Bible Study: Pursuing Peace in the Church and the World
This comprehensive Bible study explores the theme "Let the Peace of Christ Rule in Your Hearts" (Colossians 3:15), drawing inspiration from the Global Peace Index to create a Church Peace Index (CPI). Designed for the Community Reformed Church in Whiting, this 45-60 minute session guides participants through Scripture's teachings on peace, helps them evaluate their congregation's peace levels, and encourages practical application for becoming a more peaceful community.

by Mark Poyner

Opening Prayer
Gracious Lord, You are our peace. As we gather to study Your Word, help us to understand what it means to be a peaceful church in a broken world. Fill our hearts with Your Spirit so we may live as peacemakers. Amen.
This opening prayer sets the tone for the Bible study, acknowledging God as the source of peace and asking for guidance in understanding how to embody peace within the church community. The prayer recognizes the brokenness of the world while seeking divine wisdom on how to live as peacemakers in that context.
Beginning with prayer creates a spiritual foundation for the discussion to follow, inviting God's presence into the conversation about peace. It also helps participants transition from their daily activities into a mindset of learning and reflection, preparing their hearts to engage with Scripture and with one another on this important topic.
Part 1: The Global Peace Index
Discussion Prompt
What do you think makes a country peaceful?
Background
The Global Peace Index (GPI) measures peace in nations by looking at:
  • Safety and security
  • Internal and external conflict
  • Militarization
Follow-Up Question
If peace can be measured in the world, can we measure peace in the Church?
This section introduces participants to the concept of the Global Peace Index as a framework for understanding peace at a national level. By starting with this secular measurement tool, the study creates a bridge between worldly understandings of peace and biblical concepts. The discussion prompt encourages participants to think critically about what constitutes peace before introducing the formal metrics.
The follow-up question serves as a transition point, inviting participants to consider whether similar metrics could apply to church communities. This prepares them for the upcoming exploration of biblical peace concepts and the introduction of the Church Peace Index in later sections.
Part 2: Peace in Scripture
This section delves into the biblical foundation for peace, examining key passages that reveal God's vision for peaceful communities. Participants are invited to read aloud five central Scripture passages that address different aspects of peace:
  1. Colossians 3:12–15 – Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.
  1. Matthew 5:9 – Blessed are the peacemakers...
  1. Ephesians 4:1–6 – Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit.
  1. Galatians 5:22 – The fruit of the Spirit is... peace.
  1. James 3:18 – Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
Discussion Questions:
  • What kind of peace is God calling the Church to?
  • What does it mean to "let the peace of Christ rule"?
  • How do these verses challenge us in our church life today?
These questions prompt deeper reflection on the scriptural teachings, encouraging participants to consider the practical implications for their congregation. By examining multiple passages, the study presents a comprehensive view of biblical peace that encompasses internal spiritual peace, interpersonal harmony, and active peacemaking.
Part 3: Introducing the Church Peace Index (CPI)
Building on the Global Peace Index concept and biblical foundations, this section introduces a framework for evaluating peace within church communities. The Church Peace Index (CPI) provides a structured approach to assessing and nurturing peace in congregational settings.
Spiritual Vitality
Worship, prayer, Scripture, and sacraments
Relational Harmony
Conflict resolution, inclusion, respect
Community Witness
Service, hospitality, outreach
Peace Rating Scale:
Group Exercise:
Rate how our church is doing in each area (1–5 scale). Record responses anonymously if possible.
Reflection Questions:
  • Where do we feel the strongest peace?
  • Where is God calling us to grow in peace?
This interactive component encourages honest assessment of the congregation's peace levels, creating space for both celebration of strengths and recognition of growth areas.
Closing Application
After exploring biblical teachings on peace and evaluating the congregation's peace levels through the Church Peace Index, this section focuses on practical application. It challenges participants to move from understanding to action, considering how they can personally contribute to a more peaceful church community.
Personal Reflection
How can we personally contribute to a more peaceful church?
Collective Vision
What changes would we like to see over the next 6 months?
Concrete Commitment
Each person writes down one way they will contribute to peace this week—either through prayer, service, reconciliation, or encouragement.
This structured approach helps participants translate the study's insights into tangible actions. By progressing from individual reflection to collective visioning and finally to specific commitments, the exercise builds a bridge between learning and living.
The emphasis on written commitments creates accountability and increases the likelihood that participants will follow through on their intentions. The four suggested categories—prayer, service, reconciliation, and encouragement—offer a range of options that accommodate different spiritual gifts and comfort levels.
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus, You are our peace. Help us to walk in step with Your Spirit, build bridges where there is division, and sow peace where there is unrest. May our church be a reflection of Your kingdom peace. In Your name we pray. Amen.
The Bible study concludes with a prayer that reinforces the central themes explored throughout the session. This closing prayer acknowledges Jesus as the source of peace and asks for divine help in three key areas of peacemaking: walking in step with the Spirit, building bridges across divisions, and actively sowing peace in places of unrest.
The prayer's language echoes biblical concepts discussed earlier, particularly the idea of peace as both a gift from God and a calling for believers to embody. By praying that the church would "be a reflection of Your kingdom peace," it connects the local congregation's efforts to the broader vision of God's peaceful kingdom.
Ending with prayer creates a sense of spiritual closure while also launching participants into their week with a renewed commitment to peacemaking. It reminds them that their individual and collective efforts toward peace are ultimately dependent on God's grace and guidance.
Study Summary
This Bible study has taken participants on a journey from understanding peace metrics in the world (Global Peace Index) to exploring biblical teachings on peace and finally to applying these concepts through the Church Peace Index. Through Scripture reading, discussion, assessment, and commitment-making, the study provides a comprehensive approach to pursuing peace within the church community.
Next Steps
As participants leave this study, they carry with them not only a deeper understanding of biblical peace but also specific commitments to foster peace in their relationships and community. The Church Peace Index provides an ongoing framework for assessing and nurturing peace, potentially serving as a tool for future discussions and church planning.