I cannot tell a lie. After Bible Study Fellowship is over or on break, I feel a bit lost about what to study. While my quiet time is still intact, my regular routine of meeting with other women to talk about God goes away, and I have no idea what to study.
What’s a grace girl to do?
I’ve done Bible studies, either in my own home, the homes of others or at church. Here are 14 studies wholeheartedly recommended by me or fellow sisters in Christ, in no particular order.
Full Disclosure: I’m an Amazon Affiliate, which means I earn a bit of commission on each sale. But don’t worry there’s no added cost to you!
1. Daughters of Grace by The Daily Grace Co.
What it’s about: “Women have a significant role to play in the Bible. From Eve to Esther to Mary and Martha, each woman is used by God for His purposes and their lives are recorded in His Word. These stories of women are woven throughout Scripture to point to the faithfulness of our God.” (From The Daily Grace Co.)
Why my friend Angi loved it: “This is a perfect study to do for those who don’t have a whole lot of time for homework but still have the desire to dig into stories of women from the beginning to end of scripture. This highlights women…some familiar, some more obscure, and reveals God’s great purpose and great grace for each of them. Each day offers a one-page devotional, scripture references to where this woman appears in God’s Story, and then three daily questions to reveal God’s character, this woman’s purpose, and application to your own life. This study provides great discussion opportunities and can foster opportunities for various women in your group to lead. Great for all ages!”
Who it’s a fit for: Women low on time
Video component: No
Chapter book with discussion questions OR workbook style? One-page devotionals for 28 different women with three questions per day.
Topical or based on a book of the Bible? Topical
2. The Gospel on the Ground by Kristi McLelland
What it’s about: “Come along with biblical culturalist Kristi McLelland as she unpacks the life of the early church in the book of Acts and shows us that the kingdom of God is always on the move, always looking outward to bring meaning and joy to a world searching for true fulfillment and hope. Explore the call of Jesus to His disciples then and to us today. See how God’s Word can sustain us even in the most difficult of times and embrace the transformative grace we experience as children of God in His kingdom of celebration.” (From Lifeway)
Why my friend Angi loved it: “This study on the early church through the book of Acts changed me, probably more than any other study I have done in years. Kristi McLelland is a phenomenal teacher who provides contextual and historical details that help you really understand what the first church was experiencing…and despite that, their incredible grit and determination to make Jesus known. It helped me evaluate my actions, my ministry, and whether I was willing to live a life of surrender like those first believers did. Each week my eyes were opened to something new in scripture that made me pause for self-reflection. This study reminded me that our faith was never intended to be passive. It challenged me to act, to live with more urgency, and to evaluate who and what I view as my mission field today. Every week I felt more and more envious of that early church!”
Who it’s a fit for: Anyone who loves to dive deep
Video component: Yes
Chapter book with discussion questions OR workbook style? Workbook style
Topical or based on a book of the Bible? Books of the Bible
3. Renew by Valerie Griffin
What it’s about: “In this devotional, Valerie Griffin guides you though a six-week remodeling project from weary to refreshed using the acronym RENEW. With twenty years in the interior design business, Valerie knows a few things about room renovations. Applying this analogy to the heart, each week focuses on an aspect of renewal — with personal stories, scripture passages, and reflection questions.”
Why Valerie wrote this study: “I wrote this devotional study because I craved daily spiritual renewal in the midst of my daily duties, demands, and decisions. I started praying through the acronym RENEW on my morning walks, then the idea grew to share it with other women as a 6-week devotional. In this heart guide, you’ll discover God as the Designer of your heart, how to sort through soul clutter, why your heart needs a focal point, how God furnishes your heart, and the importance of heart hospitality.”
Who it’s a fit for: Any woman
Video component: No
Chapter book with discussion questions OR workbook style? Weekly theme with daily readings and application questions
Topical or based on a book of the Bible? Topical
Learn more about Valerie here.
4. None Like Him
by Jen Wilkin
by Jen WilkinWhat it’s about: Jen (’cause we’re tight that way) skillfully reminds us that God is God and we are not in 10 key areas. The study breaks down one attribute each chapter with Jen expanding on each quality and asking thought-provoking questions at the end.
Why I loved it: I just love Jen’s straight-forward style, the woman does not beat around the bush. The chapters are easy to read and I felt as I underlined every other sentence.
Who it’s a fit for: Anyone
Video component? No
Chapter book with discussion questions OR workbook-style? Chapter book
Topical or based on book of the Bible? Topical
5. New Woman, New Clothes
by Cassia Glass
What it’s about: When my mom got me this book about the clothing we wear as Christians based on Colossians 3:12–14, I thought I’d take a hard pass. Hadn’t I learned about all this in youth group? However, Cassia takes a fresh look and digs deep about what it really looks like to be someone who clothes herself with compassion, kindness, etc.
Why I loved it: The chapters are short, but insightful and filled with great biblical insight. There are discussion questions at the end of each chapter, but you don’t have to pre-answer them.
Who it’s a fit for: Women who are low on time
Video component? No
Chapter book with discussion questions OR workbook-style? Chapter book
Topical or based on book of the Bible? All about Colossians 3:12–14
6. The Storm Inside
by Sheila Walsh
by Sheila WalshWhat it’s about: The premise of the study is to trade the chaos we feel for the truth of who we are. Sheila does this by tracing the stories of eight women in the Bible to track their journeys through shame, disappointment, fear, etc.
Why I loved it: This is a deep-work, recovery-type study that had me digging deep for what’s really going on in my heart.
Who it’s a fit for: A group of safe women who know each other well or desire to know each other well
Video component? Yes
Chapter book with discussion questions OR workbook-style? Workbook-style
Topical or based on book of the Bible? Topical
7. The Quest
by Beth Moore
by Beth MooreWhat it’s about: You might be shocked to know, but I’ve NEVER done a Beth Moore study before. Not one. But I’m loving this one because it teaches how we can increase our intimacy with God. Beth’s goal is that we’ll learn not just to read the Bible, but to read it so that we can have a deep and real relationship with God.
Why I loved it: I’m in the beginning of this one now, but I love her insightful perspective between the questions she asks. My favorite exercise thus far is when she tasked us to outline what we believe (about God, life, ourselves), and then to answer “Who told you that?”
Who it’s a fit for: Anyone
Video component? Yes
Chapter book with discussion questions OR workbook-style? Workbook-style
Topical or based on book of the Bible? Topical
8. 1 Peter
by Jen Wilkin
by Jen WilkinWhat it’s about: Peter lays out a lot doctrine, and Jen does an excellent job unpacking difficult concepts: submission anyone? This is an in-depth study that asks hard questions.
Why I loved it: Both 1 Peter and this study were very challenging to me, which I loved! Jen had us working on our own (she’s super not into spoon feeding people!) and then gives her insights in the video.
Who it’s a fit for: Anyone
Video component? Yes – which I strongly recommend!
Chapter book with discussion questions OR workbook-style? Workbook-style
Topical or based on book of the Bible? All about 1 Peter
9. Everyday Hope
by Katie Orr
by Katie OrrWhat it’s about: Katie uses the FOCUS method to lead her readers through a study on hope. The purpose of this method is not how quickly we can study a passage, but how thoroughly we can understand God’s words in just 15 minutes per day. FOCUS stands for Foundation, Observation, Clarification, Utilization, and Summation. Don’t worry, she guides you step-by-step.
Why I loved it: I loved that I could thoroughly study God’s word in just 15 minutes each morning, and I really appreciated her breaking down what hope actually is.
Who it’s a fit for: Anyone, but especially those low on time who still want a deep study
Video component? No
Chapter book with discussion questions OR workbook-style? Workbook-style
Topical or based on book of the Bible? Topical
10. Be Complete
by Warren Wiersbe
by Warren WiersbeWhat it’s about: Warren walks us verse-by-verse through the book of Colossians. He’s a world-reknown Bible teacher and is straight-forward and practical in his teaching.
Why I loved it: I love diving deep into books of the Bible and this one fits was an incredible help in understanding what Paul is saying to the church at Colossae. Warren gives a crash course in theology and doctrine with this book.
Who it’s a fit for: Anyone, but especially those who love diving deep
Video component? No
Chapter book with discussion questions OR workbook-style? Chapter book
Topical or based on book of the Bible? Based solely on Colossians
11. This Changes Everything
by Ben Stuart
by Ben StuartWhat it’s about: Ben takes our hand and guides us through the book of James. James wants to help us live out who we are as Christ-followers. While James is pretty direct, Ben lovingly unpacks the context and exhortations.
Why I loved it: Ben’s teaching style is my favorite: humor and personal stories added to God-centered teaching. He’s quick to explain and is a wonderful guide.
Who it’s a fit for: Anyone
Video component? No
Chapter book with discussion questions OR workbook-style? Workbook-style
Topical or based on book of the Bible? Based solely on James
12. The Hole in Our Holiness
by Kevin DeYoung
by Kevin DeYoungWhat it’s about: This book is all about holiness – why we don’t pursue and understand it, and how to be more like Jesus by living in His grace. If holiness has ever intrigued you, allow Kevin to be your guide in this pursuit.
Why I loved it: The book is short, to the point, and packed with truth I wanted to underline. Kevin is nothing but upfront and honest about holiness and how it’s a hard concept to embrace.
Who it’s a fit for: Anyone, but especially those low on time but who still want a deep study
Video component? No
Chapter book with discussion questions OR workbook-style? Chapter book with discussion questions at the end of the book.
Topical or based on book of the Bible? Topical
13. Be Committed
by Warren Wiersbe
by Warren WiersbeWhat it’s about: Warren is our guide on two of my favorite women in the Bible: Ruth and Esther. He has us asking ourselves if we could trust God as much as these Old Testament women did.
Why I loved it: I’m not sure if I could ever hear the story of Esther enough. These two women are intriguing and I really got to know as I walked through these two books.
Who it’s a fit for: Anyone, but especially those who love diving deep
Video component? No
Chapter book with discussion questions OR workbook-style? Chapter book
Topical or based on book of the Bible? Based on two books: Ruth and Esther
14. Flourishing Together by Dorina Lazo Gilmore
What it’s about: Dorina leads us through how God plants, prunes, rests, nourishes, and cultivates us, causing us to bloom. Dorina mixes in personal stories with God’s truth.
Who it’s a fit for: Anyone
Video component? No
Chapter book with discussion questions OR workbook-style? Workbook-style
Topical or based on book of the Bible? Topical
15. Christ is All by Sara Branstetter
What it’s about: Sara leads us through how the book of Colossians with thought-provoking questions, Bible-centered study of words and phrases that help us live out what God says in our right-now life.
Who it’s a fit for: Anyone
Video component? Yes
Chapter book with discussion questions OR workbook-style? Workbook-style
Topical or based on book of the Bible? Based on the book of Colossians
Pin it for later:
Love your suggestions. My oldest is in a middle school discipleship group and they have been working through None Like Him this month and are loving it!
Angi- I love that your oldest is reading that book. What a great way to keep pouring the foundation of who God is into younger hearts! You’re officially entered. We’ll draw one winner at random on Friday, May 25 at 9 p.m. CST. Thank you for entering! -jill
Great list. Thanks Jill!
Carrie, Thank you for reading! You’re officially entered. We’ll draw one winner at random on Friday, May 25 at 9 p.m. CST. Thank you for entering! -jill
Love this! I’m always looking for new studies – for myself and my group. We’ve just finished Jen Wilkin’s Sermon on the Mount and are doing her God of Creation this fall. I’m currently doing Mom Set Free, but I’m eyeing some of the ones you listed for next up!
Eileen, Ohmygoodness: now I want to study those too! You’re officially entered. We’ll draw one winner at random on Friday, May 25 at 9 p.m. CST. Thank you for entering! -jill
Thanks for sharing, Jill! I love these suggestions!!
Tamara, There are so many good studies out there! You’re officially entered. We’ll draw one winner at random on Friday, May 25 at 9 p.m. CST. Thank you for entering! -jill
Now I need 11 summers so I can do all the studies! Thanks for the recommendations, Jill. I was just asking myself the question “What should fill my summer quiet times?”
Julie- I know, right?!?! You’re officially entered. We’ll draw one winner at random on Friday, May 25 at 9 p.m. CST. Thank you for entering! -jill
I am a Bible study junkie! There are so many of these I want to dive into! Thanks for the reviews, friend!
Dorina, Thank YOU for writing of these! I can’t wait to dive in with friends this summer. You’re officially entered. We’ll draw one winner at random on Friday, May 25 at 9 p.m. CST. Thank you for entering! -jill
Just started Discerning the voice of God by Priscilla Shirer. Really good one!! And I’ve never read anything by Jen Wilkin but I hear she is fabulous!
Monica- OHMYGOODNESS! That Priscilla Shirer book is sooooooo good! You’ll love it! You’re officially entered. We’ll draw one winner at random on Friday, May 25 at 9 p.m. CST. Thank you for entering! -jill
Hi Jill. This list sounds awesome. It really is hard to decide which one to choose. Thank You for writing this list up for me. I would love to win one of these studies for this summer. So Thank You again for the chance to win. Shelia Morris
Sheila, Yes – there are so many good studies out there! You’re officially entered. We’ll draw one winner at random on Friday, May 25 at 9 p.m. CST. Thank you for entering! -jill
Thanks for putting such a great list of studies! I’ve been in two in-depth studies since the beginning of 2018……I’m ready for something from Beth Moore! The Quest is calling me………haven’t done one of her studies in several years so this is my choice.
Dee – I am loving the Beth Moore study! You’re officially entered. We’ll draw one winner at random on Friday, May 25 at 9 p.m. CST. Thank you for entering! -jill
Dee- you’re the winner! Congratulations. Check your email for more details. -jill
This is so helpful! I’m thinking about leading None Like Him this Fall. I host a faithful group of ladies weekly and it just looks perfect for us!
Chrystan – Ohmygoodness! You’ll love it. You’re officially entered. We’ll draw one winner at random on Friday, May 25 at 9 p.m. CST. Thank you for entering! -jill
Everyday Hope looks good to me. Love the combination of limited time commitment and greater knowledge of God’s Word for this season of life.
Megan- It’s an excellent book! You’d love it. You’re officially entered. We’ll draw one winner at random on Friday, May 25 at 9 p.m. CST. Thank you for entering! -jill
Oh, This Changes Everything looks really good. Thanks for sharing this list!
Beth- Yes! Yes! Yes! You’re officially entered. We’ll draw one winner at random on Friday, May 25 at 9 p.m. CST. Thank you for entering! -jill
Awesome list! I cannot wait to dive into one or two of these!
Jennifer- There are so many good ones to choose from! You’re officially entered. We’ll draw one winner at random on Friday, May 25 at 9 p.m. CST. Thank you for entering! -jill
I’m working through Just Give Me Jesus by Anne Graham Lotz. Loving it so far. It has chapters to read and study questions to go over. It was given to me by one of my best friend’s mom after she attended our women’s conference.
Amy- I’ll have to add that one to my list. You’re officially entered. We’ll draw one winner at random on Friday, May 25 at 9 p.m. CST. Thank you for entering! -jill
Summer is finally here! I am a teacher and now I will have the time to dig in to some studies I’ve been wanting to do! I’m working on Ann Voskamp’s 1000 Gifts right now.
Jessica- YAY for summer! I’ve not done that study, but I bet it’s just wonderful! -jill
I want to do all of them, but specifically those that have you digging deeper. I am working on starting up a small group and maybe one of these would be a great place to start. Thank you for sharing. It’s nice to hear from someone that has actually been through a study and your reviews are great!
Laurie- Those Warren Wiersbe books are incredible! So glad that you found the reviews helpful. Let me know what you pick! -jill
Great list, I always like reviews since I pick the studies for our group. If I were to win one, I’d like Christ is all.
Loretta, You’re entered to win the Bible study of your choice from this list. One winner will be selected and notified on Friday, May 31, 2019 by 9 p.m. CST. (And Christ is All is awesome!) -jill
Awesome list! Would love to learn more about Sheila Walsh’s study to fill the summer void. Thx Jill!
Mary Beth, You’re entered to win the Bible study of your choice from this list. One winner will be selected and notified on Friday, May 31, 2019 by 9 p.m. CST. And Walsh’s study is incredible! -jill
I would love to check them all out, but especially Christ Is All! I feel the same way when BSF ends and my weekly ladies time is gone for the summer!
Susan- It’s so hard to say “good-bye” for the summer for BSF, isn’t it?!?! You’re entered to win the Bible study of your choice from this list. One winner will be selected and notified on Friday, May 31, 2019 by 9 p.m. CST. Christ is All is just wonderful!!! -jill
I would like to do the study by Beth Moore, “The Quest.”
Lisa, The Quest is SO GOOD! You’re entered to win the Bible study of your choice from this list. One winner will be selected and notified on Friday, May 31, 2019 by 9 p.m. CST. -jill
I love Beth Moore’s teachings and would like to read/study The Quest. I’m going through Sheila Walsh’s The Storm Within right now to evaluate it for our ladies’ Bible study in the fall.
Vicki – I’d love to know what you think about The Storm Within. You’re entered to win the Bible study of your choice from this list. One winner will be selected and notified on Friday, May 31, 2019 by 9 p.m. CST. The Quest has shaped so much for me. -jill
I am starving for a good in-depth study on a book of the Bible. Thanks for the recommendations.
Mary – well, one of these studies will fit the bill! You’re entered to win the Bible study of your choice from this list. One winner will be selected and notified on Friday, May 31, 2019 by 9 p.m. CST. -jill
Wow! I love how you broke all of these down, it really helps to get a feel for how each book works. Thank you for making this list! All of these look really interesting! God is God, The Quest and The Storm Within look really interesting for the stage of faith I’m in right now.
Amanda, all three of those studies are wonderful! You’re entered to win the Bible study of your choice from this list. One winner will be selected and notified on Friday, May 31, 2019 by 9 p.m. CST. -jill
Now how can I get through all of these in just a summer! I truly love your descriptions; I desperately want to read each and every one (and I’m not a reader). And as BSF is on break for the summer, I’ve already drifted further than I like from my already loose discipline, I will definitely be purchasing at least one. Thank you for your insight!!!
Jennifer, if it makes you feel better, I did one of these per summer so there’s no rush to try to do all in 2019! 🙂 You’re entered to win the Bible study of your choice from this list. One winner will be selected and notified on Friday, May 31, 2019 by 9 p.m. CST. -jill
Jill, I am going to jump in and study Colossians with Christ Is All. It will be here Friday. Can’t wait! Thanks for the list and suggestions.
Kathy, that’s such a great study! You’re entered to win the Bible study of your choice from this list. One winner will be selected and notified on Friday, May 31, 2019 by 9 p.m. CST. -jill
I love your selections! I would delightfully surprised if I won The Quest by Beth Moore.
Thanks, Mari
Mari, ohhhhh! That one is excellent! You’re entered to win the Bible study of your choice from this list. One winner will be selected and notified on Friday, May 31, 2019 by 9 p.m. CST. -jill
This is a great list of studies! Thank you for putting it together for us.
Lori, may you find the right one for you this summer! You’re entered to win the Bible study of your choice from this list. One winner will be selected and notified on Friday, May 31, 2019 by 9 p.m. CST. -jill
Jill!! Such a great list, all books new to me but you know what stood out right now-Be Complete as it goes deeply into Colossians and that’s what we are diving in to. Love that you broke it all down, makes it easier to prioritize which one is like to do first as they all doing great! Blessings friend.
Tamrah, studying Colossians does wonders for the heart and soul! You’re entered to win the Bible study of your choice from this list. One winner will be selected and notified on Friday, May 31, 2019 by 9 p.m. CST. -jill
I love the reviews and information you gave of each book. There are several I’m adding to my “next” list. Thanks Jillian!!
Meli, oh yay! You’ll have to let me know which ones you’re adding! You’re entered to win the Bible study of your choice from this list. One winner will be selected and notified on Friday, May 31, 2019 by 9 p.m. CST. -jill
I’m always up for a good Beth Moore study. Sort of started The Quest online but never actually got into it, so I’d love that one! Or, The Storm Inside. Let’s face it: There’s a lot of chaos!
Mandy, those are both excellent choices and you couldn’t go wrong with either one. You’re entered to win the Bible study of your choice from this list. One winner will be selected and notified on Friday, May 31, 2019 by 9 p.m. CST. -jill
Thank you, Jill, for this awesome list. I really appreciate the time you took to research as well as your encouragement. So many good ones to choose from, it wasn’t easy narrowing it down! But I finally have decided on Everyday Hope by Katie Orr. Bless you, my sweet sister in Christ! 😍
Joni, oh yes! Everyday Hope is wonderful! You’re entered to win the Bible study of your choice from this list. One winner will be selected and notified on Friday, May 31, 2019 by 9 p.m. CST. -jill
It’s hard to make a choice of one! After much thought, I’d like “Christ Is All”……… I need a study to keep me focused on Him with everything thatis going on in my life at present.
Dee, God is so good to provide us the words we need in the season we need them! You’re entered to win the Bible study of your choice from this list. One winner will be selected and notified on Friday, May 31, 2019 by 9 p.m. CST. -jill
This Changes Everything is right up my alley! I’ve been wanting to do a study on James.
Thank you for this list, Jill! I will be adding a few to my summer reading!
Alisha, what a wonderful choice! You’re entered to win the Bible study of your choice from this list. One winner will be selected and notified on Friday, May 31, 2019 by 9 p.m. CST. -jill
Dee is the winner of the May 2019 give-away! YAY Dee!