What's a GIG? It is a Group Investigating God, also called an investigative Bible study. It is a way for people who want to know more about Jesus to ask their questions and learn more in a small setting. I-GIGs are these groups geared specifically for international seekers.
Why should you do an investigative Bible study with your international friend? What impact can it make on them - and on you? Watch this video to find out!
[1/3] You want to start a study with your international friend, but you don't really know how to go about doing it. This video gives you some practical tips on how to "make the ask" and what to expect.
[2/3] Once you actually start the study, there are a few things you want to consider. Should you serve food? What if they forget? What if they have questions you can't answer? Get answers to these and other questions.
[3/3] As you go through your study, you may find yourself running into unexpected difficulties. How do you know if they are ready to be a Christian? What if they don't seem to be engaged with the scripture?
Download Common Vocab questions as a quick guide to common words you may need to define for your friend during studies.
The Relationship Diagrams are a good way to explain the gospel to people from an honor/shame culture. This video walks you through how to share the Relationship diagrams.
Cultural Tips for Communication
People in the same culture tend to communicate in the same way. When we are familiar with one style of communication, we don't notice other styles until communication breaks down. When doing a Bible study across cultures, you likely will run into conflict with communication. Pay attention to where trouble spots are, and adjust accordingly. These four styles are common differences to be aware of.
Volume - try speaking louder or softer
Body Language - look at the person speaking to you, or stop looking so directly if the person seems uncomfortable
Space - stand closer or further
Pace - allow for silence and pauses in conversation for processing
Also be aware of dynamics when you're in a larger group. Are your friends more comfortable with people of their own gender? While multicultural groups can offer great advantages, it may be better to keep groups separate by country so that questions do not further confuse group members.
Answering Hard Questions
Sometimes, your friends will ask you questions you don't know the answer to. This is okay. Tell them that you don't know, rather than trying to make up an answer. Offer to look up answers, and invite them to look for answers as well. Discuss your findings together.
General Questions
These questions can be useful for any study you do.
What did you see?
Who were the characters?
What happened?
What surprised you?
How do you think ___ made ___ feel?
How would you have reacted?
What questions do you have after reading and thinking?
What is the significance of what people say in this passage?
What words would you use to describe God in this passage?
What might Jesus do if this kind of situation happened today?
How would you feel if you were an onlooker in this situation?
Who in the text understands what’s going on?
What are lessons we can learn from this?
What area of your life seems like this passage?
How can you be like some of the people in this situation?
What do you think Jesus expects to happen in response to his teaching? What are the different reactions? What do you think he expects your reaction to be?
Why do you think this happened?
Would this have been meant only for the people of the time period?
Studies
Good passages or studies to use in these discussions.
The word Bible comes from the Greek word biblia, which means “books.” The Bible contains sixty-six books, written by at least forty different authors over a period of at least 150
Welcome to this new International Groups Investigating God (I-GIG) Guide! Being part of an I-GIG group helps you get to know God by understanding what the Bible says about him.
