By Brent Lacy

Small group Bible study is one of the most effective discipleship tools a small church has. Not because of the curriculum. Because of what happens when a handful of people sit in a circle, read the same passage, and ask each other honest questions about what it means for their actual lives.

The problem for most small churches is finding curriculum that fits. Most published Bible studies assume a budget, a trained leader, and a group that meets in a church building. Small church small groups often have none of those things. They meet in living rooms. The leader is a volunteer who works a day job. The curriculum budget is whatever is left after the heating bill.

That is the gap these studies are designed to fill.

What the Series Is

The MinistryPlace Small Group Bible Study Series is a growing library of 4-week studies through books of the Bible, available for three age groups: Junior High, High School, and Adult. Each study includes a Leader Guide and a Student Handout for every session. The Leader Guide gives the volunteer facilitator everything they need to lead a genuine conversation. The Student Handout gives group members something to take home and continue thinking about during the week.

Every study in the series follows the same format:

• Opening Question (5-8 min): A question that connects everyday life to the session theme. No Bible knowledge required to answer it.
• Scripture Focus: A summary of the key passage, so the leader can use whatever translation their group prefers.
• Big Idea: One sentence that captures what the session is about.
• Discussion Questions (25-30 min): Questions that move from observation to interpretation to personal application.
• Application Challenge: One specific thing each person will do differently this week.
• Closing Prayer: Pray for each other’s application challenges by name.

The format is consistent across every study and every age group. Once a volunteer learns it, they can lead any study in the series without additional training.

What Is Available Now

Three books are currently available, each in three age group editions:

James: Real Faith

A 4-week study through the book of James. James is one of the most practical books in the New Testament, written to people facing real hardship. The study covers faith and trials (James 1), faith and action (James 1-2), wisdom and words (James 3-4), and faith that lasts (James 4-5).

• James: Real Faith , High School Edition ($2.99)
• James: Real Faith , Junior High Edition ($2.99)
• James: Real Faith , Adult Edition ($2.99)

Esther: For Such a Time as This

A 4-week study through the book of Esther. Esther is a story about courage, identity, and the hidden hand of God’s providence. The study is particularly relevant for groups wrestling with questions about faith in a culture that does not share their values.

• Esther , High School Edition ($2.99)
• Esther , Junior High Edition ($2.99)
• Esther , Adult Edition ($2.99)

Amos: Speak Up for Justice

A 4-week study through the book of Amos. Amos is one of the most direct prophets in the Old Testament, calling God’s people to account for how they treat the poor and vulnerable. The study connects the ancient text to the specific justice questions small church communities face today.

• Amos , High School Edition ($2.99)
• Amos , Junior High Edition ($2.99)
• Amos , Adult Edition ($2.99)

What Makes These Different

Most small group curriculum is written for large churches with trained leaders, dedicated meeting spaces, and curriculum budgets. These studies are written for the opposite context.

Designed for volunteer teachers. The Leader Guide is written for someone who reads the passage, reads the guide, and prays for their group. That is the preparation required. No additional training, no supplementary materials, no prep time beyond 15-20 minutes.

Age-appropriate depth. The Junior High edition uses concrete illustrations from school and social media. The High School edition includes harder theological questions and apologetics angles. The Adult edition goes deeper into the text and connects the passage to marriage, work, and family. The same book, three genuinely different studies.

Scripture summaries, not quotes. Every study summarizes the key passages rather than quoting them verbatim. This means the leader can use whatever Bible translation their group prefers, and there are no copyright complications.

Gospel-connected. Every study includes a section on sharing the gospel, using the Rescue Gospel diagnostic questions adapted for the age group. The appendix gives the leader everything they need if a group member is ready to respond to the gospel.

What Is Coming

New books are added to the series regularly. Studies currently in development include Philippians, Ruth, and Romans. Each new book will be available in all three age group editions.

If there is a book of the Bible your small group wants to study, let us know. The series is built to grow based on what small churches actually need.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What books of the Bible are available in the small group series?

The current series includes James, Esther, and Amos, each available for Junior High, High School, and Adult groups. New books are added regularly. All studies follow the same 4-week format with a Leader Guide and Student Handout for each session.

Are these studies free or paid?

Each study is $2.99 per age group. That covers one PDF you can print as many copies as you need for your group. There are no per-person fees, no subscriptions, and no recurring charges.

Can a volunteer with no Bible training lead these studies?

Yes. Every Leader Guide includes background context, discussion facilitation notes, and a leader tip for each session. The studies are designed for a volunteer who reads the passage, reads the Leader Guide, and prays for their group. No seminary degree required.

What age groups are available?

Each study is available for Junior High (ages 12-15), High School (ages 15-18), and Adult groups. The content is adapted for each age group: discussion questions, illustrations, and application challenges are written for the specific life stage.