I have learned that one of the biggest helps in having a consistent devotional time is doing it in community. There’s just something about not doing it alone that encourages and strengthens me - and inspires me to keep going!
There are so many ways to study the Bible in community outside the four walls of the church. Keep reading for a few of them!
Start a GroupMe channel with some friends.
GroupMe is a free communications app that churches, schools, and businesses use. You can set up your own channel and invite friends from all over. Then you can have a dedicated chat where you can discuss what you’re reading and how God is speaking to you. Encourage each other through Leviticus or share your insights through Proverbs.
This keeps all your communication in a separate place than your text threads and can be so encouraging to read throughout your day!
Read through a book of the Bible with a family member or friend.
Do you regularly meet friends for coffee or plan date nights with your spouse? One-on-one time with an older child? Regular phone conversations with a long-distance friend?
This can be really flexible with whatever works with your schedule. You simply choose a book, divide it into how many sessions you would like to meet, then meet each week or every other week to discuss the reading. This is a great way to dive deep into a book while growing your relationship with family and friends.
Choose an accountability partner.
We don’t think anything of texting a friend and asking if they’ve seen the latest movie or tried the new seasonal drink at Starbucks. Why not bring the Bible into our everyday conversations? Find a trusted friend and ask them if they’re willing to talk about their Bible journey with you. Having a friend on the same path is encouraging and often drives people to complete their goals. It can be as simple as sending a text that says, “So what’s been your favorite verse you’ve read lately?” Or asking them in the church pew, “What’s God been speaking to you this week?”
God calls us the body for a reason - we work better together! We all need each other to fulfill our functions to the best of our potential. One of the most beautiful aspects of being a body of believers is when we can grow together, share successes, and encourage each other in this beautiful life lived for the Lord.
Did any of these tips stand out to you as a way to grow your devotional time in community? Or do you have other tips that have worked for you? Let us know in the comments!
