journeys toward discipleship, ultimately fulfilling the Great Commission entrusted to us.

If you have any ideas of your own, please feel free to share in the blog comments section.