Discovery Bible Study is a simple, multi-question Bible study, used globally to help millions believe in Jesus Christ.* It builds community, sparks discovery and generates multiplication. The key is asking all the questions.
Two key resources include Facilitator Notes, guiding how to use DBS in a group, and DBS Story Sets, offering various Bible passages to explore. Additionally, there's a list of other helpful resources at the bottom of the page to make DBS even better.
Two key resources include Facilitator Notes, guiding how to use DBS in a group, and DBS Story Sets, offering various Bible passages to explore. Additionally, there's a list of other helpful resources at the bottom of the page to make DBS even better.
BUILDING COMMUNITY
Question #1: What are you thankful for since our last meeting?
What good things have you experienced?
Question #2: What has been stressful for you since our last meeting?
What has been difficult or hard for you or someone around you recently?
Question #3: How can we respond to what was just shared in our group?
In what ways can we show love and support to each other and those in our community? This can be a time of brainstorming, sharing resources and especially praying for one another.
Question #4: What was the result of your "I will" statement?
What was the story we discussed at our last meeting? What was the outcome of the "I will" commitment you made at that time? This question repeats from the second meeting onwards. It's crucial for everyone to follow through, and if the group collectively didn't, then revisit the previous passage. This emphasizes the importance of obedience-based disciple making. Most groups have to do this from time to time.
Question #1: What are you thankful for since our last meeting?
What good things have you experienced?
Question #2: What has been stressful for you since our last meeting?
What has been difficult or hard for you or someone around you recently?
Question #3: How can we respond to what was just shared in our group?
In what ways can we show love and support to each other and those in our community? This can be a time of brainstorming, sharing resources and especially praying for one another.
Question #4: What was the result of your "I will" statement?
What was the story we discussed at our last meeting? What was the outcome of the "I will" commitment you made at that time? This question repeats from the second meeting onwards. It's crucial for everyone to follow through, and if the group collectively didn't, then revisit the previous passage. This emphasizes the importance of obedience-based disciple making. Most groups have to do this from time to time.
SPARKING DISCOVERY
Read a Passage of Scripture:
Begin by reading the Scripture passage aloud a few times. Consider using different translations and the DBS Story Sets for content.
Retell the Passage:
Share the passage in your own words. Think of having experienced it first hand. The group can help ensure accuracy by pointing out any additions or omissions not present in the original text.
Review the Passage:
With everyone looking at the passage, facilitate a review using the following questions:
Question #5: What does this passage teach you about God?
Consider all persons of the Godhead – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Question #6: What does this passage teach you about people?
Allow the passage to speak for itself. Some passages may emphasize both God and people, while others may have a more singular focus.
GENERATING MULTIPLICATION
Question #7: How will you respond?
Our obedience serves as a demonstration of our love for God. John 14:15; 1 John 2:5 What specific act of obedience will you commit to in the upcoming week? This could be related to the passage we've just studied or another prompting from God. While Holy Spirit-enabled transformations are compelling, multiplication is furthered when we engage in the following activities: sharing the story we've just discussed with someone else, conducting a DBS with another person, or establishing a Discovery Group with a small gathering.
Before our next meeting, affirm your commitment to obedience by vocalizing an "I will..." statement. Reflect on what action you can undertake in the next 24-48 hours in response to God's prompting. Ensure that your statement adheres to the SMART criteria: specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound.** If possible, record your "I will" statement on your phone or another location where it will serve as a reminder. Be prepared to share your experiences at our next gathering.
Note: Choose the short version of DBS if your group faces time constraints. The short version combines questions 1&2 and 5&6 for quicker discussions. For instance, "Briefly state what you are thankful for, and what is causing you stress since our last meeting" and "Briefly state one thing this passage teaches us about God and people."
Resources
- Watch What is a DBS and What Makes It Different? (3:00)
- Watch Discovery Bible Study (8:16)
- Watch Discovery Bible Study Overview (7:58)
- Watch Helping Others Discover God (4:42)
- Watch Discovery Groups (11:03)
- Watch Vision (9:45)
- View Discovery Bible Study (DBS)
- View Facilitator Notes
- View Discovery Group Tips
- View DBS Story Sets
- See DMM Resources
* 24:14 Dashboard, slide 6. Accessed September 9, 2023 https://2414now.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/dashboard-template-english.pdf
** Roy Moran, Spent Matches: Igniting the Signal Fire for the Spiritually Dissatisfied (Nelson: Nashville, 2016) 136, Kindle
** Roy Moran, Spent Matches: Igniting the Signal Fire for the Spiritually Dissatisfied (Nelson: Nashville, 2016) 136, Kindle