Getting Started at BSF

The BSF study offers a clear path for exploring the Bible in community. Whether you're joining in person or online, here’s what your experience will look like—before, during, and after your first group.

A Typical Week

Each week we study the same Bible passage four ways. We believe these layers help us discover God’s truth and apply it to our hearts, minds, and lives.

Answer Questions

Engage with daily questions in your personal study time to deepen your relationship with God. 

Discuss in Small Group

 Connect weekly in group discussion, either in-person or online, to learn from others.

Listen to Teaching

Enjoy insightful teaching from a BSF trained leader to strengthen what you have learned.

Go Deeper with Notes

Read comprehensive lesson notes to apply Scripture to your daily life.

How To Prepare

BSFGlobalSummit2025-511 copy.jpg

Group Leader Contact

Your Group Leader will reach out, often in the week before your first meeting, with all your group information, including how to access study materials and where to start.

Johnny-Frazer-{WordGo}-11.jpg

What To Read

Each weekly lesson has daily questions to answer in your own time before attending class. Allow God to speak as you read and answer as many as you can. Don’t worry if you can’t finish; new habits take time.

Your First Meeting

BSF_Houston_014 Banner.jpg

What You Need

Bring a pen and paper or device, and a Bible or Bible app. BSF lessons use the New International Version (NIV) Bible, but you can bring your favorite translation. 

BSFGlobalSummit2025-135.jpg

On arrival or login

You will be welcomed by one of the team. If you have registered children with you, drop them off with the Children's Leaders. 

BSFWomenStLukesRoseville49.jpg (1)

Your Discussion Group

Each week, you will join your discussion group of approximately 8 to 18 people. Your Group Leader is trained each week to lead and facilitate the group's discussion. In your group you will share and hear others discuss their answers to the lesson questions that you have prepared before class. 

BSF_Houston_MensGroupAlt_018 copy.jpg

Your Weekly Teaching

Your trained Teaching Leader will add richness and depth of understanding to the week's lesson by helping you apply the principles of God's Word to your own heart and life. 

After Your Meeting

member-woman.jpg

Lesson Notes

In your personal study time, read the lesson notes for the week. These notes have been written by a team of BSF staff and vetted theologians providing historical, doctrinal, and other insights about the passage you have studied this week to help you grow in your understanding and application of the Bible. Additionally, these notes, along with your lecture, will aid you in answering the first question for the following week's lesson.

BSF Study - Exile and Return.jpg

Our Studies

Discover BSF’s current study and try a free mini study for yourself.

BSF_Houston_196.jpg (1)

Our Groups

BSF offers groups for men, women, young adults, and children.