Since God gave Moses the ten commandments, people have been studying Scripture in many different places. For instance, the Israelites read God’s words in tents, and the Ethiopian in Acts 8 read the book of Isaiah while traveling by chariot.
Studying Scripture everywhere is Biblical. In Deuteronomy 6:6-7, Moses spoke God’s words and said, “these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”
Scripture is meant to be woven into the fabric of your life, not only studied in a church building. Read on for five fun locations to host your next Bible study.
1. Coffee Shop
Coffee shops are the perfect place to host a Bible study. The warm ambiance and good food will help your group relax and open up to each other. You may even have a Christian-owned coffee shop in your area where you can meet new believers and support local ministries.
If you need some space to study privately, a coffee shop may also be the perfect fit for you. Most places have layouts that include quiet corners, so you can find a good spot to settle in and read Scripture with a hot drink. Going to a coffee shop can help you carve out dedicated time to focus on Scripture without distractions.
2. Someone’s Home
For a more private gathering, you could invite your Bible study group to meet at your house. Meeting in someone’s home is a good way to combine Bible study with dinner or a game night. Having more privacy means you can pray for each other for a long time or decide to have a spontaneous worship session.
Going to the same place week after week can strengthen community bonds and give people the sense of safety they need to be vulnerable in a group setting. However, some Bible studies opt to meet at different homes each week so that different members can take a turn hosting. The way you implement this is entirely up to you and what will suit your study best.
3. The Great Outdoors
Moving your Bible study outside is one of the best ways to study Scripture. The vastness and intricacy of nature are a constant reminder of God’s character and our place in His world. Observing nature causes wonder, which leads to worship. Nature also tends to have a peaceful and clarifying effect on people, reminding them that God is good and worthy of our trust.
Consider holding Bible study in the shade at the end of a hike for a variety of benefits. You can take your group to the beach, camping, or even rock climbing. Combining the study of Scripture with an outdoor environment can lead to deep questions and surprising insights. It’s also the perfect opportunity to make memories and build bonds with your community.
4. College Campus
If you’re in college, another great place to host a Bible study is on campus. Meeting on campus is convenient for other students who are already nearby, and it gives your group an opportunity to meet new people and invite them to join you.
Hosting your study on campus is also a way to bring God’s presence to your school. The Bible explains that God’s presence is with each believer personally, but in Matthew 18:20, Jesus also said that “where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” If you want to impact students and change your campus, start by studying Scripture there together.
5. Museum Trip
For those living in large cities, you can consider having Bible study in a museum. On the drive there, read Scripture together and talk about the connections to the museum. Then, wander through the exhibits together and think of questions to discuss on the drive back.
Good museums to visit include the Bible Museum in Washington, D.C., Natural History Museums, Art Museums, and historical exhibits. Touring old houses is another way to consider the people and times that have come before you. Because Scripture is the story of God’s engagement with the world, it touches on every aspect of life and will connect with every place you visit.
Try Something New
Depending on your personality, some locations will be better than others for studying Scripture. Extroverts may prefer a busy coffee shop, while more private people might enjoy meeting outside.
There’s no replacement for simply reading what God has said. However, meeting in new places will teach you more about yourself, your group, and the way God’s word applies to life. Use this list to host creative meetings where you can study the Bible and learn more about God with the people you love.