Be patient. Don't expect to explain everything at once. Repeat and review definitions and explanations often, perhaps using different images or approaches each time.

When preparing the study, look for 1 or 2 main points which you want to get across. Also, look for applications for Christians, should your group have mostly Christians.

Be creative in your approach. Role-play, have people write down their reactions to a certain word or divide the group into pairs.

Always have an introduction which catches the interest of the group. It is best if the introduction is a question which everyone can answer. If you elicit everyone's opinion on an initial question, shy persons will be more likely to speak again, having spoken once. The question or introductory statement should have a direct connection to the main point of the study.

Watch the eyes of group members for lack of understanding, desire to speak, etc. Arrangement in a circle where everyone can see everyone else is helpful.

Use the Good News Bible, New International Readers Version or New Living Translation. Have a good reader read the entire passage aloud and then allow time for a second, silent reading. Identify difficult words and define them.

Review past studies and give necessary background at the beginning. Talk with co-leader if you were absent.

Don't hesitate to include sharing about your Christian life or to ask another Christian in the group to do.

Begin praying and preparing early. Anticipate hard questions which may arise and seek help if you need to. However, if you can't answer a question, see if someone else can or admit ignorance and promise to research it for next week.

Handle tangents by recording them on a flip chart and discussing them after the meeting or in a future study.

Conclude with one or two thought-provoking questions.