An Easy Way to Host a Bible Study: YouTube Sermons & Prompts
Home-based Bible studies are one of my favourite ways to build community, grow in my faith, and have honest conversations about God. For a long time, I didn’t think I was knowledgeable enough to lead a study. I barely felt confident relying on my own understanding of Scripture, let alone guiding a whole group.
Everything changed once I discovered the world of online sermons. There are so many gifted Christian teachers on YouTube who break Scripture down so clearly that they take a lot of the pressure off. Using their messages as a base makes leading a Bible study feel simple, structured, and far less intimidating.
Now I feel more confident than ever gathering my friends to dig into the Word, because I know the key insights and teaching come from the sermon itself, not from my own understanding alone. With the right message and a simple plan, you can host a Spirit-filled session right in your living room.
In this post, I’m sharing some of my favourite YouTube sermons, a step-by-step structure you can follow, and a few fun ideas to take your Bible study club to the next level.
My Go-To YouTube Channel for Bible Study Sermons
Tab London is hands down my favourite place to find sermons for Bible study sessions (and I promise that would still be true even if it wasn’t my home church). Every message is deeply rooted in Scripture, easy to understand, and packed with the kind of wisdom that sparks real, meaningful conversations. If your goal is to grow in faith and help your group do the same, these teachings make it incredibly easy.
Below are some of my absolute favourite sermons from this year – ones I’ve already talked through with my friends and know will make the perfect foundation for a Bible study night.
RnB: Relationship Wisdom Through Ruth, Naomi & Boaz
- This sermon breaks down the story of Ruth in a way that will completely shift how you see relationships, faithfulness, and the way God quietly arranges the right people at the right time.
- This is the first sermon in the 2025 Relationship Series, and the second one is just as powerful. Click HERE to watch part two.
The Eternity Series Part 1: Unlocking the Science of Heaven & Hell
- This sermon blends biblical truth with scientific perspective, inviting you to rethink the unseen world and consider how both Scripture and science point to a reality far bigger than what we can see.
- This is the first of six sermons in the 2025 Eternity Series—an absolutely mind-blowing watch, by the way! Find the rest of the series HERE.
How to Host a Bible Study at Home Using YouTube Sermons
Sometimes the simplest plans create the richest conversations. A little structure helps everyone know what to expect while still leaving space for questions, sharing, and discussions that can go in unexpected directions. Here’s my go-to format:
1. Choose the Sermon and Share It Ahead of Time
Give your group a few weeks to watch the sermon before each Bible study meeting. I usually encourage everyone to take quick notes on:
- What stood out to them
- Anything that was confusing or challenging
- How the message might apply to their life
2. Set Up Your Living Room
I always aim for something quick, cute, and simple — the vibe I go for is warm, cozy, and welcoming. Without fail, I like to:
- Put on soft gospel music in the background
- Light a few scented candles
- Set out some snacks and drinks for everyone
- Make sure there are enough comfortable seats for everyone
- Provide a few pens and lined paper for anyone who wants to take notes but didn’t bring a notebook
I also like to start with a few minutes of casual conversation while everyone arrives, to avoid awkward silences and make sure my guests feel comfortable. Over time, as friendships grow and everyone becomes more familiar, this part of the session becomes literally effortless.
3. Open With Prayer
You can lead the prayer yourself or invite someone else to do it. Here’s an example of an opening prayer you can use if you like:
Lord, thank You for bringing us together tonight. We invite Your presence into this space and ask that You open our hearts and minds to receive whatever You want to show us. Help us understand Your Word clearly, speak to us through this message, and let everything we discuss draw us closer to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
4. Discuss the Sermon With Guided Questions
I like to use a few simple prompts to get the conversation started, beginning with the notes everyone took while watching the sermon. A few additional questions you can ask include:
- What part of the sermon spoke directly to your life right now?
- How can we apply this message during the week?
- Did the sermon remind you of any other Bible passages?
- What truth or point do you want to meditate on more?
5. End With Prayer Requests and a Closing Prayer
Give everyone a few minutes to share any prayer requests, and then close with a prayer that includes those requests. Here’s an example you can use:
Father, thank You for the time we shared tonight and for the ways You’ve spoken to each of us through Your Word. We lift up the requests shared in this group and ask that You meet every need according to Your will. Guide our steps, strengthen our faith, and fill our hearts with Your peace as we go into the week ahead. Help us live out what we’ve learned and reflect Your love in everything we do. In Jesus’ name, amen.
More Ideas to Add a Unique Twist to Your Bible Study Sessions
If you want to make your sessions even more engaging, here are a few ideas you could sprinkle in. Some I’ve tried and loved, and others I’m definitely excited to try one day:
- Creative Bible Journaling: Perfect for the artsy types or anyone who learns visually. Encourage everyone to doodle, add watercolour accents, or create little illustrations and borders, either directly in their Bibles or on separate pieces of paper they can attach with washi tape. It’s a fun way to make the message stick and reflect creatively on what you’re learning.
- Scripture Sharing: Invite each person to bring one verse that stood out to them and connects to the sermon. It’s a simple way to hear different perspectives, spark conversation, and dig deeper into God’s Word together.
- Monthly Accountability: Check in on the last session by asking, “How did you apply last month’s teaching?” It’s a gentle way to encourage growth and reflection. Plus, it gives everyone a chance to share wins, lessons learned, and ways to improve in the month ahead.
- Mini Worship Moment: Even just one or two songs can reset the room, lift spirits, and prepare everyone’s hearts to dive into the Word. Sometimes all it takes is a worship song playing in the background and one person joining in to get everyone moving in praise. No big production is needed, and I can promise from experience that it really works.
Final Thoughts
Remember, you don’t need to have all the answers to lead a Bible study. With the right sermon, a few thoughtful questions, and a welcoming space, you can create evenings full of connection, growth, and meaningful conversations about God. Your home can be a place where friends gather, dig into Scripture, and encourage one another in faith — and it can be for you too.
Happy studying,
Kyra xx
FAQs
Q: What do I need to host a Bible study at home?
A:You only need a Bible, a video or sermon, a welcoming space, and a willing heart. Snacks, journals, and playlists are optional but helpful.
Q: How long should a Bible study session be?
A: Most home Bible studies last 60–90 minutes. Long enough to go deep, not so long that people feel drained.
Q: What if nobody talks during the discussion?
A: Start by sharing your own thoughts. People usually open up once they feel safe and see vulnerability modelled.
Q: Can I host a mixed-gender group?
A: Absolutely. Just focus on creating a respectful, safe environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing.
