Early Morning Bible Study: Building Relationships at 5 AM

Sometimes God's timing isn't quite what we expect. When I first started at Warren High School, I spent months asking people if they wanted to sit down and walk through the Bible together. For six months straight, the answer was always "no." I started wondering if I was doing something wrong. But God had a plan—He always does. 

It started with the athletic trainers. One day in November, I simply asked if they'd be interested in doing a Bible study. At first, there was no response, and I thought it would be another "no" to add to my collection. But God works in His own time, and before I knew it, we were meeting every Tuesday morning during football season—at 5 AM. 

Yes, you read that right. 5 AM. When most people are still deep in sleep, we were gathering at Warren High School to dive into God's word together. Some might think we were crazy, but there's something special about starting your day in fellowship and scripture before the sun rises. 

I remember being nervous about where to start. You never know where people are in their faith journey, and I wanted to meet them where they were. That's where FCA THE CORE (8 Essentials to Strengthening Your Faith) resource came in handy. It provided a step-by-step approach that helped us establish a foundation together. 

What happened next humbled me completely. As we worked through THE CORE, I found myself thinking, "Wow, they probably know more than I do!" But that's the beauty of studying God's word together—it's not about who knows more or less. It's about growing together, learning from each other, and seeing how God speaks to each person differently. 

After football season ended, we moved our meetings to 7 AM—a small mercy from the Lord, I suppose! But what strikes me most isn't the early hour or even the content of our studies. It's the commitment these trainers showed to growing in their faith. Week after week, they showed up, ready to dig into scripture and share their hearts. 

Our approach was simple but powerful. We would read a chapter together, then ask two fundamental questions: 

- How is God speaking to you through this passage? 

- How can you apply this to your life? 

These questions opened up conversations that went far beyond biblical knowledge. We shared struggles, celebrated victories, and supported each other through life's challenges. What started as a Bible study became a brotherhood, a community bound together by more than just early morning meetings. 

Looking back, I see God's wisdom in all those initial "nos" I received. He was preparing me for the right moment, the right people, and even the right time—even if that time happened to be before sunrise. Those early morning sessions taught me several valuable lessons about discipleship: 

1. Don't give up when people say no. God's timing rarely matches our schedule. 

2. Start where people are, not where you think they should be. 

3. Be willing to meet at unconventional times if that's what works. 

4. Create a safe space where people can be honest about their questions and doubts. 

5. Remember that leading a Bible study isn't about having all the answers—it's about walking alongside others in their faith journey. 

The commitment these trainers showed changed me. Every time I walked into that early morning study, I was reminded that ministry isn't about convenience—it's about commitment. These young people weren't just showing up for a Bible study; they were prioritizing their spiritual growth in a way that cost them something: sleep, comfort, leisure time. 

Now, whenever someone asks me about starting a Bible study, I tell them this story. Not because 5 AM is the magic hour for spiritual growth, but because it shows what can happen when we're willing to be inconvenienced for the sake of discipleship. Sometimes the most meaningful connections happen at the most inconvenient times. 

To anyone thinking about starting a Bible study or joining one: don't let the timing scare you away. Whether it's 5 AM, during lunch break, or late at night, what matters is the commitment to growing together in faith. God can work with any schedule—He proved that to me at Warren High School. 

And to those athletic trainers who said yes to 5 AM Bible study: thank you. You taught me as much about faith, commitment, and community as I hope I taught you about scripture. You showed me that when people are hungry for God's word, no hour is too early and no sacrifice is too great. 

Remember, ministry isn't about finding the perfect time—it's about making time for what matters most. Sometimes that means watching the sunrise together over an open Bible. And you know what? Those tend to be some of the most beautiful moments of all.