Scripture is meant to be read and studied in community.

No matter if you are leading the study or participating, after a long day it can be hard to keep everyone truly present and engaged.

So we've gathered five tips on how to avoid common Bible study mistakes and produce a meaningful time not matter who is present. Read on below.

Tip #1 - Know your group.

We suggest using a mixture of doctrinal and application questions to draw out both the scriptural and practical applications of your study. In this way, you will engage both those interested in theology and those working to apply it to their world.

Tip #2 - Bad questions = a bad study.

Bible study questions should serve as a starting point for deeper reflection and conversation - not quick comprehension questions to make us feel good that we read the passage.

Tip #3 - Set the mood

The atmosphere of an effective Bible study should be respectful, collaborative and open. It is a group study, not a lecture or presentation. Everyone should feel comfortable to participate.

Tip #4 - Don't try to be someone you're not

Bible studies are not a competition or demonstration of knowledge, and an assumed façade of wisdom will prevent you from hearing and learning yourself.

Tip #5 - On a wing and a prayer.

While moment-by-moment guidance and illumination from the Holy Spirit is necessary to see the treasures in the Bible, preparation for Bible study is essential, and lack of preparation will kill a study quickly.

We suggest having a reliable set of prompts that can spark engaging discussion on hand for use in just these situations, like our Christian Pack conversation starters.

Christian Pack is designed by experienced ministry and communication professionals to open deeper, more meaningful conversation around Christian topics over a wide range of personal, practical and theological topics.

They are the perfect companion to a Bible study as they provide endless resources for engaging discussion no matter the group dynamic, encourage authentic conversation and ensure the group remains on topic and focused.

Since we launched Christian Pack, tens of thousands of Christians have used them in Bible studies, youth groups, personal devotionals, family worship, camps, fellowships, potlucks and between services.

Click below to learn more about the Christian Pack, or read on for details about Talking Point Cards and our mission.

Is there anyone who hasn’t wished they could communicate better?

The whole idea behind Talking Point Cards is to strengthen real relationships in a digital world. We hate that our time and attention is increasingly consumed by technology which is replacing real, genuine human relationships.

Your family connections and relationships shouldn’t suffer because TV, social media and relentless entertainment are replacing our face-to-face time! That’s why our founder, Ben, originally created Talking Point Cards and our line of conversation starter products that can strengthen any relationship.

One Mission, A Thousand Voices

And we’re not alone. Our Talking Point Cards were so successful in strengthening families, growing intimacy, deepening trust, removing barriers and opening doors in relationships that people started noticing. We regularly receive stories from our tens of thousands of customers about how these simple questions breathed new life into their marriages, families and lives!

Our conversation starters have 200 engaging questions targeted to a specific relationship in an attractive portable box.

The Talking Point Cards come in a powerful range of purpose-designed packs: Christian Pack, to help you begin real, comfortable faith discussions. Family Pack, to put down the phones and get everyone talking comfortably. Couples Pack, to strengthen and deepen your relationship with your partner.