Discovery Studies focus upon the principal truths of Scripture. They are not in-depth examinations of all the details of the Bible. They are driven by questions and therefore work best in groups where a conversation is natural. They generate dialogue that uncovers the core beliefs of Christianity. The studies do not begin with content. The participants develop the content of each study. This will become clear as you read about each of the two types of Discovery Studies.
Discovery Study 1 is an excellent entry-level Bible study. It is ideal for anyone just beginning to study or teach the Bible.
Discovery Study 1 works well with narrative passages; the sections of Scripture that tell a story or describe an event. Much of the Old Testament, and large sections of the New Testament fit this category; the Gospels, Acts and Revelation. The New Testament epistles are generally doctrinal in nature and can be more challenging for this type of study. They are, however, excellent for Discovery Study 2.
If you have not already done so, watch the Overview video below.
Discovery Study 1 works well with narrative passages; the sections of Scripture that tell a story or describe an event. Much of the Old Testament, and large sections of the New Testament fit this category; the Gospels, Acts and Revelation. The New Testament epistles are generally doctrinal in nature and can be more challenging for this type of study. They are, however, excellent for Discovery Study 2.
If you have not already done so, watch the Overview video below.
Step 1. Read a passage.
Ask a person in the group to read the passage* aloud while the others listen. Do this a few times. Because of Step 2, the key is to understand by listening rather than by reading. Learn with your ears rather than your eyes.
*Some passages are so rich in content and lengthy in nature, that it is easier to study them by paragraph. Do what works.
Ask a person in the group to read the passage* aloud while the others listen. Do this a few times. Because of Step 2, the key is to understand by listening rather than by reading. Learn with your ears rather than your eyes.
*Some passages are so rich in content and lengthy in nature, that it is easier to study them by paragraph. Do what works.
Step 2. Retell the passage.
Close your Bible and turn over your devices and recite the passage from memory. Ask someone to begin to retell the passage, and invite others to add on until the group is satisfied with the results.
Close your Bible and turn over your devices and recite the passage from memory. Ask someone to begin to retell the passage, and invite others to add on until the group is satisfied with the results.
A picture showing the spread of multiple generations of Discovery Bible Studies (DBS) in rural South Asia.
Step 3. Review the passage.
Answer the four questions below. Provide time for people to develop their answers. You may look at your Bible. It's a good idea to write down the answers.
Answer the four questions below. Provide time for people to develop their answers. You may look at your Bible. It's a good idea to write down the answers.
- What does the passage say about God?
Include God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit in your observations. - What does the passage say about man?
This includes mankind; humanity. Some passages have a lot to say about mankind or God, some not so much. Let it speak for itself. Don't force it to say what it doesn't say. - What is God saying to me?
Base your response on answers from #1 and #2.
The answers should be personal. They should use the words I and me, not we and us. If it helps, think of the question as, "What is God saying to me, about me?" - Who can I tell?
Is there someone you can teach the content of this material to or train to do this type of study? If so, reach out to that person. If no one comes to mind, pray for God to bring someone across your path, and be ready when He does! The application of this question is the key to multiplication.
Additional Resources
- View Discovery 1 Study sample
- Watch Discovery Study Overview (7:58)