Below are the guidelines for leading a Discovery Group. While some of these principles may seem counterintuitive, they are crucial for multiplication. Therefore, pay close attention to them. A Discovery Group (DG) consists of three or more individuals who meet weekly, utilizing Discovery Bible Study (DBS).
1. Realize the value of groups.
Groups of three or more, serve as a powerful catalyst for personal and collective growth, offering a level of vitality and engagement that is not found in one-on-one interactions. Group dynamics play a crucial role in the process of multiplication by enhancing retention of knowledge, accelerating learning, facilitating replication, and providing a safeguard against potential heresy and inadequate leadership. The group setting fosters an environment of mutual support, self-correction, and accountability among participants. Furthermore, within the context of the group, participants experience the transformative power of love and truth. They witness tangible demonstrations of God's love through the actions of fellow members and explore profound truths revealed in Scripture, leading to deeper spiritual insights and personal growth.*
2. Ask all the questions.
Ensuring that all questions are addressed during the discussion is vital, as it cultivates community, stimulates discovery, and ignites multiplication. Utilize your device as a helpful reminder tool, and encourage participants to do the same to stay on track. Commence the discussion by posing the first question, steering clear of initiating with prayer requests, which might confuse unbelievers and detract from the focus on the study of Scripture. This proactive approach sets the tone for the discussion, fostering engagement and deepening participants' involvement in exploring the truths found within Scripture.
3. Don't teach.
In the context of DBS, the facilitator plays a pivotal role in guiding discussions through questioning rather than direct teaching. It's customary for facilitators to underscore this approach to believers, emphasizing, "Remember, the goal is self-discovery." The self discovery method offers several advantages. Firstly, it promotes lasting learning as participants assimilate and internalize what they uncover for themselves more effectively than information presented by others. Secondly, it deepens reliance on the Holy Spirit as the ultimate instructor, a crucial but often overlooked aspect. (John 14:26) Lastly, it instills confidence in group members that they too can lead discussions, as the only requirement is a willingness to guide conversation, not an understanding of biblical knowledge. Multiplication will falter if reliance on others for teaching is the primary means of learning Scripture.**
4. Foster discussion with questions.
Assist hesitant participants by directing them to specific verses. For instance, you might ask, "What does verse three say about God?" Pose follow-up questions to enrich discussion among those eager for deeper dialogue. Utilize terms like "what," "why," "how," "when," "where," and "who" to generate these inquiries. This approach encourages participants to delve deeper, fostering meaningful discussion, personal reflection and active obedience.*** See Follow Up Questions.
5. Share the facilitator role.
Identify and actively involve individuals who show readiness to facilitate discussions, thereby demonstrating that anyone, regardless of their beliefs, can effectively guide conversation in a group. This inclusive approach instills confidence among participants and encourages a culture of multiplication. By showcasing that facilitation is attainable for everyone, the groups become more empowered and diverse.
6. Stay small to grow big.
Aim for an optimal group size of 4-6 people. If the group grows larger, multiply by forming new groups. Remember, anyone can facilitate a group, which is crucial for multiplication. Also, be sure to start and end your group on time. Scheduling mingle time after the study officially concludes fosters fellowship and deepens relationships among those who linger.
7. Start with the end in view.
It's essential to keep in mind the goal of multiplication. The primary purpose of Discovery Bible Study (DBS) is to initiate a Discovery Group (DG), which consists of three or more individuals meeting weekly using DBS. The ultimate aim of a Discovery Group is to catalyze multiplication by initiating additional Discovery Groups, which, in turn, start more Discovery Groups. Continuously fostering movement and multiple generations should remain at the forefront of our efforts.
Groups of three or more, serve as a powerful catalyst for personal and collective growth, offering a level of vitality and engagement that is not found in one-on-one interactions. Group dynamics play a crucial role in the process of multiplication by enhancing retention of knowledge, accelerating learning, facilitating replication, and providing a safeguard against potential heresy and inadequate leadership. The group setting fosters an environment of mutual support, self-correction, and accountability among participants. Furthermore, within the context of the group, participants experience the transformative power of love and truth. They witness tangible demonstrations of God's love through the actions of fellow members and explore profound truths revealed in Scripture, leading to deeper spiritual insights and personal growth.*
2. Ask all the questions.
Ensuring that all questions are addressed during the discussion is vital, as it cultivates community, stimulates discovery, and ignites multiplication. Utilize your device as a helpful reminder tool, and encourage participants to do the same to stay on track. Commence the discussion by posing the first question, steering clear of initiating with prayer requests, which might confuse unbelievers and detract from the focus on the study of Scripture. This proactive approach sets the tone for the discussion, fostering engagement and deepening participants' involvement in exploring the truths found within Scripture.
3. Don't teach.
In the context of DBS, the facilitator plays a pivotal role in guiding discussions through questioning rather than direct teaching. It's customary for facilitators to underscore this approach to believers, emphasizing, "Remember, the goal is self-discovery." The self discovery method offers several advantages. Firstly, it promotes lasting learning as participants assimilate and internalize what they uncover for themselves more effectively than information presented by others. Secondly, it deepens reliance on the Holy Spirit as the ultimate instructor, a crucial but often overlooked aspect. (John 14:26) Lastly, it instills confidence in group members that they too can lead discussions, as the only requirement is a willingness to guide conversation, not an understanding of biblical knowledge. Multiplication will falter if reliance on others for teaching is the primary means of learning Scripture.**
4. Foster discussion with questions.
Assist hesitant participants by directing them to specific verses. For instance, you might ask, "What does verse three say about God?" Pose follow-up questions to enrich discussion among those eager for deeper dialogue. Utilize terms like "what," "why," "how," "when," "where," and "who" to generate these inquiries. This approach encourages participants to delve deeper, fostering meaningful discussion, personal reflection and active obedience.*** See Follow Up Questions.
5. Share the facilitator role.
Identify and actively involve individuals who show readiness to facilitate discussions, thereby demonstrating that anyone, regardless of their beliefs, can effectively guide conversation in a group. This inclusive approach instills confidence among participants and encourages a culture of multiplication. By showcasing that facilitation is attainable for everyone, the groups become more empowered and diverse.
6. Stay small to grow big.
Aim for an optimal group size of 4-6 people. If the group grows larger, multiply by forming new groups. Remember, anyone can facilitate a group, which is crucial for multiplication. Also, be sure to start and end your group on time. Scheduling mingle time after the study officially concludes fosters fellowship and deepens relationships among those who linger.
7. Start with the end in view.
It's essential to keep in mind the goal of multiplication. The primary purpose of Discovery Bible Study (DBS) is to initiate a Discovery Group (DG), which consists of three or more individuals meeting weekly using DBS. The ultimate aim of a Discovery Group is to catalyze multiplication by initiating additional Discovery Groups, which, in turn, start more Discovery Groups. Continuously fostering movement and multiple generations should remain at the forefront of our efforts.
Resources
- See DMM Resources
* Paul Watson: "Small Groups that have the DNA of a Disciple Making Movement."
** David Watson, "What About Teaching in Disciple Making Movements?"
*** Poised for Growth: First Century Methods Fueled Early Church Movement.
** David Watson, "What About Teaching in Disciple Making Movements?"
*** Poised for Growth: First Century Methods Fueled Early Church Movement.