Discovery Bible Study is for anyone interested in knowing more about God through reading the Bible. It's a simple, question-driven format used globally to help millions believe in Jesus Christ.1 It builds community, sparks discovery, and generates multiplication. The key is asking all the questions. If time is a factor, use the shortened version (see below).
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 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" commitments you made at the last meeting? 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 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" commitments you made at the last meeting? 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, from memory, 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
Obedience-based disciple-making and sharing Bible stories are fundamental to disciple-making movements (DMM). 1 John 2:5. Your responses can be inspired by the story or a prompting from God. Make sure your they are specific, simple, and achievable within the next 24-48 hours. Share your "I will" statements aloud and be ready to discuss how it went at the next meeting.
Question #7: How Will You Respond?
What does a step in the direction of godliness look like for you? For instance, "I will obey God by setting aside time each day to read His Word and pray, seeking His guidance in all my decisions."
- I will obey God by ______________.
Question #8: Who Will You Tell?
Who would be encouraged to hear this story from you? Or who is ready to be invited to a Discovery Group with you? Or who is already facilitating a Discovery Group and needs to be coached by you? (See Coach for helpful info.) For instance, "I will share this story with my friend, John, as he has been struggling with finding direction in his faith journey." "I will invite Sarah and Mark to start a Discovery Group with me, as they have expressed a desire to grow deeper in their relationship with God." "I will coach Lisa as she facilitates her Discovery Group, providing her with support and encouragement to lead effectively." [Choose one]
- I will share this story with ____________.
- I will invite __________ and _________ to a Discovery Group.
- I will coach _____________ as he/she facilitate a Discovery Group.
Sample Short DBS
- Briefly describe what you are thankful for and what is stressful or challenging.
- Briefly share how can we respond to one another.
- Briefly describe how your last "I will" statements went.
Read, repeat and review a Bible passage. - Briefly state what this passage teaches you about God and man.
- Briefly declare what are you going to do and who are you going to tell.
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 DBS Story Sets
- View Facilitator Notes
- View Discovery Group Tips
- See DMM Resources
- 24:14 Dashboard, Slide 6. Accessed September 9, 2023 https://2414now.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/dashboard-template-english.pdf