Hey, I’m going to be joining a queer bible study group this fall. I’m so excited, but I’ve never been to bible study, so I wanted to know if you could tell me what I can expect, and if I should bring anything in particular. Thank you for your wonderful blog.
Ahhh I'm excited for you!! I hope it's fun and spiritually nourishing and connects you to cool folks <3
Bible studies look different depending on who's putting it on. Some possible variety:
Some are more formal, with an outline of where exactly a session is heading — we're only looking at this passage, and we're exploring these questions, and the leader will steer tangents back quickly.
Others are more casual — there's probably a specific starting passage, but the leader doesn't mind if the conversation drifts elsewhere.
It's common for bible studies to make time both for large group and small group conversations, and even individual reflection moments.
Some bible studies get creative, with little artsy projects or music listening, maybe even guided meditations or embodied exercises.
If you are someone (like me) who likes to know Exactly What To Expect, it's totally cool to reach out to the bible study leaders and ask them what their leadership style is like!
And if there are any activities that you're just not comfortable with for whatever reason, it's okay to sit them out. If something brings you outside of your comfort zone but not into your distress zone, I encourage you to give it a try — maybe it'll end up resonating with you, maybe it won't — but if there's something you know will cause you straight-up distress, excuse yourself to the bathroom for a few minutes.
Moving on from possible variations, here's what I'd bring to any Bible study:
Technically the only thing you need to bring is yourself unless explicitly told otherwise!
a Bible you like — if you don't have one, don't worry; unless you're explicitly told you have to bring your own Bible, they'll have copies for you. If you don't already own a Bible and are interested in my recs, see here.
Notebook/paper and writing utensil(s) — again, I bet they'll provide paper and pencils or whatnot, but if you want to have a journal specific to Bible study or something, bring your own! If you like to use different colors or highlighters, those are good to bring too
Water — they might have snacks and drinks there, but I recommend bringing water in a closable bottle
A fidget tool if you're like me and like something to stim with or fidget with! Choose one that's quiet if you can so it doesn't disrupt others too much (examples: putty or a tangle or something soft and fabric, rather than a fidget spinner that whirrs or something that clicks real loud).
Layered clothing — if you've never been in whatever space the study's held in, wear short sleeves and a jacket so you can add or remove layers if it's too hot or too cold
Finally, my biggest tip: accept that not everything will resonate with you.
There might be sessions where you just don't connect to the Bible passage that much. That's normal and okay!
Give it a chance of course — oftentimes my personal read through of a passage has me going "well that's got nothing for me," but then someone else points something out that lets me see it through completely fresh eyes. That's why it's so powerful to engage in conversation around the Bible!
Still, there may be times you just. don't connect. That doesn't mean you're doing something wrong or that the study was a waste of time.
It's possible that another participant may say something that does not jive with your personal theology at all. That can feel super uncomfortable and in extreme circumstances may be triggering — so again I say, it's totally okay to excuse yourself, take a little bathroom break, if you need to.
Since the study you're going to is specifically queer, I imagine you won't have to worry so much about someone else's comment being outright triggering, luckily! But I'll provide a little example of what I mean.
I attend a weekly informal bible study that's mostly with older folks, some of whom are gay but most of whom are more "liberal" than leftist, and sometimes one of them will bring in a way of understanding scripture that is waaaay different from my own interpretation. For example, they might bring up something about the meaning of the cross and how salvation works that has me internally cringing away.
If what they comment is actually harmful — maybe it holds antisemitism that the person doesn't even notice — I'll say something. (If you get anxiety about calling people out like that, know it's not your obligation as a fellow participant — that's the leader's job; a skilled bible study leader knows how to gently correct without shutting someone down so that they feel shut out of the conversation.)
But if it's just a matter of different perspectives, I try to let it go. I remind myself that a diversity of beliefs enriches the Body of Christ. If I want to add in my own perspective, I then try to word it not as a challenge to theirs, but more like, "That's really interesting, I hadn't thought of it that way. For me, it's more like..."
Finally, if you're interested in trying out some online Bible studies to get an idea of what studies are like before your fall one, I recommend:
My friend and fellow queer seminary grad Ainsley holds a weekly virtual queer Bible study on Tuesdays at 8pm EST. Message her on her Facebook page for the link. The topics are often timely, responding to current events; and the recurrent attendees are really kind and cool! It's usually a pretty small group, which can be nice if you get overwhelmed by large groups.
The Transmission Ministry Collective hosts a variety of community events by and for trans folks (supportive cis folks are invited to most of them, while some are trans-specific), including virtual Bible studies you can learn more about here.
I believe Our Bible App also offers Bible study type things online.
Wishing you the best! Feel free to update me on how things go once fall arrives :)
If anyone else has thoughts for this person, feel free to share!
