Discovery Bible Study (DBS) is a great way to learn about the Bible. It works with non-believers and believers alike. It is ideal for anyone learning about the Bible or leading a Bible study for the first time. DBS consists of 2 steps. If the group is large, divide into smaller groups. Guide the discussion so the group has enough time for Step 2.
Step 1. Fellowship
- What is something you are thankful for this past week?
Have you experienced something good in your life? - What has stressed you out this week?
What is hard, difficult or challenging? - How can we respond to the needs just expressed in our group, and those in our community?
How can we demonstrate care for each other and the people around us? - How did your "I will..." statements go from our last meeting?
It helps to write down the "I will..." statements.
Step 2: Bible Study
Read a passage of Scripture.
Passages have italicized or bold print headings and are the basic units of thought in the Bible. Read the passage aloud a few times. Use different translations if possible. The next step is to retell the story, so encourage the group to think of a few key words or visualize the scenes in the passage, instead of trying to memorize it word for word.
Resource: DBS list of studies
Retell the passage.
Ask at least one person in the group to retell the passage in their own words without looking at it. Repeat the story by paraphrasing it as if you were telling it to someone who has never heard it. Keep it simple; as if you are telling it to a group of children. The rest of the group can help if the person leaves anything out or adds anything by mistake. If that happens, ask, "Where do you find that in this story?" Repeat if time allows.
Review the passage.
With everyone looking at the passage, review it by asking four questions.
- What does this story say about God?
Include all persons of the godhead: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. - What do we learn about people?
Let the passage speak for itself. Some passages are equally weighted about what they say about God and people, some not so much. - How will you apply a truth of this story in your life this week?
What specific action will you take? State your response using the phrase, "I will..." The key is to make sure your I will statement is practical and reasonable. I will statements that are doable, outlast those that are grand and unachievable; climb the mountain one step at a time. - Who can you tell this story to, or train to do a DBS?
Do you know others who would like to hear this story from you? Who can you show how to do a DBS?
Resources
- Read: DBS Leader notes
- View: DBS list of studies
- Explore: WAHA: A DBS App
- Watch: WAHA overview (1:23)
- Watch Discovery Bible Study (4:41)
- Watch Discovery Study Overview (7:58)
- View sample: John 4