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02Group study pilot · on-screen guide, no audio

The Living Room.

Want to study the Bible with friends? Invite the people you already know — friends, family, neighbors. Pick a topic, pick how long you have, and we’ll walk you through the whole study: reading it out loud, talking about it, thinking quietly, and closing with prayer. Nobody has to be the expert — if you’re willing to open your home, you’re ready. No signup. New to faith yourself? Take the First Step first.

1 · Choose a topic
2 · Session length

Called by name · 30 minutes

Scripture · Luke 5:1–11
  1. 0–4′
    4 min

    Welcome & opening prayer

    Greet everyone by name. Ask one light question: “What's something good from your week?” Then open with a short prayer.

    Say this“Thanks for coming. Tonight we’re reading one short story about Jesus together. You don’t need to know anything about the Bible — questions and doubts are welcome here.”

    If you’re hostingPray simply, e.g. “God, thank you for bringing us together. Help us listen to you as we read. Amen.” Nobody has to pray aloud.

  2. 4–9′
    5 min

    Read

    Read Luke 5:1–11 aloud once, slowly. Simon is a professional fisherman on the Lake of Gennesaret (the Sea of Galilee). He has worked all night and caught nothing when Jesus asks to use his boat.

    Say this“We’re reading Luke 5:1–11. Quick background: Simon is a professional fisherman on the Lake of Gennesaret (the Sea of Galilee). He has worked all night and caught nothing when Jesus asks to use his boat. Listen for anything that surprises you.”

    If you’re hostingOnly ask volunteers to read. Have Bibles or a Bible app open before you start.

    Scripture · Luke 5:1–11

  3. 9–19′
    10 min

    Discover

    Talk through the questions. Let the text lead; “I don't know” is a fine answer.

    Say this“There are no wrong answers. Let’s look at what the passage actually says — feel free to point to a verse.”

    • What stands out to you in this story?
    • What do we learn about Jesus here?
    • Why do you think Simon responds the way he does in verse 8?

    If you’re hostingAsk, then wait — silence is okay. If conversation drifts, point back to a verse.

  4. 19–23′
    4 min

    Reflect

    Sit quietly for a moment. Where in your life have you been ‘working all night and catching nothing’?

    Say this“Let’s take a quiet moment. No one has to say anything — just think about this question.”

    If you’re hostingKeep this to quiet thought — about a minute of silence.

  5. 23–26′
    3 min

    Respond

    If this is true, what is one thing it might change this week?

    Say this“Let’s make this practical. What’s one small thing this could change for you this week?”

    If you’re hostingGive a short, honest answer yourself first. Invite — don't require — answers.

  6. 26–30′
    4 min

    Closing prayer & next gathering

    Close with a brief prayer for the group. Then set the next gathering: date, place, and ask “Who is one person you could BRNG next time?”

    Say this“Thank you for being honest tonight. I’ll pray to close — you’re welcome to just listen.”

    If you’re hostingPray briefly, or invite one volunteer. Share an invite link from the Invite page if helpful.

The timer is optional and never starts on its own — press “Start timer” if you want one. On-screen only, no sound, no voice guide. Nothing is saved.

A few guardrails

Invite. Never pressure.

  • Let the Bible do the talking — keep your own answers short.
  • Everyone is welcome, whatever they believe.
  • Keep it safe: meet where everyone feels comfortable.
  • A local church can help you keep going.
Invite someone to the next gathering