How to Study the Bible: A Simple Method That Works
Hey there, friend. I want to ask you something honest and vulnerable:
Do you actually know how to study the Bible? (For real?)
Have you ever sat in church, a Bible study, or even just at your kitchen table with a cup of coffee and a cracked-open Bible and thought, “I really wish I knew how to dig in and actually study this for myself?”
If you’re nodding (or, honestly, cringing just a little), you’re not alone. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve heard we should “read, memorize, and meditate” on the Word—only to realize so few of us have ever been taught practical, step-by-step skills for understanding Scripture on our own, let alone equipping our kids to do it.
We’re handed a book filled with hope and life—and sometimes it feels like trying to navigate with a map in another language (probably because it comes from another language… ahem). No one ever taught us to “read the map.”
Isn’t it time we broke that cycle and gave ourselves and our kids a real on-ramp into God’s Word?
That’s exactly what this week’s conversation on Christian Parent/Crazy World is all about.
🎙️ Meet My Guest: Angie Baughman
I am thrilled to introduce you to Angie Baughman, a Bible teacher, ministry leader, and founder of Steady On Ministries. If you’ve ever wished you had a mentor gently showing you the basics—Angie is the next best thing.
👩🏫 Angie has spent nearly her entire adult life in ministry, parenting two kids, and pouring her passion into helping Christians (of all ages!) get in and stay in the Bible for themselves—not just as a duty, but as a joy and lifeline.
From in-person events to podcasting to her Step-by-Step Bible Study Method, Angie’s life is proof that deep spiritual nourishment really can start with just one “baby step.” Her approach is simple, practical, and powerful—and it’s designed for busy moms, dads, and yes, even brand-new believers who feel intimidated by “serious” Bible study.
🌟 Real Talk: Why We Feel So Insecure About Bible Study
Can we just admit it? Most of us carry a little (or a lot!) of insecurity when it comes to studying the Bible. Angie and I went deep on this, talking about how easy it is to feel out of our league—especially if we didn’t have mentors showing us how, or if we fear looking foolish compared to the “pros” quoting Romans 8:28 by heart without blinking.
So many of us have been Tracy (who I talk about in this episode)—she’s the person in the Bible study class who wants to share, stumbles over her words, and ends up sitting in silence wishing someone would slow down and help.
But here’s the beautiful truth: God speaks to the “Tracys” just as deeply as He speaks to the “theologians.” And we ALL have something valuable to offer.
🪜 Five Simple Steps: The Step-by-Step Bible Study Method
Angie’s method isn’t intimidating or academic—it’s relational, personal, and repeatable for you and your kids. Here are the key takeaways:
🔑 Episode Highlights
- You DON’T need to be a Bible “expert.” Angie breaks Bible study into five approachable steps anyone can follow—whether you’re six, eighty-six, or somewhere in between.
- Focus on ONE word. Start by choosing a single verse, then zoom in on one word to unpack its meaning, synonyms, antonyms, and depth.
- Compare translations and original meanings. A different Bible version or a peek at the Hebrew or Greek can unlock a whole new layer. (Did you know “radiant” in Psalm 34:5 literally means “to sparkle”—like sun on moving water? How cool is that!)
- Ask: What’s the enemy’s lie here? Identify the fear, shame, or half-truths the enemy uses to keep you from God’s promises—and answer them with Scripture.
- Internalize the “so what?” End every study with a personal takeaway you can carry into your day, letting that bit of truth feed you again and again.
(If any of this seems a little much, don’t worry… we break down how to walk through these steps in this episode and even walk you through it with on of my favorite Bible verses.)
🎧 Call to Action: Dig in—One Step at a Time
Ready to stop feeling intimidated by the Bible—and start owning your time in the Word?
➡️ Listen to the episode for a full walk-through, and then head to Angie’s website (livesteadyon.com) to grab her FREE Step-by-Step Starter Kit and Family Kit. You’ll find videos, printable guides, and everything you need to launch this with your kids.
🔗 Or find CP/CW on Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Apple Podcasts
or wherever you get your podcasts.
This method is about your conversations with God. Make it a habit. Make it a family rhythm. Watch what happens when everyone in your home starts digging deep in the Word.
💬 A Quote to Savor
“Pastors and Bible teachers can tell us what the Holy Spirit said to them when they studied. But they cannot tell us what the Holy Spirit says to us when we study.”
~Angie Baughman
💛 An Encouragement for YOU, Parent-to-Parent
Friend—if you’ve ever felt too insecure or “behind” to lead your kids spiritually, hear this: You don’t need to have all the answers. The willingness to take just one step into God’s Word (fears, insecurities, and all) is powerful. It’s enough.
Let’s build a new legacy for our kids—one where they see us wrestling boldly with Scripture, learning alongside them, and uncovering how much God wants to meet us right where we are. You are the parent your kids need. Your perspective, your questions, your hunger to know the Word is a gift your family desperately needs.
Don’t let insecurity or intimidation stop you (or your kids) from tasting how good the Lord is—one step at a time.
Episode Links
- Steady On Ministries & Free Bible Study Starter Kit: livesteadyon.com
- Angie Baughman’s Step by Step Family Kit & more: Steady On Ministries (see “Free Resources” tab)
- Catherine’s Parenting Resources: https://catherinesegars.com/resources
Call to Action
Christian parents, what’s keeping you from digging into God’s Word alongside your kids? What might change—for you and your children—if you stepped onto the “on ramp” and discovered the richness of Scripture one word at a time?
Share your story or your next step with us using #ChristianParentCrazyWorld, and consider inviting your children to join you in the adventure of discovering God’s Word—step by step.
