The RBS Group lessons are categorized into
Beginner, Average, and Advanced levels.
Though the lessons vary by difficulty, Bible study groups and individuals
can purchase any level lesson at any time.
- Beginner: Beginner lessons are a great place to start when first beginning RBS, but members can begin their study at any level they choose.
- Average: Average lessons are ideal when used as a second study after a group has completed beginner lessons.
- Advanced: Advanced lessons are best suited for those who are experienced in Bible study.
Rafiki Bible Study for Groups Sample Lesson
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is there an age level for the study?
The studies are written for adult level readers. Please, no children. Ages 18+
Any video/lectures in the study?
No, this is a print only study.
Can men and women
both do the study?
Absolutely!
Are we creating children's
lessons in the near future?
We are reviewing the possibility of providing
children's lessons. Check back in 6 months.
children's lessons. Check back in 6 months.
Are these available for
international applicants?
Yes! Simply call us and we will ship you the lessons you want.
|
Suggestions for RBS Group Leaders |
Thank you for purchasing the Rafiki Bible Study (RBS). Below are some suggestions for facilitating a group studying the RBS.
The RBS lessons are an in-depth Bible book-study for those who are serious about wanting to know God and what the Bible says We claim God’s promise in Isaiah 55:10-11: “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.”
The RBS material has three main goals:
1. To provide people with an in-depth, disciplined study of the Bible.
2. To encourage people to read and study the Bible every day.
3. To provide opportunity to strengthen mission work by becoming involved in the work of Rafiki.
Suggestions for leading your group
A group size of about five to fifteen people is good – large enough for quality discussion, but also small enough to be personal. Groups might meet in a home, church, or other place that is conducive for group sharing. Provide each group member with the with lessons and questions. There will also be a suggested commentary you might like to read along with the lessons. Providing name tags will help group members learn each other’s names. Group members may want to use Crossway’s Systematic Theology Study Bible where over 300 doctrines are briefly explained within the text. (These Bibles can be purchased from the Crossway website or ordered from Rafiki at a discounted price.)
Meeting weekly or bi-weekly for 90 minutes has proven to be effective.
Suggested Schedule:
• 15 minutes for fellowship and light refreshment
• 15 minutes for prayer, announcements, etc.
• 1 hour for discussion of the questions
Begin and end the discussion of the questions on time. As you persist in beginning on time, individuals who are habitually late will hopefully grow in this discipline. Completing the lesson is also important, giving time to cover all questions. Plan your time accordingly, deciding ahead of time how much time to allot for each question. It is helpful to put the clock time by a couple of the questions which can serve as a guide to you as you lead, making you aware if you are behind. Participation of every member is important, but members should be asked to not participate in the discussion if time has not been given to work on the lesson. This provides individuals the opportunity to listen and learn from others and relieves them of any pressure to answer when they are unprepared. Be aware of individuals who are having difficulty answering the questions and offer encouragement and assistance.
Two areas that are pitfalls for leaders of small groups:
• Silence when no one wants to answer. Become comfortable with those times, encouraging answers and even being willing to go to the next question.
• Teaching instead of waiting for the group members to answer. It is a proven fact that the more the leader talks; the less the group will talk. The group can become a time of sit and soak rather than study and grow. Of course, if untruth or wrong doctrine is being spoken, it is expected that as leader you take the opportunity to offer correction and instruction.
Other Opportunities
As a leader you should be prepared to explain the plan of salvation and to look for opportunities to help individuals to enter into a personal relationship with Christ. In addition, as group members grow in their relationship with the Lord, this will provide the opportunity for strengthening mission work. The hope is that members will give to the work of Rafiki through prayer and monetary contribution as well as investigate how to be involved in mission work. Be ready to assist members in these ways. Use the prayer time to share prayer requests and to pray for each other. Special prayer for Rafiki would be appreciated!
The RBS lessons are an in-depth Bible book-study for those who are serious about wanting to know God and what the Bible says We claim God’s promise in Isaiah 55:10-11: “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.”
The RBS material has three main goals:
1. To provide people with an in-depth, disciplined study of the Bible.
2. To encourage people to read and study the Bible every day.
3. To provide opportunity to strengthen mission work by becoming involved in the work of Rafiki.
Suggestions for leading your group
A group size of about five to fifteen people is good – large enough for quality discussion, but also small enough to be personal. Groups might meet in a home, church, or other place that is conducive for group sharing. Provide each group member with the with lessons and questions. There will also be a suggested commentary you might like to read along with the lessons. Providing name tags will help group members learn each other’s names. Group members may want to use Crossway’s Systematic Theology Study Bible where over 300 doctrines are briefly explained within the text. (These Bibles can be purchased from the Crossway website or ordered from Rafiki at a discounted price.)
Meeting weekly or bi-weekly for 90 minutes has proven to be effective.
Suggested Schedule:
• 15 minutes for fellowship and light refreshment
• 15 minutes for prayer, announcements, etc.
• 1 hour for discussion of the questions
Begin and end the discussion of the questions on time. As you persist in beginning on time, individuals who are habitually late will hopefully grow in this discipline. Completing the lesson is also important, giving time to cover all questions. Plan your time accordingly, deciding ahead of time how much time to allot for each question. It is helpful to put the clock time by a couple of the questions which can serve as a guide to you as you lead, making you aware if you are behind. Participation of every member is important, but members should be asked to not participate in the discussion if time has not been given to work on the lesson. This provides individuals the opportunity to listen and learn from others and relieves them of any pressure to answer when they are unprepared. Be aware of individuals who are having difficulty answering the questions and offer encouragement and assistance.
Two areas that are pitfalls for leaders of small groups:
• Silence when no one wants to answer. Become comfortable with those times, encouraging answers and even being willing to go to the next question.
• Teaching instead of waiting for the group members to answer. It is a proven fact that the more the leader talks; the less the group will talk. The group can become a time of sit and soak rather than study and grow. Of course, if untruth or wrong doctrine is being spoken, it is expected that as leader you take the opportunity to offer correction and instruction.
Other Opportunities
As a leader you should be prepared to explain the plan of salvation and to look for opportunities to help individuals to enter into a personal relationship with Christ. In addition, as group members grow in their relationship with the Lord, this will provide the opportunity for strengthening mission work. The hope is that members will give to the work of Rafiki through prayer and monetary contribution as well as investigate how to be involved in mission work. Be ready to assist members in these ways. Use the prayer time to share prayer requests and to pray for each other. Special prayer for Rafiki would be appreciated!