Starting a Catholic Bible study or small group with an Ascension adult faith formation program may feel like a big undertaking, but you do not have to figure everything out at once. Begin with prayer, choose an Ascension Bible study or small group program, and build a team to help you get started. You can also seek support from your parish, gather the resources you need, plan the details, and invite others to join.

Once your group begins, focus on creating a welcoming community where participants can learn, share, and grow in their faith together. Lead with hospitality, encourage participation, and find ways to keep your group engaged throughout the study. With the right preparation and support, you can create a Catholic small group where meaningful friendships and faith can grow.

To help you prepare, download the Ascension Bible Study Leader Quick Start Guide for helpful tips and resources as you plan and begin your Bible study.

To lead a Catholic Bible study or small group, start by choosing an Ascension program that fits your group, gathering the necessary resources, and preparing for each session. Begin with prayer, invite the Holy Spirit to guide your group, and create a welcoming environment where everyone feels comfortable participating. As the leader, guide the discussion with thoughtful questions and help participants connect Scripture to their Catholic Faith and daily lives.

You do not need to be a Scripture expert to lead a Bible study. Ascension’s free Bible Study Leader Training offers practical guidance for starting, organizing, and leading a Catholic Bible study, choosing the right study, and facilitating meaningful conversations.

Ascension offers several Catholic Bible studies for beginners, whether you are new to Scripture, new to Bible study, or looking for a study to start with your parish or small group. A great place to begin is The Bible Timeline: The Story of Salvation. This 24-session Catholic Bible study gives participants the big picture of Scripture by showing how the people, places, and events of the Bible fit together. By understanding the overall story of salvation, participants can better understand and read the Bible as a whole.

If you are looking for a shorter Catholic Bible study for beginners, consider Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible. This 8-session study introduces participants to the story of salvation and helps them see how the key stories and themes of the Bible fit together. Its shorter format makes it a great option for those who are new to Bible study or want a manageable introduction to Scripture.

Once you have a foundation, you can explore the rest of The Great Adventure Bible studies to dive deeper into individual books of the Bible. Ascension also offers a variety of other Catholic small group studies focused on Catholic beliefs, spiritual growth, and living out your faith.

Finding the right Catholic Bible study resources can make it easier to understand Scripture, stay engaged, and lead a meaningful small group. Ascension offers resources from more than 40 adult faith formation programs, making them ideal for personal study, parish Bible studies, and Catholic small groups.

Some of the most helpful resources include:

• Study workbooks with guided questions, Scripture references, and theologically rich content in an approachable format.
• Study videos featuring trusted Catholic presenters like Jeff Cavins, Dr. Edward Sri, and Dr. Marcellino D’Ambrosio, with several studies filmed on location at some of the most significant and recognizable sites in the Catholic Faith
• The Great Adventure Bible, which uses Jeff Cavins’ 12-period, color-coded Bible Timeline system to help readers understand how the people, places, and events of Scripture fit together.
• Free online leader resources to help you prepare for sessions, facilitate discussion, and lead your Catholic Bible study.

One of the best parts of leading a Catholic Bible study group is that you can structure your small group in a way that works best for your participants. Choose how often to meet, what day and time works best, where to meet, which Ascension program to use, and how you want participants to prepare for each session.

A common way to structure an Ascension Bible study is to meet once a week on a weekday evening in a parish hall or community space. Depending on the program, each session typically lasts 60–90 minutes, and Ascension recommends watching the study videos together as a group. Participants can then complete the reading and reflection questions at home before the next session, giving everyone an opportunity to prepare for the next discussion.

Ascension Catholic Bible studies combine trusted Catholic teaching, engaging video content, and practical resources for both beginners and experienced Bible study participants. Every study features trusted Catholic presenters, and many are filmed on location at significant sites connected to Scripture and the Catholic Faith, creating an immersive experience that brings the program to life.

With programs covering everything from prayer and Church history to individual books of the Bible, there is a study for every group. Reflection questions, discussion prompts, and additional study opportunities help participants engage more deeply with Scripture and their faith. Ascension also offers free resources for Bible study leaders to help you prepare, lead discussions, and confidently guide your group.

Ascension Bible studies are also available through the premium subscription to the Ascension app, giving subscribers an accessible way to study individually or with a small group.

The best way to recruit Bible study or small group participants and volunteers is through personal invitations. Reach out to parishioners after Mass, at parish events, or through existing small groups. You can also ask your priest, deacon, or parish staff to recommend people who may be interested in joining or helping lead the study.

Ascension also offers free leader resources to make promotion easier. Depending on the program, you may find sample bulletin and pulpit announcements, parish email templates, posters, flyers, and other materials you can use to invite participants and recruit volunteers.

Bible study icebreakers are a simple way to help participants get comfortable, build community, and start meaningful conversations. Choose an activity that fits your group and gives everyone a chance to participate without feeling pressured.

• A Few of My Favorite Things: Pair participants up and have them share a favorite memory, movie, song, hobby, or other favorite thing. Then, have each person introduce their partner to the group.
• M&M Icebreaker: Give each participant a few M&Ms and ask them to share one thing about themselves for each candy they take, such as a hobby, interest, family detail, or what brought them to Bible study.
• What Do We Have in Common?: Have participants talk in small groups and find one thing everyone at the table has in common. Then, invite each group to share what they discovered.
• Bible Character: Ask, “If you could have dinner with any person from the Bible, who would you choose and what would you ask them?” This can also be a fun way to introduce a new Bible study.