I love putting together studies to share with friends. I’m part of a wonderful group of women who help plan the women’s ministry at our church, and my role as spiritual growth coordinator gives me the joy of nurturing our group’s spiritual life. At each monthly meeting, I bring a short reflection, an inspiring story, or a verse that encourages us in our work and our walk with God.
This year, I wanted to do something a little different, something that would keep us growing together throughout the year, not just month by month. I decided to design a yearlong study we could use as a team. Because the idea of cultivating character has been meaningful to me lately, I chose to focus on the fruit of the Spirit. And since I love connecting spiritual growth with good reading, I built the study around two books that complement each other beautifully.
Books used:
Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit by Christopher Wright
Fruits of the Spirit: Treasures from the Spiritual Classics by Evelyn Underhill
To help our group keep the theme close to heart, I made scripture cards for everyone. I printed the verses from Galatians 5:22–23a, cut them to business-card size, and mounted them on patterned paper:
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
I also created matching prayer cards using a prayer from one of the books:
Holy Spirit, I pray that this day you will fill me with yourself and cause your fruit to ripen in my life: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Amen.
We keep these small reminders in visible places (on mirrors, refrigerators, or inside a favorite book) so the words can shape our days in quiet ways.
How I structured the study
The series includes ten sessions: an introduction plus one for each fruit. Before each meeting, I email the group a few opening questions (adapted from Wright’s book) to get us thinking. Then I choose five discussion points drawn from our reading—insights that resonated with me or captured the heart of the chapter.
During our time together, we start with the questions, read the key scripture, and take turns sharing the five points. Everyone’s reflections add something new. We end by praying together, using the same prayer each time as a way of closing in unity.
We usually spend about fifteen minutes on the study during our meetings, but the conversation could easily stretch longer.
Example: “peace” session
Before this session, I asked everyone to reflect on the idea of peace and consider:
- What promotes peacefulness in you?
- What Bible stories illustrate the power of reconciliation and peacemaking?
An idea of what we discussed:
- Christ emphasized peace most clearly as he approached the cross: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you” (John 14:27).
- God calls us to live at peace with others and work for peace in our world.
- Peace doesn’t require perfect agreement, but acceptance and grace even in difference.
- Growing in peace means being intentional about resolving conflict, speaking gently, and staying free from gossip.
- Jesus offers an enduring shalom: wholeness and contentment in relationship with God, others, and creation.
Tips for leading your own group study
- Encourage each participant to have the books for personal reading.
- Send opening questions ahead of time so people can reflect.
- Create small handouts or cards to reinforce key themes.
- Repeat a simple opening or closing ritual to provide continuity.
- Include follow-up questions such as: What stood out to us? How might we live this out this week?
Final thoughts
I love planning a group study because they help faith grow in community. There’s something sacred about learning together, listening to one another’s insights, and seeing how the Spirit weaves everything into deeper connection.
If you’ve ever thought about leading a study, I encourage you to start small. Choose a theme that excites you, gather a few friends, and begin. The fruit will come in time.
What study might you develop next? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments.
Other Bible studies:
- a journey through Psalms and Proverbs
- Proverbs 31: shared flourishing
- wells of wisdom: exploring the metaphor of water in the Bible
- women in the Bible: lessons on faith and courage
You also might want to check out these posts:
- book review: Crossing the Brooklyn Briggs
- supporting friends through difficult times: the art of walking alongside
- a reflection on peace
- blueberry themed gift ideas
- book review: A Brilliant Night of Stars and Ice
- weekly cleaning schedule
- fair trade: compassionate commerce in action
- name brands versus store brands
- author recommendations in historical romance (sweet and clean)
Fondly,
Crysti
updated October 2025
