Both OTOBR and being a part of a CG are both means for Christian discipleship and relationship building. However, there are some differences in terms of their focus and functions. E.g.,: 

• CG focuses on community living and its meetings would typically take place in a larger group setting. Also, CGs typically engage in discussions about the applications of the Sunday’s sermon.

• On the other hand, OTOBR provides an intimate platform (with its limited group size) and is intended for in-depth Bible/book studies, sharing of lives, and more pointed applications of the word. 

• The CG is part of, but does not make up the church. We are called to love the church beyond those in our CGs.

• We would encourage reading the Bible as first priority because God’s Word is powerful in transforming His people. 

• Other books and resources are welcome. However, find a good one! Any other good Christian books must be built on the foundation of the Bible. Here are some recommendations of books and online resources.

• Our Training & Equipping (T&E) team has also developed some materials for 1-1 reading purposes.  Please visit the RHC webpage to download the resources.

• Part of the process of reading the Bible together is learning to read the Bible better! Do not feel like you have to be perfectly equipped or know a lot to read the Bible. Everyone begins at ground zero at some point. 

• We can trust the Spirit to guide us into truth and to keep us from serious error. 

• Our Training & Equipping (T&E) team has developed some guided material that may help you ease into facilitation.  Please visit the RHC webpage to download the resources.

• Read through the Bible passage at least once to prepare your heart for it.

• Pray for God to shed light on his Word for both of you, so that you may live for Him.

• If you are a pre-believer, read the passage with an open mind and note down all questions you may have. 

• It is really dependent on the availability of both parties. Just bear in mind that consistency helps to keep up the momentum. We recommend fortnightly to monthly.

• Yes! Feel free to merge social circles, e.g., connect those in your congregation who don’t know each other. 

• Bear in mind that the number of people in the group may affect the depth of sharing.

• Unless you and your reading partners are a married couple, we highly encourage you to read the Bible with someone of the same gender, as it creates a safe platform for deeper sharing.

• Anything between 1-1.5 hours. Try to allocate at least 45 minutes to study the word together. You can then use the remaining time to talk about the application of the Word to your lives, and your struggles. Be sure to allocate time for prayer at the end.

• We encourage you to discuss with your reading partner and adjust the frequency of meet-ups accordingly to make things work. Aim to start with the goal of ending well. We suggest meeting not more than 6 months.

• One-to-one Bible reading is one part of discipleship. It is a great avenue for intentional discipleship around the Word. 

• It also serves as a platform for trust and relationship building, so as to encourage deeper conversations and accountability in future.