Sharing the Bible – encountering the mystery of God together

How do I approach the Bible? What does it mean for my everyday life?
"Sharing the Bible" is a spiritual way to engage with biblical texts and incorporate a "word of life" into one's daily life. It's not about a literal or historically accurate understanding, but rather about reading with an open heart and allowing the divine mystery in the words to come alive.

The Bible as a mirror of life and experiences

The Bible tells of encounters with God, the longings, and the faith of its authors—conveyed in the language of their time. The stories often come from different sources, have been revised, or merged. This creates tensions or contradictions—for example, in the various accounts of the death of Judas Iscariot.
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Sharing the Bible as a spiritual meeting place

Sharing the Bible is a non-judgmental space where everyone is welcome – regardless of their religious background or theological background. We listen attentively to one another, speak in the first person, and allow space for personal thoughts and experiences. This respectful interaction opens our hearts to God and to our own and others' life paths.

Finding my life's word: spirituality that works in everyday life.

At the end of the Bible sharing, everyone takes home a personal “word of life” – a spiritual companion for the time until the next meeting and sometimes beyond.
The Word of Life is a thought, a phrase, a verse from the Bible that touches me. I take this word with me, recite it, move it within me, and allow it to resonate in my everyday life.
In this way, the Bible is not just read—it is lived. And the Bible's words become a living companion to my thoughts, actions, and faith.
It's important that this Bible sharing in community subsequently influences one's own daily life: I take this word with me, read it, recite it, and see what emerges from it. Thus, this Bible passage is a vibrant opportunity to live one's own spirituality.

Sharing the Bible concretely

The method of Bible sharing has long been practiced in Christian communities in Africa – often independently, as there are few local pastors. Here we present a slightly adapted form that is also suitable for home groups, small spiritual groups, and other contexts:

 The seven steps of Bible sharing

  1. Invite
    We realize: God is in our midst. Who would like to greet Christ with their own words?
  2. To read
    • The Bible text is read section by section and several times in turn.
    • One person reads the entire text aloud – preferably in a different translation.
  3. linger
    • We meditate on the text in about 5–10 minutes of silence.
    • Everyone names a word or sentence that touched them.
  4. Be silent
    For about 5 minutes we let God speak to us in silence.
  5. Split
    Personal thoughts on the text are shared in the first person—without discussion, without judgment. The others simply listen.
  6. Act
    Which words accompany me in my everyday life? What do I specifically take with me? (Here I choose one word or phrase that I will "ruminate" until the next meeting, incorporate into my everyday life, and let it accompany me.)
  7. Pray
    We pray together—in our own words, in intercession, or in thanksgiving. The conclusion can be the Lord's Prayer, a blessing, or a song.

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