ONLINE GROUP BIBLE READING GUIDELINES

 

Bible reading is important because it helps us know God more personally, understand His will, and grow in faith. Through Scripture, we receive guidance for daily living, encouragement in times of struggle, and wisdom to make godly decisions. Regularly reading the Bible nourishes our spiritual life, shapes our character, and keeps our hearts centered on God’s truth in a world filled with distractions.

Below is the guideline on how to form an online group bible reading based on UBF Bible Reading Project led by Missionary Juan Kim in France.  

1. Number of participants: A Bible reading group is good with one leader and about 3–5 members in total. Some members may not be available or may miss the meeting. So, it is fine to start with 6–7 members, or begin with 3 people and invite friends to grow to 5–6 members. If the number exceeds 8, it is recommended to divide into two groups. Each group of 4 can meet, and new leaders can be raised.
2. Time: The group should decide on the most preferred meeting time for the participants. In Europe, countries are in different time zones, and in the U.S. there are also regional time zones, so it is good to set the time according to participants’ availability. If participants are from various countries and regions, they can discuss and decide on the best time. (For example: Portugal–7 p.m., France–8 p.m., Denmark–8 p.m., Greece–9 p.m.). After Bible reading, it will be 10 p.m. or 10:30 p.m. in Greece.
3. First goal: For a new group, it is good to aim to complete one reading of the New Testament (Korean, English NIV, French). We recommend reading the Bible twice in one year, and four times in two years. Breaks are important: four weeks in August and two weeks in December. After finishing the New Testament, if participants want to read the Old Testament, the group can divide into one reading the Old Testament and another continuing the New Testament. The scope of the Old Testament reading can be set appropriately.
4. Reading method: Each person reads 5 verses. If 1 or 2 verses remain at the end of a chapter, the reader finishes by reading 6 or 7 verses. When a new chapter begins, the next person reads 5 verses in order. If 3 or 4 verses remain, the next person reads those verses. With each new chapter, participants again continue reading 5 verses each in turn.
5. Reading plan: It is good to start using the Bible reading schedule I have prepared. I recommend reading one Gospel first, then Acts, and continuing to Revelation. Many young people are already familiar with the Gospels, so the content feels less burdensome and more engaging. It is also very good to read much about the life of Jesus. When starting Bible reading, it is good to encourage completing one reading from the Gospels to Revelation in 6 months. Participants should also share the grace they received from the Word and pray to hold on to one verse firmly.
6. Consistency: It is good to meet once a week steadily. By gathering regularly for at least 6 months to 1 year to read the Bible, share grace, and have fellowship, participants will form spiritual habits, and young believers will be helped through the Word and prayer.
7. Meeting format: We recommend holding the Bible reading meetings online. This avoids travel time and the need to prepare in the morning or evening. One hour is usually good. One or two hours before the meeting, the leader posts the Bible passage to be read in the group chat. (For example: “Today we will read Luke 1–6, share the grace of the Word, and pray together.”) Before each weekly meeting, it is good to send a simple reminder in the group chat. If someone cannot attend or will be late, they can simply leave a message in the chat.
8. At the start: In the beginning, some participants may join the Zoom link late. The leader should join on time and wait for about 5 minutes, having light conversation with members. Basically, if 3 people are present, one person prays to begin. Bible reading usually takes 30–40 minutes. Afterward, participants share the grace they received from the Word. If there are 3 people, sharing takes about 10 minutes; if 6, about 20 minutes. With more people, the sharing may take longer. Participants freely share the grace they received, and the leader may provide short counseling in between. Then, participants take turns sharing prayer requests. This usually takes about 5 minutes, and then one person prays on behalf of everyone. The whole meeting should finish within 1 hour 30 minutes.
9. Reflection sharing: It is fine for the leader to share first, but it is better if younger participants read and share first, then continue in order. I usually give the younger person the first chance to share. If they need more time to find their verse, give them time and let others share first. After everyone has shared once in order, others can be given another chance to share.
10. Prayer: Pray at the beginning and at the end of the meeting. The leader may pray, or participants may be assigned to take turns each week. The important thing is to pray at the start that everyone may humbly receive grace from the Word, and at the end that each may hold on to the Word they shared and live it out by faith during the week.
    
    Examples of the Bible Reading Plans