As a small group facilitator or Bible study leader, you may be asking whether it is possible to continue growing in your personal engagement with the Bible and continue deepening your relationship with Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh (John 1:1). Wherever you are on this journey of Scripture reading and study, know that the God who has called you will continue to prepare you (Ephesians 4:11-13). Thank you for your commitment to God's Word, leading others, and being a lifelong learner. We hope the following suggestions help as you journey through Scripture.

Read Scripture Step by Step.

Read: You cannot love something you don't know. If you have not developed the spiritual habit of reading the Bible daily, that is your first step. Similar to learning how to ride a bicycle, you can start engaging with the Scriptures with training wheels. Instead of beginning an aggressive Bible reading plan all at once, start with ten minutes a day. Just like riding a bike, reading the Bible is a skill you learn. Start small with consistency, and watch yourself grow.

Pray: As you read the Bible, you will find it easy to resonate with passages like Psalm 23 and the Lord's Prayer. Praying through Scripture can give you words for things that are difficult to express on your own. Insert your name or "I" into the prayers you read in the Scriptures. Pray that the Lord would help you respond to passages you read.

Meditate: As you read, look for one verse to focus on. Go back to that verse and fill your mind with the words. Take a moment to slow down and repeat the verse over and over again. Remind yourself throughout the day to read that verse again.

Study: What is the difference between reading the Word and studying it? Study requires you to open the notes app on your phone or to write down what the passage says, what it means, and what it means to you.

Focus on What is Important.

Research shows us that the life of someone who engages with Scripture four or more times a week looks radically different from the life of someone who does not. In fact, the lives of Christians who do not engage with the Bible most days of the week are statistically the same as the lives of nonbelievers.

Someone who engages with the Bible four or more times a week is:

• 228% more likely to share their faith with others.
• 407% more likely to memorize Scripture.
• 59% less likely to view pornography.
• 30% less likely to struggle with loneliness.

Here is what this research tells us: Practically speaking, it is important that people engage with the Bible at least four times a week. Maybe you are just beginning this journey of consistent Bible engagement. Don't be discouraged if you miss a day; pick up where you left off! We want to encourage you to focus on the attainable goal of reading the Bible at least four times a week. We know that as you incorporate this practice four times a week, you will be transformed.

Seek accountability.

Growth is more attainable when we are in relationship with someone who is keeping us accountable for our goals. It is so much easier to remember to read the Bible when reading it in community. Enlist someone to keep you accountable for reading Scripture. Even better, encourage each other as you engage with the Bible. Accountability creates consistency in our Bible engagement and helps us learn from others' perspectives.