Hear how I joined bible study as an introvert and tips I have for those that are in the same boat!
Did you laugh at the title of this post? Don’t worry, I even did when I wrote it. But spoiler alert, I’m a HUGE introvert and I wanted to join a women’s bible study. Another spoiler alert, I am now part of one and absolutely loving it. Therefore, I thought why not share a little about my experience. Plus a couple of tips that may help you out. That is, if you’re an introvert like me. Or if you’re wanting to join a women’s bible study and just not sure where to start.
The Backstory of an Introvert that Didn’t Want to Join Bible Study
Since getting married {almost a year and a half ago} Joshua and I have been attending a church by our house. We tested a few out before settling on our current one. If you’ve searched for a church before or are currently looking for one, I’m sure you feel this way, finding a church is like going on a bunch of first and second dates. You know pretty quickly if you want to “get together” again or if this is a one and done kind of thing. Once you do find one and commit longterm, you need to get comfortable. For some {just like in relationships} this can happen really fast, for others, it takes awhile. Let me just say, I look up to my husband is so many ways. One of the top ways, how comfortable he is with himself, his faith, and social groups.
I am not like him, while I can put on the face that I am a social person, I’m not! I LOVE being at home, I LOVE me time, and I often have to be encouraged to hang out with other people. Therefore, I’m a serious introvert. If you’re like me and have introvert tendencies, joining a group of tight knit women isn’t an easy task. It’s not something I took lightly and was honestly terrified of. Would they like me? Would I like them? Could I commit? Would I be embarrassed to answer questions? Would I enjoy it? How would they judge me? And the list went on. Are you saying these questions to yourself too? They might be pertaining to a different group or person or situation but I’m sure, we can relate.
So Joshua and I found our church and he was comfortable within weeks. He joined a men’s life group and was absolutely loving life. I was content as could be going to church and a couples bible study but one on my own, NO WAY! I couldn’t even imagine doing that plus I LOVED my nights home alone and me time while Joshua was at his. That probably sounds terrible but if you’re an introvert, you understand. But eventually, after a little encouragement from Joshua and endless {very sweet} invites from the wive’s + girlfriend’s in Joshua’s men’s group, I finally committed to going one night. Still terrified, I bought the book, read two chapters and attended my first bible study. Well, I survived and now surprisingly, I look forward this night of connection every week. I’ve learned so much about myself, my faith, and relationships from being a part of this women’s bible study and y’all, it’s only been a few weeks!
Tips for Joining a Bible Study When Your an Introvert
Find a church you love and relate to
This is number one the most important thing. If you find a church you love and relate to, there are bound to be people in that church that you will love and relate to. You might not agree on everything but you know you’ll agree on your faith. There’s a good chance you’ll share other commonalities too. Especially when it comes to women, we all love to indulge in delicious food and bible study night is the PERFECT night to do that.
Or find a great group of girls
If you aren’t a regular church attender {no judgement if that isn’t your thing} but you want to be in a bible study, find a group of women that share the same desire. Or simply ask some of your girl friends about bible study. They may already be a part of a group. You don’t have to go to the same church or even go to church to be in the same bible study. There are a couple of gals in our bible study that go to different churches.
Take your time, go at your own pace
As I mentioned above, this wasn’t something I jumped into. Heck, I didn’t even want it. So I definitely went at my own pace and waited until I felt ready or truly, waited till I felt a little pull to do so. Not all of us can be the Joshua’s in our lives that dive right in. Some of us need time and that’s okay. Just don’t use that as an excuse forever!
Don’t feel pressure to speak up
Just because you’re attending bible study doesn’t mean you have to speak up. It’s okay to sit back and soak things in for awhile. Wait till you feel more comfortable. The first two bible studies I attended, I only spoke up once when it came time to give feedback about the book and/or answer questions from the book. I wasn’t comfortable enough to really dive in and give answers. That was totally okay though, the gals still accepted me and I learned A LOT from listening to them. You can take a lot away from bible study just by listening. My knowledge and faith has grown leaps and bounds from listening to these women.
Wear your pajamas or sweats
Okay, I know this sounds like a silly one BUT I really think it helps. Since these nights use to be me nights, on the couch watching Scandal or Grey’s Anatomy, the fact that I can still wear my pajamas or sweats makes those nights not seem so different. Plus, if you’re all comfy and feeling totally you {let’s be honest, we’re all most ourselves in pajamas or our guy’s sweatshirts} you’re going to be more comfortable in the situation. Feel a little more at ease. So if you happen to join a bible study were pajamas and/or sweats aren’t a regular thing, suggest it! I’m 100% certain they will be more then happy to shed their work clothes and get comfy.
Yeah! Love this post and so happy to have you with us!! <3
Yay! Thank you for reading Michelle!! I am so happy to have y’all – you are the sweetest group. See you Thursday!
xo Laura Leigh
Great post! So glad you were able to go and found out how much you love it!
XOXO
Cathy
Thank you so much Cathy! Appreciate it gal!
xo Laura Leigh
These are such great tips. One of my new year resolutions is to be more mindful of my faith, and while i am an extrovert in real life, in my faith I am absolutely terrified to figure out my faith and express it. These tips are making me want to pull the trigger. I wish we were in the same city so we could do it together!!
xox
Emily
That is a GREAT resolution gal! I had a lot of the same feelings when I was diving into finding a new church and trying out bible study. I really hope you can find one you love gal! We could also read the same book and talk about it via FaceTime if you want to start that way.
xo Laura Leigh
I go to a weekly womens bible study and its one of the best choices I’ve made! I love “doing life” with these ladies and have developed a lot of rich friendships from it! So glad you are now experiencing that!
That is awesome to hear gal! Thank you so much 🙂
xo Laura Leigh
Such a great post! Love the part about wearing the sweats & obviously i am also a huge greys and scandal fan 🙂
xoxo
Sarah Lindner
http://www.thehouseofsequins.com
Thank you so much Sarah! Yes, wearing sweats is the best haha.
xo Laura Leigh
Very good tips. I’m also an introvert so it’s not easy to get me to join many things.
Totally understand how you feel gal!
xo Laura Leigh
What a neat post idea! you shared such great tips.
Thanks so much Anna!
xo Laura Leigh
I’m definitely trying to find my faith in 2018, so I really loved this post!!!
The Champagne Edit
Aw yay! Happy to hear you loved it and excited to hear about your journey.
xo Laura Leigh
ahh this is great! I love being at home and my own space but so good to hear others can relate to that!
Britt+Whit
Definitely understand that gal!
xo Laura Leigh
Thanks for sharing this post, I love your suggestion about wearing Pj’s, so fun!
xoxo,
Kellie
thebicoastalbeauty.com
Of course gal, thank you for taking the time to read! Yes, I love that our group does that.
xo Laura Leigh
This was honestly so helpful for me to read. I’ve been going to the same church for several years, but my fiancé just started attending. As someone who grew up in church, I find going to church itself pretty simple, but trying to get involved in a small group or Bible study? Less simple, that’s for sure. I originally wanted to be in a coed small group, but there are very few of them, which leaves a ladies’ group for me and a mens’ for B. So now I need to conquer that fear a bit. I’ll have to take your tips to heart!
Aw gal I am so happy to hear that! I hope you two are able to find the right groups for you both. It will do wonders for each of you and your relationship. Thank you for reading!
xo Laura Leigh
I used to be a part of a women’s group (ages 25-60) and it was one of my favorite nights of the week! There was such an understanding and family aspect around the group that I truly miss! I really need to find another one! Also, definitely buying this book!
-Morgan
How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com
That is so sweet! You definitely should gal. Nothing beats those kind of relationships. Yes! You will love it!
xo Laura Leigh
Love this! I’m a huge introvert and its so hard to take that step out of my comfort zone! Great post! thank you for sharing.
Thanks gal! So glad you enjoyed it and it’s always nice to have other introverts relate.
xo Laura Leigh
Such a great post! Thanks for sharing!
Aw thanks Sarah! Thank you for reading!
xo Laura Leigh
Awesome tips!
Thank you Madeline!
xo Laura Leigh
being comfortable at bible study is definitely important. I never thought about suggesting pajamas, but it’s a great idea!
Couldn’t agree more gal! You totally should.
xo Laura Leigh
Glad you pushed past your comfort zone and found a group you really liked!
xo, Kristina
Thanks gal! I am too! Wasn’t easy but definitely glad I did it.
xo Laura Leigh