Discovery Bible Study is a simple, multi-question Bible study, 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.
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?
Gratitude: What good things have you experienced?
Question #2: What has been stressful for you since our last meeting?
Challenges: 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?
Caring for each other: In what ways can we show love and support to each other and those in our community? Do you or anyone you know have a need that this group can respond to together? This is often a time of brainstorming, sharing resources and praying. (Ministry/Serving Others)
Question #4: What was the result of your I will statement?
Accountability: What was the outcome of your "I will" commitment? Whom did you share your experiences with since our last meeting?
The fourth 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 before moving forward. 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?
Gratitude: What good things have you experienced?
Question #2: What has been stressful for you since our last meeting?
Challenges: 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?
Caring for each other: In what ways can we show love and support to each other and those in our community? Do you or anyone you know have a need that this group can respond to together? This is often a time of brainstorming, sharing resources and praying. (Ministry/Serving Others)
Question #4: What was the result of your I will statement?
Accountability: What was the outcome of your "I will" commitment? Whom did you share your experiences with since our last meeting?
The fourth 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 before moving forward. This emphasizes the importance of obedience-based disciple making. Most groups have to do this from time to time.
SPARKING DISCOVERY
Read the Passage:
Begin by reading the Scripture passage, and if possible, read it aloud a few times. Consider using different translations or 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 singular focus.
GENERATING MULTIPLICATION
Question #7: How will you respond?
What specific step can you take to obey God in the upcoming week? This could be tied to the passage we discussed or another prompting, you've received from God. It might involve continuing something you've recently started or beginning a new activity. Think about sharing the passage with someone, facilitating a Discovery Bible Study (DBS) with another person, or even launching a Discovery Group with a small group. Remember, obedience is an expression of love for God, as emphasized in John 14:15 and 1 John 2:5.
Before our next meeting, articulate your act of obedience aloud in an "I will..." statement. In the words of Roy Moran, make your statement specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound (SMART). Another way to phrase this is to ask yourself, “In the next 24 to 48 hours, what can I do in response to what God is saying to me?”2 Be prepared to share how things transpired 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)
- View Discovery Bible Study (DBS)
- View Facilitator Notes
- View Discovery Group Tips
- View DBS Story Sets
- See DMM Resources
1. 24:14 Dashboard, slide 6. Accessed September 9, 2023 https://2414now.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/dashboard-template-english.pdf
2. Roy Moran, Spent Matches: Igniting the Signal Fire for the Spiritually Dissatisfied (Nelson: Nashville, 2016) 136, Kindle
2. Roy Moran, Spent Matches: Igniting the Signal Fire for the Spiritually Dissatisfied (Nelson: Nashville, 2016) 136, Kindle