The STORY Bible Study Method

The STORY Bible Study Method uses the acronym STORY for Speak, Text, Observe, Remember, and Your Turn. It shifts our focus off ourselves and onto God and His Story as we study His Word.

Why story? Have you struggled reading a textbook, but can’t put down that latest novel? That’s the power of story. Memorable stories stir emotions, create connections, and move us from spectator to participant.¹

The Bible is God’s true story in which we are participants! Both simple and unfathomably deep, perfectly woven narratives tell the good news of our redemption through Jesus Christ, with endless discoveries along a journey filled with joy.

Join me in exploring God’s story. Immerse yourself in His Word. Ask Him for insight to uncover His truths. Above all, pursue a personal connection with the God of the Word as you journey into the depths of His love, falling deeper in love with The Author of the greatest story ever told.

The Five Steps of STORY

01 • S • SPEAK

Before diving into God’s Word, pause for prayer. Speak with the Author of the Word to guide your heart into alignment with His. Focus on an intimate relationship through direct conversation with the Lord.

02 • T • TEXT

After spending time in prayer, jump into the text of your study passage. Begin by reading the passage through a few times, and from multiple translations. Read to gather facts. Focus only on what the text says, not what you think it might be teaching, or what you may want it to say. Simply take in the story as it is written.

03 • O • OBSERVE

After engaging with the text of the passage, begin to record the truths and gather insight. This section makes up the bulk of your study time. Begin by listing and summarizing the facts. Identify where the passage fits into the overall story of the Bible, considering any story elements within the passage. Next, record your insight into what the passage is saying and teaching. Finally research and compare your insight with those from commentaries and biblical resources.

04 • R • REMEMBER

Now that you‘ve identified what the passage is saying and teaching, it’s time to condense your observations into one main teaching truth, choosing a key verse from within your passage which supports that truth.

05 • Y • YOUR TURN

Now it is time to put your studies into practice by taking action on what you have identified and learned to apply it to your daily life.