The use of the case method structure may be new and perhaps unsettling to many in the group who are unfamiliar with this approach. This learning method is optimized when participants adhere to the “Three P’s”—the necessary ingredients for a successful group case study series.

Preparation:

Each member in the study group must be accountable for being prepared to spend time in Biblical study and analysis required to providing the needed recommendation(s). A mere collection of scripture passages without applying them is insufficient. Based on these individual inputs, the discussion of the group must aim toward a recommended course of action to address the issue(s) of the case.

Perspective:

Members need to bring a balanced combination of the relevant scripture and their individual frames of reference to the discussion. While personal research of the scriptures is a primary goal, this does not preclude the members from broadening their understanding of the issues and related scripture by contacting others outside of the group for additional Biblical insight.

Participation:

In addition to presenting their own recommendations in each case discussion, members must be willing to comment and build on the contributions of others. There are numerous reasons why individuals might be reluctant to share openly, but it is essential that each group member be willing to both develop his/her own input as well as value the involvement of others.

Note: If you are doing a case study on your own, you can still engage in the “perspective” and “participation” stages. After the “preparation” stage, strike up a conversation with a few individuals who may have similar or different viewpoints. Provide a brief summary of the case and ask for their thoughts or recommendations. Articulate your Biblical recommendations, and be ready for an interesting conversation.

Each case is presented on this website in a manner to facilitate the most effective learning approach. Each downloadable case study has a space for notes. Participants would prepare ahead of time with steps 1 through 3, and gather for a group discussion with steps 4 and 5. Utilizing this Bible study method would involve the following steps:

Step 1: Read the Case

  • Introduction: The case briefly lays out the basic facts of the opportunity or problem. You will assume the identity of one of the parties in the case.
  • Body: The case elaborates on the issues and parameters involved.
  • Conclusion: You are presented with the opening to act based on the scriptural foundation you have developed for that case.
  • Assignment: You are asked to provide an answer or advice relating to the case study.

Step 2: Study the Scriptures Individually

After reading the case, you will start your own Bible study to generate relevant scripture to address the issues of the case. Look for scripture specifically relating to the case study situation. Then, use a concordance or online Biblical search tool to look for passages that relate to the first scriptures that you found.

Use the “My Scriptural Research” section of the PDF to write down the relevant scriptures, send to the discussion leader and be prepared for discussion.

Step 3: Send Scripture to Discussion Leader

We recommend that each study member submit the scriptural references they compiled in Step #2 to the discussion leader approximately three days before the group meeting. The discussion leader may wish to limit the number of Bible verses depending on the size of the group. The discussion leader should compile and send the total set of verses back out to the group as soon as possible. This listing will form the basis for the group discussion of the case.

Step 4: Group Discussion

With everyone prepared, the group gathers to discuss the case and the scriptures they found. Members share their insights and proposed solutions to the case, using the Bible as the basis for their answers. Healthy and respectful debate is a part of the process, making room for individual interpretation of the Bible.

Throughout the discussion, facilitated by the leader, individuals add notes and new scriptures brought to light by other members of the group.

Step 5: Determine a Solution

The last section of each case summary provides you the opportunity to write out the decision or course of action laid out by the group along with the selected supporting scripture. This summary can serve as a reference point for a Biblical response to future scenarios or issues in your life.