Lay-led Bible class

There is a place for lay-led Bible studies if the teachers of the Bible studies receive training and ongoing support from the pastor and other congregational leaders.  Without training and education for the leader, it is easy for the kind of Bible study you described to become simply a discussion on what everyone thinks the Bible says.

On the other hand, when a congregation authorizes, trains and supports lay members to lead Bible classes, there are more opportunities for congregational members to study God’s word in a group setting.  And that’s good, because Scripture instructs us to “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts” (Colossians 3:16).